Exploring the history of Saudi Arabia’s ancient Dumat Al-Jandal

Remains of the ancient city, Dumat Al-Jandal, which now lies in Al-Jouf, around 50km away from Sakaka can be seen here. Many empires in the past tried to capture it. (SPA)
Remains of the ancient city, Dumat Al-Jandal, which now lies in Al-Jouf, around 50km away from Sakaka can be seen here. Many empires in the past tried to capture it. (SPA)
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Updated 31 January 2025
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Exploring the history of Saudi Arabia’s ancient Dumat Al-Jandal

Exploring the history of Saudi Arabia’s ancient Dumat Al-Jandal
  • Dumat Al-Jandal was strong and rich because of trade, says Saudi archeologist

RIYADH: In the heart of Al-Jouf, around 50km away from Sakaka, is the city of Dumat Al-Jandal — or, to give it its ancient name, “Adumato.”

Civilizations and kingdoms have thrived here for thousands of years, leaving behind traces of their existence carved onto walls and corners.

“It was a rainy period with rivers and forests, then it turned into a savanna, then into a period of little rain, then the habitation moved to other nearby sites such as the site of Al-Jamal and the site of Al-Rajajil,” explained Hussain Al-Khalifah, a Saudi archaeologist with over 30 years’ experience.




Italian ambassador Carlo Baldocci, during his visit to archaeological sites at Dumat Aljandal in October 2024. (Supplied)

“After that, the Arabian Peninsula became a desert as we see it today. In ancient times, humans moved to sites with fertile soil and water resources. Therefore, Dumat Al-Jandal is one of the oldest cities inhabited around the second millennium BCE,” he said.

When the city was first established, people needed stability and safety. But that could not be achieved without peace, especially with their neighbors such as the kingdoms of Tayma, Iraq and the Levant.

FASTFACT

Among the kingdoms and empires that tried to control Dumat Al-Jandal were the Assyrians, who made numerous attempts to control and capture the lands.

A trade road was created to exchange goods and link regions, and Dumat Al-Jandal was one of the significant points on this for people coming from the south of the Arabian Peninsula.

“It was an important point at the beginning of the land trade,” Al-Khalifah told Arab News.




Marid Palace, one of the remarks of Dumat Aljandal and evidence of the rich history of the city. (SPA)

“Dumat Al-Jandal was strong and rich because of trade. The people were protectors of the trade that passed by the city and, therefore, they took some of the goods in exchange for protecting merchants.”

Among the kingdoms and empires that tried to control Dumat Al-Jandal were the Assyrians, who made numerous attempts to control and capture the lands.

However, another kingdom was rising at the same time — the Arabian Qedarites, which not only prevented the Assyrians from taking Dumat Al-Jandal but also expanded their territory until they reached Palestine, Al-Khalifah said.

The Assyrians captured Adumato eventually, though the exact date is unknown.

They were known to document information on clay tablets, some of which can still be seen today at Dumat Al-Jandal. They are among the primary sources that mention Arabs, providing a description of the people of the city and one of their queens, Talkhunu, among others.

They also mention a rebel named Yabu who revolted against Ayatea, the king of Dumat Al-Jandal who was loyal to the Assyrians.

The Assyrian king, an advocate of justice who despised aggression and rebellion, sent warriors to aid Ayatea who caught Yabu and put him in chains.

The tablets also mention a popular souk which took place each year on the first day of spring.

 


How AI is transforming Saudi Arabia’s digital services through Tawakkalna

How AI is transforming Saudi Arabia’s digital services through Tawakkalna
Updated 54 min 22 sec ago
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How AI is transforming Saudi Arabia’s digital services through Tawakkalna

How AI is transforming Saudi Arabia’s digital services through Tawakkalna
  • Originally launched for COVID-19 management, the app now offers over 600 government services, streamlining daily tasks
  • The platform integrates AI to enhance digital governance, user accessibility, and service efficiency, supporting Saudi Vision 2030

RIYADH: As governments worldwide embrace digital transformation, artificial intelligence is playing a pivotal role in making public services more accessible and user-friendly.

From streamlining bureaucratic processes to enhancing user experiences, AI-driven platforms are redefining how citizens interact with their governments.

Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of this revolution, with its Tawakkalna app emerging as a model for digital governance and AI integration.

Originally introduced in 2020 to manage COVID-19 restrictions, Tawakkalna has since evolved into a comprehensive digital hub, providing seamless access to more than 600 government services.

Available in seven languages and accessible in 77 countries, the app has become an indispensable tool for Saudi citizens, residents and visitors alike.

From managing personal data, medical records and professional documents to accessing religious, educational,and legal services, Tawakkalna consolidates essential services into a single, user-friendly interface.

Users can request an ambulance, register for organ donation, access weather forecasts, or even find volunteering opportunities — all at their fingertips.

“In the context of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has placed AI at the core of its economic diversification strategy,” Muhammad Khurram Khan, a professor of cybersecurity at King Saud University in Riyadh, told Arab News.

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“The Kingdom aims to become a global leader in AI, positioning the technology as a key enabler of smart cities, digital governance and advanced industries.”

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, which oversees Tawakkalna, has continually updated the platform to improve efficiency and user experience.

In October 2023, the launch of Tawakkalna 2.0 marked a significant milestone in the app’s development, enhancing accessibility and streamlining government services.

Key features introduced in Tawakkalna 2.0 include a redesigned homepage for quick access to essential services and Wakeb services, a real-time update system that keeps users informed about important developments.

The platform also allows government and private sector partners to engage directly with users, further enriching the digital experience.

“Tawakkalna is not just a success story of a government app, but a model of how AI can be harnessed to drive innovation in the public sector, transforming digital governance and significantly enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike in Saudi Arabia,” said Khan.

“As AI continues to drive the evolution of digital services, Tawakkalna stands as an example for other nations, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a leader in the global AI race.”

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative places digital transformation at the heart of national development. The government is actively integrating AI across sectors to enhance efficiency, transparency and accessibility.

Tawakkalna exemplifies this vision, allowing users to handle administrative tasks in a matter of seconds — errands that would otherwise require lengthy in-person visits to government offices.

With a focus on continuous improvement, Tawakkalna has expanded to include legal and business services such as Najiz, a Ministry of Justice classification service; university and training institution portals; and business sector support.

Find donation opportunities through Ehsan services on the Tawakkalna app. (X/Tawakkalna)

This reflects the Kingdom’s broader goal of fostering a thriving digital economy.

The success of Tawakkalna has not gone unnoticed. The app was named the top government platform in the Kingdom’s Digital Experience Maturity Index for 2024 and received the UN Public Service Award in 2022 for its innovative response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The app’s journey from a pandemic management tool to a full-fledged super app underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leveraging AI for public service excellence.

It also highlights how digital governance, when executed effectively, can simplify daily life while boosting efficiency and inclusivity.

As Tawakkalna continues to evolve, the SDAIA is exploring further enhancements to ensure the platform remains at the cutting edge of digital transformation.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Saudi Arabia has digitized 97 percent of all government services.

• The Kingdom ranked fourth globally on the UN’s E-Government Development Index for 2024.

• The Tawakkalna app offers access to over 600 e-government services, including justice, health, education, and tourism.

Plans include expanding AI-driven personalization, integrating more predictive analytics for user needs and leveraging blockchain for greater security in government transactions.

For users in Saudi Arabia and beyond, the message is clear: Digital transformation is no longer a distant vision but a reality shaping everyday life.

Through AI-powered initiatives like Tawakkalna, the Kingdom is setting a precedent for how governments worldwide can embrace technology to create smarter, more efficient societies.

 


Saudi leaders send condolences to Swedish king after deadly school shooting

Saudi leaders send condolences to Swedish king after deadly school shooting
Updated 06 February 2025
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Saudi leaders send condolences to Swedish king after deadly school shooting

Saudi leaders send condolences to Swedish king after deadly school shooting
  • King, crown prince condemn attack, extend sympathy to victims’ families

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday sent messages of condolence to Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf following a mass shooting on Tuesday at an adult education center in the city of Orebro.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the king strongly condemned the attack, which resulted in 11 fatalities and several injuries. He extended his sympathy to his counterpart in Sweden, the families of the victims, and the Swedish people, while wishing the injured a swift recovery.

The crown prince also conveyed his condolences in a separate message, echoing the king’s sentiments and condemning the attack as a “criminal act,” SPA added.

Swedish authorities identified the suspected gunman as 35-year-old Rickard Andersson, an unemployed recluse who may have been a student at the school.

Police believe he acted alone in the attack, and police described the aftermath as an “inferno.” Officials said Andersson killed nearly a dozen people before taking his own life in what is now considered Sweden’s deadliest mass shooting.

Investigations into the incident are continuing.


Saudi Arabia elected member of executive committee of IAACA

Saudi Arabia elected member of executive committee of IAACA
Updated 06 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia elected member of executive committee of IAACA

Saudi Arabia elected member of executive committee of IAACA
  • Saudi Arabia, represented by Nazaha’s President Mazin Al-Kahmous, was elected as a member of the executive committee of the IAACA
  • Al-Kahmous praised the vital role of the IAACA in promoting international cooperation, transparency, and integrity across nations

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, represented by the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority which is otherwise known as Nazaha, participated in the 14th general meeting of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities, which took place on Thursday via a videoconference.

In the course of the meeting, Saudi Arabia, represented by Nazaha’s President Mazin Al-Kahmous, was elected as a member of the executive committee of the IAACA, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The move reflects the international community’s recognition of the Kingdom’s efforts and global status in combating corruption, mainly at the international level.

Al-Kahmous praised the vital role of the IAACA in promoting international cooperation, transparency, and integrity across nations.

He spoke of the association’s mission to facilitate knowledge and expertise exchange among countries and institutions dedicated to combating corruption, as well as to develop effective strategies for addressing the issue locally and internationally.

The Nazaha president also stressed the importance of building a network of international partners to support the implementation of laws and policies related to transparency and accountability.

Al-Kahmous reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to working alongside member states and all stakeholders to make meaningful and effective contributions toward achieving the objectives of the IAACA.

The IAACA is an independent non-political and anti-corruption organization with over 180 agencies from different countries. It seeks to promote the implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption and achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals to reduce corruption and bribery in all forms by 2030.


Jeddah meeting highlights geospatial progress

Jeddah meeting highlights geospatial progress
Updated 06 February 2025
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Jeddah meeting highlights geospatial progress

Jeddah meeting highlights geospatial progress
  • Gathering aimed to foster the exchange of insights, experiences and developments to enhance the role of geospatial information in achieving development goals within Arab countries
  • Meeting discussed initiatives to empower Arab women in the field of geospatial information

JEDDAH: The 12th meeting of the Regional Committee of UN Global Geospatial Information Management for the Arab States, hosted by the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, ended on Tuesday in Jeddah.

The gathering aimed to foster the exchange of insights, experiences and developments to enhance the role of geospatial information in achieving development goals within Arab countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The meeting included a review of the Arab Committee’s 2024 annual report, progress monitoring across working groups, and contributions from international organizations on geospatial information in the Arab region.

Notable efforts by the UN Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence and the UN Global Center of Excellence for Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation were highlighted, along with updates on the Kingdom’s hosting of the UN Global Geospatial Ecosystem Center of Excellence, to be established in Riyadh.

Contributions from other regional committees of the UN Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management were also reviewed, the SPA reported.

The meeting discussed initiatives to empower Arab women in the field of geospatial information.


Muslim World League chief inaugurates Qur’an contest in Guinea-Bissau

Muslim World League chief inaugurates Qur’an contest in Guinea-Bissau
Updated 06 February 2025
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Muslim World League chief inaugurates Qur’an contest in Guinea-Bissau

Muslim World League chief inaugurates Qur’an contest in Guinea-Bissau
  • President Umaro Sissoko Embalo awards highest medal of honor to Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa for promoting religious diplomacy
  • Dr. Al-Issa highlighted the importance of such competitions, as the Tijan An Nour Qur’an, in encouraging Qur’an memorization and enhancing participants’ societal roles

RIYADH: Under the patronage of Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoko Embalo, Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa inaugurated the Tijan An Nour Qur’an competition at the Lino Correia Stadium in Bissau.

Embalo awarded Al-Issa the country’s highest medal of honor for his efforts in religious diplomacy, as well as promoting civilizational peace and international cooperation.

Al-Issa highlighted the importance of such competitions in encouraging Qur’an memorization and enhancing participants’ societal roles.

The competition is West Africa’s most prominent Qur’anic event, featuring 20-part, 15-part, 10-part and five-part memorization categories.

It also includes training courses on Qur’an recitation, imam and teacher qualifications, and recitation correction.