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)
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Updated 31 January 2025
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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.

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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.

 


Envoys share sweet memories as they bid farewell to Saudi Arabia

Dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, hosts reception for outgoing ambassadors.
Updated 16 June 2025
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Envoys share sweet memories as they bid farewell to Saudi Arabia

  • Event was hosted by the dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, who commended the envoys’ service, commitment

RIYADH: A farewell ceremony for the outgoing ambassadors of Australia, Cyprus, Hungry and Mexico took place at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter on Monday.

The event was hosted by the dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, who commended the envoys’ service, commitment and contribution to diplomacy at both bilateral and multilateral level.

“During their tenure they did a good job, serving to expand bilateral relations between their countries and Saudi Arabia to new horizons of success and prosperity. I would like to extend them all the best in their life and future endeavors," said Bamakhrama, who is also the Djibouti ambassador.

He mentioned his involvement with them at occasions such as meeting the Riyadh governor during the holy month of Ramadan, adding: “It was good sharing memories with you, we will miss you.”

Mexican ambassador Anibal Gomez Toledo thanked the dean and the Saudi government for their support during his time in the Kingdom.

“You have been very supportive, and a good friend. It has been an honor for me to be here with you all,” he said, praising the warm Saudi hospitality he had enjoyed.

“I think the Middle East has been a very humanitarian experience for me,” he said, adding the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030 was an inspiration to many other countries.

Australian ambassador Mark Donovan said he had enjoyed his time in Riyadh and the good relationships he had experienced.

“It was always very professional and very polite. I consider myself lucky to be here,” he said.

“So my whole experience was pleasant. I will miss the Saudi hospitality, the warmth of working here with you all. Technology today allows us to keep in touch much easier than it did 30 years ago — I’m on Facebook, anybody can find me. I wish you all the best.”

Cypriot ambassador Alexis Phedonos-Vadet said: “I am very grateful to be with you all (in) such a wonderful place with wonderful people. Me and my wife thank you all for the support, friendship and cooperation. It has been an incredible journey.”

Hungary’s ambassador, Balazs Selmeci, said he appreciated the opportunity to get together with everyone before saying goodbye to the Kingdom.

“It really has been a privilege to be a part of what has happened here, the ongoing transformation. There are going to be some good times.”

He also thanked Saudi Arabia for supporting and helping countries evacuating citizens from Sudan. Both Saudi citizens and the nationals of other friendly countries were evacuated in mid-2023, with Royal Saudi Navy vessels and Royal Saudi Air Force planes playing a key part.

Also attending the farewell ceremony were the heads of various missions, ambassadors and other Saudi officials.


Structural restoration of Abha’s Al-Dagal Fortress completed

A project to restore the structural integrity of Al-Dagal Fortress in Abha has been completed. (SPA)
Updated 16 June 2025
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Structural restoration of Abha’s Al-Dagal Fortress completed

  • Century-old landmark in northwest Abha gets major face-lift

JEDDAH: A project to restore the structural integrity of Al-Dagal Fortress in Abha, one of the city’s most prominent landmarks, has been completed.

The project, undertaken by the Ministry of Culture’s Heritage Commission, involved rebuilding collapsed sections of the walls and renovating internal areas.

The team used erosion-resistant granite and juniper wood for the roof and applied a layer of gypsum to the external walls to protect against water infiltration and improve its aesthetic appeal.

Located in the northwest of Abha, Asir Province, Al-Dagal Fortress dates back to the early 20th century. Built on a rugged peak more than 2,300 meters above sea level it measures 43.6 meters in length and 16 meters in width, with a semi-circular northern facade.

The natural slopes and rock formations on the northern and western sides were incorporated into its design to enhance its strength.

The fortress has three main areas: a command and control unit, the soldiers’ quarters and a service unit. A long central corridor runs through the structure, dividing it into eastern and western wings.

It also has a large stone oven for baking bread, a granary and a designated area for preparing haneeth — a traditional Asir dish of rice and lamb — which highlights the site’s cultural and social significance.

Renovation works are ongoing at the site but once completed the fortress is expected to be opened to the public.


Saudi FM discusses Iran-Israel tensions with Italian and EU counterparts

Updated 16 June 2025
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Saudi FM discusses Iran-Israel tensions with Italian and EU counterparts

  • Calls focused on the latest regional developments and their broader international implications.

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate phone calls on Monday with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani and EU foreign policy chief Kaya Kallas, amid growing regional concern over the escalation between Israel and Iran.

According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the calls focused on the latest regional developments and their broader international implications.

Both sides reviewed ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at containing the fallout from Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian targets and Tehran's retaliation, which have prompted fears of a wider confrontation in the Middle East.


Saudi minister holds talks with UK, China envoys in Riyadh

Updated 16 June 2025
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Saudi minister holds talks with UK, China envoys in Riyadh

  • Discussed recent regional and international developments, and related efforts

RIYADH: Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received UK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to enhance them. Both officials also discussed recent regional and international developments, and related efforts.

In a separate meeting, Elkhereiji held talks with Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Chang Hua in Riyadh. They reviewed bilateral relations as well as recent regional and international developments.

Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received Omani Ambassador Sayyid Najib bin Hilal Al-Busaidi. They discussed fraternal relations between the two countries and topics of mutual interest.


Greening initiative sees 31m trees planted in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province

More than 31 million trees have been planted in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province as part of a nationwide afforestation project.
Updated 16 June 2025
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Greening initiative sees 31m trees planted in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province

  • The authorities aim to plant 1.5 billion trees in the province by 2100, rehabilitating more than 7.9 million hectares of land

RIYADH: More than 31 million trees have been planted in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province as part of a nationwide afforestation project, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The trees were planted by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, working with 51 other entities, under a program launched in November.

The authorities aim to plant 1.5 billion trees in the province by 2100, rehabilitating more than 7.9 million hectares of land.

The scheme is part of the nationwide Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees — 600 million by 2030 — and rehabilitate more than 40 million hectares of land.

As well as planting trees, the center has been engaged in a program of environmental monitoring, combating illegal logging and raising public awareness across the Eastern Province.

It also works to prevent sand encroachment in farming areas that are at risk of soil degradation and uses native plant species to populate its afforestation areas in order to maintain the ecological balance of local habitats.

The center also organizes the National Afforestation Season in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.