JEDDAH: A competition involving painting houses to highlight Saudi regional heritage has been launched in Asir. The Saudi Heritage Commission-backed Asir Colorful Houses contest is being run under the patronage of Asir Gov. Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz until Nov. 5. The initiative aims to put the spotlight on the region’s ancient arts relating to local architecture, decorations and colors. Seven houses in mountain villages in Al-Harajah governorate, located at an average altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level, have been chosen as the canvases for the project, and coloring activities will take place during the six-day competition from noon until before sunset. Yahya Al-Muslimi, an Asir resident, told Arab News: “Most of the houses in Asir narrow as the walls rise so that the shape of the building becomes like an incomplete pyramid. “They are built from mud or stone or both, and their shape has an advantage, as it gives the building a wide base that stabilizes it.” He noted that the exterior paintwork reflected the vibrant colors found inside Asir properties which are decorated using the Arabic art style of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri. In 2017, the distinctive art form was added to UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The history of the houses being painted will be narrated while the work takes place, and there will also be a heritage coloring space including visual, sensory, and interactive experiences. In addition, practical workshops for children will introduce them to the origin of colors and their components. As part of the Year of Saudi Coffee initiative, visitors will be able to sample some of the Kingdom’s coffee, while listening to traditional flute performances. The competition is among several commission schemes designed to raise awareness about, and help preserve, the country’s heritage.