The Intangible Heritage Association convened a workshop to address the challenges of preserving cultural heritage in the digital age, emphasizing the role of young people as future storytellers.

The event, titled "Asir … We Are the Living Heritage," took place at Al-Abo Sarrah Palaces near Abha, capital of Asir Province.The workshop aimed to gather insights from experts and enthusiasts on safeguarding intangible heritage across Saudi Arabia.

Othman Al-Seeni, chairman of the association, emphasized that the initiative seeks to document and preserve various cultural aspects, including customs, traditions, handicrafts, and performing arts, as integral parts of Saudi culture.Discussions at the workshop focused on several key issues, particularly how to engage youth in cultural matters through social media.

A significant concern was the spread of misinformation regarding folklore, customs, and traditional narratives online.

Attendees agreed that the preservation of heritage extends beyond mere documentation, requiring active engagement and practice from younger generations.Organizers also highlighted the importance of human oversight in digital heritage initiatives, cautioning against relying solely on automated processes.

They recommended implementing "cultural verification" protocols when utilizing AI tools to ensure the authenticity of digital records.The association has successfully completed the first phase of a comprehensive inventory project with the Heritage Commission, cataloging over 10,000 cultural elements across six regions in Saudi Arabia.

Plans are underway for the second phase of this significant heritage preservation effort.