Shibam, December 26, 2023, A team from the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) visited Shibam in Yemen as part of a collaborative effort with the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY). The purpose of the visit is to contribute to the preservation of the rich heritage of this ancient city. The team focused on reviewing documentation methods for traditional arts, architecture, decorations, and crafts. The collaborative efforts also include diverse heritage and cultural projects, such as skills development through training, the creation of a commemorative publication about the city, and the establishment of a library dedicated to history, heritage, and traditional arts. The team also visited the Al-Ahgaf Manuscripts Library to examine and study its requirements for preserving documents and manuscripts. Darah is a crucial partner of SDRPY, and the program aims to digitize, process, and restore Yemeni documents and manuscripts, contributing to the preservation of the country's history. Shibam, dating back to the 16th century AD, is known for being one of the oldest and most well-preserved examples of precise urban organization with vertical construction.
