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RIYADH: In the heart of Al-Wajh’s historic old town, the rawasheen — ornately carved wooden balconies — are enduring symbols of ������Ƶ’s architectural heritage and climatic ingenuity.

These elegant, protruding structures once lined the homes of coastal residents, offering more than aesthetic beauty, according to a recent Saudi Press Agency report.

Adorned with intricate arabesque patterns and interlocking geometric designs, the rawasheen served a vital function: cooling homes in the sweltering summer heat.

Their design allows outside air to circulate freely while shielding interiors from direct sunlight, functioning as a natural ventilation system long before modern air conditioning.

During the height of the summer, they transformed into protective barriers that welcomed Red Sea breezes and offered shade and comfort to residents, the SPA report explained.

The old town of Al-Wajh, with its preserved port, ancient walls, castles, and historic buildings, remains a testament to the region’s building techniques and rich heritage.

Once known as the port of Hegra (Madaen Saleh), Al-Wajh’s strategic location on the northern Red Sea coast played a key role in shaping its cultural and architectural legacy.
 

RIYADH: ������Ƶ’s deputy foreign minister, Waleed Elkhereiji emphasized the Kingdom’s support for the global economy during a speech on Wednesday in Awaza, Turkmenistan, at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.

He stressed the important need to provide assistance for such countries so that they can more easily access global markets, and as a result enhance their security, stability and sustainable development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Elkhereiji also highlighted the importance of international collaborations and strategic partnerships in efforts to achieve global economic stability and sustainable development, particularly in landlocked developing countries, and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to finding lasting solutions to global economic challenges and obstacles to trade and development.

������Ƶ aims to help implement global plans for sustainable development through smart investments and projects in line with the goals of the nation’s own Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, he added, while also supporting cooperation between countries through its membership of international organizations.

Also on Wednesday, Elkhereiji held talks with Rashid Meredov, Turkmenistan’s deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, about cooperation, and regional and international developments.