ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s latest discovery of ancient artifacts goes back to early Islamic era.
Ancient grave stones and pottery pieces were discovered next to Al-Maala cemetery in Makkah “as the excavation contractor carried out work on a new smart parking lot project,” the Makkah Municipality posted on its official website on Saturday.
The gravestones date back to 687 Hijri (Islamic) year, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) said conforming that the artifacts found next to Al-Maala cemetery in Makkah dated back to early Islamic era.
“The artifacts are being delivered to SCTH so that experts can examine and study them thoroughly,” said Dr. Nayef Al-Qanoor, director general of the Registration and Protection of Antiquities Department at the SCTH.
He said that “an SCTH team of specialists will continue to follow up on the excavation work on the site every day in anticipation of the emergence of any new historical landmarks or artifacts.”
The SCTH will coordinate directly with the city’s municipality and the operating company, he added.
Early Islamic era artifacts found near Makkah cemetery
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Early Islamic era artifacts found near Makkah cemetery
- Experts to examine and study the artifacts thoroughly
- Excavation work continues as officials anticipate new historical landmarks
Transport minister oversees operations as King Khalid Airport resumes service
- Saleh Al-Jasser inspects facilities, assesses measures taken to restore passenger flow
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of transport oversaw operational procedures at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday after heavy rain reportedly brought it to a near standstill on Friday.
Saleh Al-Jasser inspected the airport’s facilities and assessed measures taken to restore smooth passenger flow, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He also received a technical briefing at the operations center from Raed Al-Idrissi, the CEO of Matarat Holding, on airport operations and flight punctuality, and the implementation of Passenger Rights Protection Regulations.
He ordered the necessary reviews to ensure sustained operational discipline under all conditions.
Al-Jasser was accompanied by the General Authority of Civil Aviation’s President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej; Ayman AboAbah, the CEO of Riyadh Airports Company; and several senior officials from the airport.
Thousands of passengers traveling to and from the airport were left stranded on Friday due to a slew of cancellations and delays.
Saudia and flyadeal were among the aviation firms who faced difficulties, with the two airlines blaming temporary operational challenges for the issues.
A statement from the airport on its official X account had urged travelers to contact airlines directly before heading to the aviation hub to verify the updated status and timing of their flights.
The statement said: “King Khalid International Airport would like to inform you that, due to the concurrence of a number of operational factors over the past two days — including several flights diverting from other airports to King Khalid International Airport, in addition to scheduled maintenance works within the fuel supply system — this has resulted in an impact on the schedules of some flights, including the delay or cancellation of a number of flights operated by certain airlines.”
Airport sources told Arab News that the issue resulted from the heavy rain Riyadh experienced on Friday.
Water had reportedly got into the fuel tankers set to refuel jets, and several airlines then struggled to reschedule passengers.
