Leading heritage experts gather in Saudi Arabia for inaugural AlUla World Archaeology Summit

Special Leading heritage experts gather in Saudi Arabia for inaugural AlUla World Archaeology Summit
A view shows the Maraya concert hall, the world’s largest mirrored building, in AlUla, a UNESCO World Heritage site in northwestern Saudi Arabia, on February 19, 2023. (AFP)
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Updated 21 September 2023
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Leading heritage experts gather in Saudi Arabia for inaugural AlUla World Archaeology Summit

Leading heritage experts gather in Saudi Arabia for inaugural AlUla World Archaeology Summit
  • Event meant to provide an environment of cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange
  • The Kingdom is also playing host to the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee

DHAHRAN: Saudi Arabia is home to a wealth of archeological treasures stretching from the Neolithic era to the early 20th century.

There is perhaps no better place in the region, therefore, to host a gathering of the world’s foremost minds in heritage and antiquity.

From Sept. 13 to 15, the Kingdom will stage the inaugural AlUla World Archaeology Summit in the eponymous ancient oasis city. Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla, the summit will take place in AlUla’s Maraya Concert Hall.

It comes as the Saudi government implements policies designed to make it easier for foreign and local archeologists to access and examine the cultural heritage sites abundant in the country’s northwest.

The summit will feature 60 speakers of various professional backgrounds and specialties — from cultural heritage and archeology to media and entrepreneurship — from all around the world.




Sky view of AlUla Oasis. (Royal Commission for AlUla)

Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani, the RCU’s executive director of archeology, conservation, and collections, told Arab News: “The AlUla World Archaeology Summit will foster an environment of cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange.

“Inspired by humanity’s shared past, we will focus on innovative solutions that can have a long-lasting impact on the world. We’re excited to host the inaugural summit in AlUla, where the world came to meet and where we will meet again.”

The RCU was founded by royal decree in 2017 and tasked with preserving and developing AlUla in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 social reform and economic diversification agenda.

Alsuhaibani said the AlUla event had been classified as a summit rather than a mere conference because of the breadth of expertise delegates would be bringing to the table.

“This is not a scientific conference where we discuss scientific problems related to the field of archeology.

“This is a summit that intends to enable all archeologists and those from other domains related to the field of archeology, like museums and anthropology — all the domains related to archeology — to come together and collaborate,” he added.

FASTFACTS

  • At least 60 professionals will arrive in the Kingdom to discuss developments in archeology.
  • The summit aims to enhance cooperation between archeologists from around the world.
  • Saudi Arabia has several heritage sites that were hitherto difficult for foreign experts to visit.

The summit will provide “a platform and stage” for discussing developments in the field — not just relating to Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, but to the wider world.

“This summit is also to enable the discussion of the challenges that we are facing in the world through archeology and other similar domains,” Alsuhaibani said.

One of the main topics due to be debated was identity and how archeology could shape or reshape perceptions of it. The main program for the invite-only event will focus on the four themes of identity, resilience, ruinscapes, and accessibility.

While the event will not be open to the public, the key themes and subjects covered will be made available along with video highlights shortly after its conclusion.

One important discussion planned for the summit will consider how archeology could be used to confront global issues.

It will also highlight how archaeological discoveries in Saudi Arabia could do more than just enhance understanding of local identity and history but also improve knowledge and appreciation of a shared common humanity.




AlJadidah Arts District in AlUla. (Royal Commission for AlUla)

AlUla is a fitting location to host such a discussion. Past and recent discoveries across the rich archaeological site in Saudi Arabia’s western Madinah province show it was a crossroads for various ancient cultures and a principal global trade route connecting the East and West.

In ancient times, AlUla was a market city and part of the incense trade route — an intricate network of roads for trading precious stones, silk, pearls, spices, and other luxury goods that connected the Mediterranean region with India through Egypt, the Levant, and, of course, modern-day Saudi Arabia.

In August, astronomy enthusiast Majed Al-Zahoufi explained the intimate link between the historical sites of AlUla and the cosmos. For millennia, there was a strong bond between early civilizations and the stars, vital for navigating long journeys, which continues to influence the region to the present day.

In addition to the abundance of physical evidence pointing to the existence of a vibrant ancient civilization in AlUla, stories shared by guides reveal how the vast desert region’s starry canopy played an instrumental role in guiding travelers and commercial caravans through the vast barren landscape.

All the evidence points to the region being an important trade route through the ages.




Al-Gharameel area in AlUla is a heaven for stargazing, where around 6,000 twinkling stars can be seen. (Supplied)

Discoveries made in AlUla and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia over recent decades have proven crucial to humanity’s common archeological understanding. Now AlUla will again play an important role in broadening understanding through the upcoming summit.

Robert Bewley, director of the Aerial Archaeology in Jordan and Oman projects, and a delegate at the upcoming event, told Arab News: “By having a summit, you are bringing together all the people who have worked over the last two or three decades and particularly the last five years.

“The reason it is important is that archeologists can only make their interpretation based on the evidence they’ve got. They always knew that there was a huge amount of archeological history in Saudi Arabia, but it was difficult to get access to it.

“For me, this summit is opening a door that has been closed for too long.”

Alsuhaiban noted how AlUla had rapidly become one of the largest hubs for archeological activities in the world, and pointed out that there were currently 14 field projects taking place in AlUla.




The Gharameel rock formations are composed of sedimentary layers shaped by ancient marine and riverine environments. (Supplied)

From October to December this year, more than 150 archeologists from around the globe are scheduled to carry out field work in the region.

On where to place the Arabian Peninsula in the history of the world, Bewley highlighted its “connectivity” as a crossroads of civilizations.

“If you turn the Mediterranean on its head and instead of looking north and south and seeing the Mediterranean as East and West, you can see that there has been a massive amount of trade and movement among peoples, from Africa to India and then up through the Arabian Peninsula,” he said.

Consequently, modern societies spread across Europe, Africa, and Asia are more connected by blood and by culture than they might otherwise believe or even realize — a point the AlUla summit hoped to convey.

“Ancient history and culture transcend our current national borders. That’s why this summit is so important because I am sure we will be able to have these conversations,” Bewley added.




AlUla Oasis landscape. (Royal Commission for AlUla)

The AlUla World Archaeology Summit will also reflect the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms, which seek to expand the Kingdom’s non-oil sectors and industries, including academic research, the sciences, conservation, and heritage tourism.

The summit will also overlap with Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, the first time the Kingdom has staged the event. It got underway in the capital Riyadh on Sept. 10 and will conclude on Sept. 25.

The twin events show the country is fast emerging as a prominent hub for high-level talks and cultural events in the region and beyond.

 


Saudi Arabia’s transformation akin to Japan’s rise: Ambassador Iwai

Saudi Arabia’s transformation akin to Japan’s rise: Ambassador Iwai
Updated 29 September 2023
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Saudi Arabia’s transformation akin to Japan’s rise: Ambassador Iwai

Saudi Arabia’s transformation akin to Japan’s rise: Ambassador Iwai
  • Similarities in developments in industry, culture, job creation, and the passion of the people

Saudi Arabia’s remarkable economic and social transformation now underway is much like the rise of Japan several decades ago, according to Tokyo’s envoy Fumio Iwai.

Japan’s ambassador made the comments in a lecture on Sept. 28 titled “Experience of Japan through Meiji Restoration” at Abdulrahman Al-Sudairy Cultural Center in Sakaka, Jouf province.

Iwai said there were considerable similarities between the two nations including the developments in industry, culture, job creation, and the passion of the people.

He also exchanged opinions with members of the audience during a question-and-answer session.

Prior to the lecture, Iwai met with Prince Faisal bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, the governor of Jouf.

He had earlier met with Jouf University’s president Dr. Mohammed bin Mufrij Al-Huwaiti, and visited the local chamber of commerce, as well as the Nawwaf Al-Rashed Heritage Museum.

In a post on X, Iwai said the visit was a “fun experience, but at the same time very difficult, especially in the question-and-answer session.”

“I once again realized the limitations of my listening and understanding skills in Arabic,” he added.

 


Saudi human rights chief meets UK minister

Saudi human rights chief meets UK minister
Updated 29 September 2023
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Saudi human rights chief meets UK minister

Saudi human rights chief meets UK minister

RIYADH: Hala Al-Tuwaijri, Saudi human rights commission president, met with Lord Tariq Ahmad, UK minister for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and the UN.

On a state visit to the UK, Al-Tuwaijri reviewed the Kingdom’s historic legislative reforms and developments in the field of human rights since the adoption of Saudi Vision 2030, stressing the keenness of the Saudi leadership to enhance and protect human rights, the HRC said.

The HRC president also visited the Slynn Foundation, discussing with officials there ways to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise in the field of human rights.


Saudi, Bahraini FMs chair coordination meeting in Manama

Saudi, Bahraini FMs chair coordination meeting in Manama
Updated 29 September 2023
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Saudi, Bahraini FMs chair coordination meeting in Manama

Saudi, Bahraini FMs chair coordination meeting in Manama

MANAMA: RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Bahraini counterpart Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani chaired the second meeting of the political coordination committee of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council on Thursday in Manama.
The two sides reviewed bilateral relations, and discussed ways to enhance them and boost cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Faisal and Al-Zayani also presided over the first meeting of the council’s preparatory committee, which evaluated the progress made in the work of the subcommittees, and the initiatives launched during the council’s second meeting in 2021.
They also reviewed new initiatives that will be introduced during the council’s third meeting, as well as draft agreements and memorandums of understanding that will be signed between the two sides.
The meetings are part of Prince Faisal’s visit to Manama, where he met with Bahrain’s King Hamad and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad.


UN tourism chief lauds Saudi Arabia’s starring role in sector on world stage

UN tourism chief lauds Saudi Arabia’s starring role in sector on world stage
Updated 28 September 2023
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UN tourism chief lauds Saudi Arabia’s starring role in sector on world stage

UN tourism chief lauds Saudi Arabia’s starring role in sector on world stage

RIYADH: Sustainability and tourism, the rapid growth of the sector in Saudi Arabia, and its importance in fostering cross-cultural dialogue around the world, were the subjects of a roundtable discussion on the last day of an international industry gathering in Riyadh.

Secretary-general of the UN World Tourism Organization, Zurab Pololikashvili, spoke at the private session held to mark World Tourism Day.

This year’s event was attended by more than 50 ministers from around 70 countries. “This is happening for the first time for us, and we are very happy,” Pololikashvili said.

Several initiatives, most of which concerned Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning role in the global tourism sector, were announced over the course of the conference.

High on the meeting’s agenda was the need to expand knowledge surrounding the industry’s sustainability, and Pololikashvili revealed that UNWTO officials were working closely with Riyadh to create a center to address the issue in the Kingdom.

“The center will be like a brain where all projects and all guidelines are generated and from where we can provide and support member states from the Kingdom.

“From the center we will foster educational programs and projects catered to better understanding of sustainability. From here we will support countries in how to foster sustainable development of tourism in their countries,” he added.

The UN agency’s official office for the Middle East has been based in Riyadh since 2021.

Pololikashvili said: “We want to create a very clear program for sustainable development.”

He noted that the project was due to be launched in September next year with a bachelor’s program and participants spending time studying in the Spanish capital Madrid, and the Swiss city of Lucerne.

“The program will provide knowledge of sustainability to the young generation who will then have a clear methodology in how to create steps toward sustainable development,” he added.

Pololikashvili highlighted the progress being made in the Kingdom in developing tourism.

During the roundtable, he said: “We need to work together to make Saudi Arabia even more accessible. The investments in infrastructure and the rules, they’re changing every day. It creates an opportunity to attract more and more events.

“Until a few years ago, the country was totally closed for international travel. Now you see people coming from Argentina, Chile, Japan, and from all over the world.

“Almost 20 African ministers are here. This has never happened, and nobody could have imagined it happening five years ago. The steps are in place. This is a long vision. It’s not only Vision 2030. Many more things will happen here.”

He pointed out that cross-cultural dialogue and cultural diplomacy were key aspects for tourism which helped nations develop and grow economically on the world stage.

“Tourism is the best way for people to get to know one another. For the next five or 10 years we will be working toward tourism as a means for connecting people and bringing the world together.

“It brings all of us together and this is part of our new branding strategy, and it is a reality. Tourism is not only words and nice pictures,” Pololikashvili added.

He said tourism used to involve little more than traveling to a hotel and then returning. “Now it connects many more industries and people, and it is the way to promote intercultural relationships.”

And he noted that it was such relationships that spurred constructive dialogue and helped promote world peace.

“The more we travel, the more we are educated, and the more we know about the culture and people of new destinations, and this is what the government is doing here in Saudi Arabia,” Pololikashvili added.


NEOM and MB92 Group launch yacht repair center

NEOM and MB92 Group launch yacht repair center
Updated 28 September 2023
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NEOM and MB92 Group launch yacht repair center

NEOM and MB92 Group launch yacht repair center
  • The partnership aligns with the imminent opening of Sindalah during 2024 and will be the first of several yacht repair centers in NEOM

NEOM, Saudi Arabia: NEOM and MB92 Group, a leading superyacht maintenance company, have inked a partnership to establish a 10,000-square-meter repair facility for yachts at NEOM’s luxury island and Sindalah, a yachting destination at Red Sea.

The partnership aligns with the imminent opening of Sindalah during 2024 and will be the first of several yacht repair centers in NEOM, responding to the anticipated growth of visiting and resident yachts, in the region in the coming years.

The new facility will provide yacht owners traveling to the Red Sea with access to MB92 Group’s experience in addressing the intricate repair demands of yachts and superyachts. 

It also mirrors NEOM’s vision of building a maritime destination in the region, with both partners committed to offering dependable, efficient, and sustainable solutions for maintenance or repair requirements. As such, the construction of the new center will prioritize sustainable development within its design, processes, and equipment.

Aayush Killa, NEOM Islands executive director, said: “Teaming up with MB92 Group reflects our commitment to becoming a distinctive yachting destination. This venture embodies our dedication to delivering world-class infrastructure and services to support yachts visiting the Red Sea.”