RIYADH: Prince Sultan bin Salman, the King Salman Center for Disability Research (KSCDR) board chairman, highlighted on Wednesday the importance of the 5th International Conference for Disability and Rehabilitation in April.
“This conference has gained exceptional importance under the patronage of King Salman,” Prince Sultan bin Salman was quoted as saying by Dr. Sultan Al-Sudairi, KSCDR board of trustees adviser, during a press conference.
During the conference, to be held on April 1-2, 123 working papers and 44 scientific posters will be presented, with 54 delegates from 18 countries as speakers.
Prince Sultan said that King Salman had supported the four previous conferences on disability research.
Ahmed Al-Yahya, KSCDR director general, told Arab News that the KSCDR aimed to raise awareness about international efforts to deal with disability. “The conference will also give an opportunity for us to hear from foreign disability experts regarding their experience in rehabilitation,” he said.
Al-Yahya said that the “conference will also enable us to share what we have done in Saudi Arabia to deal with disability and what we’re going to do in the next few years.”
“We have achieved a lot of success in this field in the past, as shown by our project on pre-birth screening and universal accessibility guidelines,” he said.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Suwailem, vice president of the Association of Children with Disabilities, underlined the significance of the conference. He said the studies, specialized scientific research and disability research to be presented were the most important means of addressing the issues of disability.
Prince Sultan bin Salman backs disability conference
Prince Sultan bin Salman backs disability conference
Heritage Commission discovers 20 ancient rock art sites in Soudah Peaks v
- Discovery of carvings 4,000–5,000 years old in Soudah Peaks highlights the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage
RIYADH: The Heritage Commission, in collaboration with Soudah Development, a Public Investment Fund company, has announced the discovery of 20 ancient rock art sites in the Soudah Peaks area of southwest Saudi Arabia.
The find adds to the Kingdom’s growing record of archeological and cultural heritage sites, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
The Soudah Peaks region, in Asir province, is more than 636.5 sq. km, and includes the highlands of Soudah and parts of the historic Rijal Almaa area.
Known for its mountains, cool climate, and scenic views, the region is part of a major development plan to create a luxury tourism destination that respects local culture and history.
The newly discovered rock art, spread across several sites, is estimated to be 4,000 to 5,000 years old, making it among the oldest cultural remains in the area.
The engravings include Thamudic inscriptions, an early form of writing in the Arabian Peninsula, as well as carvings of animals such as ibex, hyenas, and ostriches.
Other scenes depict hunters, dancers, palm trees, and weapons, providing insight into the daily life, environment, and beliefs of ancient communities.
The archeological survey followed a four-phase scientific approach, based on a memorandum of understanding between the Heritage Commission and Soudah Development.
The work included data collection, site analysis, field documentation, and classification of archeologically significant locations, ensuring accurate recording and supporting future research and conservation.
Experts say the discovery is important for archeological research and cultural understanding. The variety of images and inscriptions sheds light on early human settlement and how ancient societies expressed themselves and interacted with their environment.
The Soudah Peaks project, part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, aims to combine high-end tourism with environmental and cultural protection. Soudah Development has emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the area’s natural beauty and historical sites.
The initiative aligns with the Heritage Commission’s mission to document and protect archeological sites across the Kingdom. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has stepped up efforts to register and preserve heritage locations.
As research continues, the rock engravings at Soudah Peaks are expected to become key reference points for researchers and visitors, offering a tangible link to the cultural roots of southwest Saudi Arabia.
