Reviving Heritage

The historic Qasr Bin Kadsa, a centuries-old palace nestled in the Sarawat Mountains of the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia, will be thoughtfully restored and reimagined as a boutique heritage destination that celebrates the architectural and cultural traditions of the Kingdom’s southwest. As part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing initiative to preserve and revitalise heritage sites nationwide, the Qasr Bin Kadsa project exemplifies the balance between authentic preservation and modern adaptation.

The palace, known for its thick stone walls, intimate courtyards and traditional southern Arabian craftsmanship, is being transformed into a ‘heritage stay with a soul’, a retreat that immerses guests in the spirit of Saudi history while offering refined contemporary comfort.Designed by Elie Metni Architects, the restoration preserves Qasr Bin Kadsa’s defining architectural elements: a central courtyard, timber structures, ornamented pillars and stone staircases.

“Designing the Qasr Bin Kadsa project was an act of listening – to the stones, the landscape and the spirit of Al-Baha,” said Maarouf Dawalibi, Co-Founder and Partner at BYOOT, the heritage hospitality subsidiary of Panther Holdings that is behind the venture. “We wanted to preserve not only the architecture, but the emotion of the place. By breathing new life into its courtyards, the project bridges the past and the present, allowing visitors to experience the soul of Saudi heritage in a truly immersive way.”

The project emphasises the courtyard as the central gathering space while introducing 12 guest rooms, a hammam and spa, farm-to-table dining, and workshop spaces for local crafts. By preserving these elements, Qasr Bin Kadsa will serve as both a living museum of regional identity and an immersive cultural destination.

Located in Baljurashi province, a region renowned for its forests, waterfalls and ancient mountain villages, Qasr Bin Kadsa reflects the deep connection between people and landscape. The restoration is focused on sustainability through local materials, passive cooling and restored gardens with native vegetation. Qasr Bin Kadsa will serve not only as a destination for cultural tourism but as a living exhibition of Al-Baha’s traditions, from architectural forms to local crafts and social customs. The project embodies the Kingdom’s broader vision for heritage development: showcasing the diversity of Saudi identity while fostering economic and cultural vitality in regional communities.