RIYADH: Al-Ahsa’s secretariat is participating in the 13th annual conference of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), which began on Sunday in Fabriano, Italy. Representatives of 180 creative cities from 72 countries are attending the conference. The weeklong meeting will see participants share their practices and experiences, and discuss the role of creativity and culture in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Al-Ahsa’s secretariat will discuss its experience of heritage preservation in Al-Ahsa, which it has accomplished through a number of executive programs, social contributions and festivals — demonstrating the importance of culture and creativity in shaping cities of the future, and the role of arts and crafts in sustainable urban development. Al-Ahsa Mayor Adel Al-Mulhim said that the secretariat aims to further develop its role in involving artisans and craftsmen in festivals and other events, adding that Al-Ahsa’s creative scene is on a par with other creative cities around the world. Inscribed in 2018, Al-Ahsa became the fifth Saudi site on the World Heritage List following Madain Saleh, Al-Turaif district in Ad-Diriyah, Historic Jeddah, and Rock Art in the Hail region. SPA Riyadh