Cultural Heritage as a Catalyst for Sustainable Urban Regeneration: The Case of Tarout Island, Saudi Arabia

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202504.1096.v1
• Publication Date: 2025-04-18T03:50:12Z
• Authors: Maryam Aldossary; Ali M. Alqahtany; Maher S. Alshammari
• Keywords: Urban Regeneration

Heritage-based urban regeneration is a crucial strategy for preserving cultural identity while fostering sustainable development. This study examines the case of Tarout Island, one Saudi Arabia’s oldest continuously inhabited sites, which faces challenges related to urbanization, infrastructure deterioration, and heritage conservation. As part Vision 2030, efforts must balance modernization with protection historical assets maintain island’s unique identity. Through review global, regional, local studies, this research identifies best practices in heritage-driven renewal, emphasizing adaptive reuse, tourism, community engagement, integration, environmental sustainability. The findings highlight importance comprehensive framework that not only safeguards sites but also fosters economic growth, continuity, participation. proposes strategic heritage-based integrating conservation policies, tourism models, participatory planning approaches. Key such as legal enforcement, funding constraints, risks over-commercialization are addressed. By adopting holistic approach, Island can serve model development Arabia, demonstrating how preservation coexist harmoniously.