Fifteen missions from abroad, including teams from France, Italy, the United States, Britain, Germany, Japan and Belgium, are cooperating with the General Authority for Tourism and Antiquities to explore 15 projects at historic and archaeological sites in different regions of Saudi Arabia.
The archaeological survey began in the Kingdom 40 years ago with the implementation of five-year plans carried out by Saudi missions in cooperation with foreign missions. Through the missions, many archaeological sites were demarcated and recorded and some sites were chosen for further exploration.
Considering the diversity of various time periods, comprehensive excavations were taken up to cover various ages — from the prehistoric era to the advent of Islamic civilization.
The launch of archaeological studies in the Kingdom, in addition to field surveys and archaeological excavations taken up in all the regions, helped in collecting a tremendous amount of information and evidence covering periods stretching from prehistoric times to the late Islamic era.
Archaeological discoveries include artifacts from ancient cities, such as housing units, architectural buildings, castles, forts and towers. Other discoveries include ponds and dams, canals and wells, pottery, tools made of steatite, glass items of different colors and shapes, metal coins and ornaments, weapons made of minerals, and many rock drawings and inscriptions in Nabataean and Southern Mosnad, as well as other scripts.
Daifallah Ettalhi, head of Tourism and Archaeology at the University of Hail and the President of the Saudi side in the Saudi-French Mission at the site of Madain Saleh, said: “The Arabian Peninsula is the cradle of ancient civilizations, but many aspects of its great history are still unexplored. The Authority’s work in this field is to direct archaeological detection toward a deeper understanding of the history of Arab and Islamic nations, as well as human history in general.”
According to Ettalhi, the mission has found many artifacts in Madain Saleh, notably currencies dating back to the reign of Al-Harith, the fourth King of the Nabateans who ruled during the period 9 BC to 40 AD.
Abdul Aziz Gazan, the chairman of the Saudi Association for Archaeological Studies and the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs of the Faculty of Tourism and Antiquities, said archaeological fieldwork in the Kingdom had turned more active than it was in the past.
“There are many foreign missions operating in Saudi Arabia in cooperation with the Saudi Mission, and this is a good thing,” he said.
However, there is a need to enhance field work by increasing missions operating at archaeological sites because archaeological work is a national act, the first goal of which is to rebuild and understand the history of the country since ancient times, he said.
Foreign teams to study 15 Saudi archaeological sites
Foreign teams to study 15 Saudi archaeological sites
Makkah’s urban shift enhances the city’s quality of life
- By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes both the soul and community
MAKKAH: Islam’s holiest city is currently witnessing a qualitative urban shift, one that seamlessly blends its profound spiritual sanctity with a modern, vibrant lifestyle. By integrating cultural, educational, and entertainment initiatives, Makkah is redefining the visitor experience and significantly enhancing the quality of life for its residents, directly supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The city’s transformation was recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. The event attracted approximately 400,000 visitors — over 60% of whom were locals — demonstrating a strong domestic demand for high-quality public spaces. The season revitalized community interaction, driving a 35% increase in visits to recreational sites and creating more than 1,200 temporary jobs for the local workforce.
Central to this urban renaissance is the Hira Cultural District. Since opening its doors in January 2023 near the historic Mount Hira, the district has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity.
Far from being a static monument, the district has cultivated a thriving creative economy. Its craftsmanship program, which features over 100 artisans, has generated up to SAR 3 million in sales and attracted 130,000 visitors to live workshops. These interactive spaces allow visitors to engage directly with the region’s heritage, moving beyond passive observation to active participation.
A living legacy
The shift extends to Makkah’s broader ecosystem of museums and cultural sites, which are now positioned as key pillars of cultural tourism. Facilities like the Revelation Exhibition use cutting-edge technology and multilingual content to narrate the story of the Holy Quran’s revelation, offering an immersive experience that complements the spiritual journey of pilgrims.
These efforts align with the “Makkah: A Living Legacy” campaign, which seeks to document the city’s historical narrative and preserve its collective memory. Recent months have seen a surge in educational workshops for university students and tour guides, ensuring that the human element of Makkah’s history is conveyed with accuracy and depth.
Economic and social impact
The results of this integrated approach are tangible. Specialized museums and restored historic sites now attract up to 1.6 million annual visitors. Crucially, this cultural enrichment is encouraging pilgrims to linger longer, increasing the average duration of stay by 18%.
By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes both the soul and the community.
