Saudi Arabia’s mysterious stone structures seen from the air

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Archaeologist David Kennedy during an air expedition to explore Saudi Arabia’s desert plains. (AN photo)
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Updated 19 December 2019
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Saudi Arabia’s mysterious stone structures seen from the air

RIYADH: As the helicopter hovered above the Saudi desert, David Kennedy’s eyes lit up as he glimpsed what he had been searching for: A series of ancient, mysterious stone structures atop the desolate mountains.

The rebirth of AlUla
Hegra, ancient city of the Nabataeans in Saudi Arabia’s historic AlUla Valley, is emerging from the mists of time to take its rightful place as one of the wonders of the world

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The archaeologist had been using Google Earth for years to explore Saudi Arabia’s vast desert plains, but it was not until last month that he visited the Kingdom in person.
“Seeing it from 500 feet is so much better” than on Google Earth, Kennedy told Arab News, which accompanied him for an exclusive view of the discoveries.
Online satellite images revealed 400 stone gates — thought to be used for trapping animals — and graves scattered across the lava fields known as Harrat Khaybar and Harrat Uwayrid.
The Royal Commission for Al-Ula invited the Australian archaeologist to Riyadh, from where he flew to Al-Ula and took aerial photographs.
“I was astonished and delighted when I got the invitation … They spoke to me on Saturday and here we are (in Saudi Arabia) on Thursday,” he told Arab News last month.
Arab News accompanied him on helicopter trips over three days, alongside Don Boyer, an Australian geologist who now works in archaeology; Eid Al-Yahya, Saudi anthropological researcher in the civilizational and humanitarian history of the Arabian Peninsula; and a representative of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula.
Kennedy was frequently seen hanging from the helicopter door while wearing a harness suit, with a camera in his hands.
There were also land tours as he was keen to land on one of the lava fields and see the structures on the ground.
“I’ve seen lava fields before and plenty of graves, but I’ve never seen ones like these. Absolutely amazing,” he said.
There are “so many wonderful sites. When we go back after refueling we’ll visit the best place,” he said, referring to Harrat Uwayrid. “The graves in this lava field are seen overlapping, which is very unusual.”

On Sunday, the third and last day of the tour, a helicopter flew with eight people on board to Harrat Uwayrid, then to Mada’in Salih to see the site from above after taking a land tour the day before.
In 2008, Abdullah Al-Saeed, a Saudi medical doctor, wrote to Kennedy asking him to check out sites in the Kingdom that he had spotted.
“I was stunned because I hadn’t thought of looking up Saudi Arabia (on Google Earth) before, as I thought the quality of the imagery for most of the Middle East was poor,” said Kennedy.
He described the images he found as “absolutely astonishing,” similar to sites he had seen in Jordan but with different designs. “So most people with the same idea executing it in a different way,” is how he described it. Kennedy and Al-Saeed co-wrote an article about it for Saudi Aramco World Magazine.
While searching for more high-resolution imagery on Google Earth, Kennedy said he was particularly interested in Harrat Khaybar.
“There’s just so much there. I’ve been used to the lava field in Jordan, which is very rich, but Harrat Khaybar I think is richer. It’s an absolutely wonderful place.”
Kennedy has written a few articles about what he has seen in Saudi Arabia on Google Earth. “When I started looking at Harrat Khaybar, I found more and more good imagery there, and I was able to interpret the whole area,” he said.
It took him months to systematically analyze and catalogue the imagery, but “at the end of that process, we found almost 400 of these very strange structures that we’ve called gates,” he added.
“That gave us the opportunity to start an analysis or some sort of interpretation of the findings.”
Al-Yahya argued that he and his team found more than the 400 desert structures. “My team, consisting of two, and I started counting the graves on Google Earth, but we stopped at 1 million.”
The gates are among different stone structures in the lava fields. Some could be up to 9,000 years old, Kennedy said, adding: “They’re huge, and there are so many of them.” Al-Yahya said the densest concentration of such structures in the world is in Harrat Khaybar.
Kennedy said he has never been especially excited by grandiose sites. “They’re great to visit. Mada’in Salih is an amazing place. I like places like that, but I’m more interested in small sites of everyday life, not the great things that kings and emperors made,” he added. “There’s a lot of Roman material around Al-Ula. I’m excited about that.”
Kennedy said people do not often hear much about the archaeology of the Kingdom. “When people think of Saudi Arabia, they probably think of mountains and great sandy deserts. People are surprised when you tell them there’s a population of over 30 million people. They think it’s a desert and only 1 or 2 million people live there, riding camels.” That is probably why Saudi Arabia has caught people’s attention, he added.
Kennedy explored the lava field of Harrat Uwayrid during his three-day stay in Al-Ula. Visiting Mada’in Salih, he was able to see the Hijaz railway, part of which he photographed in Jordan last year and the year before. “It’s fascinating,” he said.
There is a big project in southern Jordan called the Great Arab Revolt Project, which is about the Arab revolt against the Ottomans during World War I, and those involved in it would love to come to Saudi Arabia, Kennedy added.
Google Earth is “hugely important because there’s so much high-resolution imagery and you can zoom in and look at sites,” but it will never replace aerial photography and archaeology, he said, adding that they complement each other.
“If you have Google Earth and aerial archaeology, you should also go on the ground. You really have to explore as many of these places as possible.”
Kennedy’s most recent paper is entirely about the stone gates. He has published other work about what he has seen on Google Earth over Saudi Arabia, including one on sites near Jeddah.
A paper in which he contrasts what he has seen in Jordan and Saudi Arabia could be published early next year.
“Everything (in Saudi Arabia) seems very clean, tidy and organized,” Kennedy said, laughing at how he has only just visited the Kingdom despite two of his brothers having worked there for decades, one as a flying instructor on contract with the Royal Saudi Air Force, and the other as a dentist.
“It’s been an eye-opening experience,” Kennedy said, adding that the Kingdom is developing rapidly.
“I went to an exhibition about five years ago called ‘Roads of Arabia’ in Washington, and I found it absolutely fabulous. The presentation was amazing. Such things are giving people a different impression of Saudi Arabia from just desert and camels,” he said, referring to an exhibition on ancient civilizations and cultures.
“Then there was a conference in Oxford about three years ago called ‘Green Arabia,’ which again surprised people as it contradicted the typical image of deserts.”
Tourism in the Kingdom could be boosted by heritage-oriented adventure holidays, he said, citing Mada’in Salih as an alternative to Petra in Jordan. “People would be astonished to discover this remarkable place (Mada’in Salih).”
Kennedy, who visited Syria long ago, expressed his wish to go back there. “It was wonderful visiting sites in Syria. I think it’s going to be a long, long time before I can do that again.”
His passion for archaeology started at the age of 10, when he was given a book as a Christmas present on sites in Britain. 

The rebirth of AlUla
Hegra, ancient city of the Nabataeans in Saudi Arabia’s historic AlUla Valley, is emerging from the mists of time to take its rightful place as one of the wonders of the world

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Saudi, Japan officials discuss relations in Tokyo

Updated 19 February 2025
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Saudi, Japan officials discuss relations in Tokyo

TOKYO: Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto met with Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador Ghazi Faisal S. Binzagr on Wednesday to discuss various issues, including the two nations’ recently launched Strategic Partnership Council.

Matsumoto highlighted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and expressed hope relations would continue to develop in various fields.

Binzagr echoed Matsumoto’s sentiments and thanked him for attending the recent Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 Ministerial Roundtable in Riyadh.


KSrelief organizes training in Aden on cholera, infection controls

Updated 19 February 2025
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KSrelief organizes training in Aden on cholera, infection controls

  • 170 doctors, nurses and healthcare workers from across Yemen receive training

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief recently held a training course in Aden governorate for healthcare personnel to treat cholera patients and institute infection controls, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The course was held in partnership with the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health, as a part of the cholera-prevention project in Yemen.

A total of 170 doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers from across Yemen received training on Feb. 12 and 13.

The course covered epidemiological definitions, transmission methods, risk factors, clinical manifestations, dehydration assessment, cholera management during pregnancy, and treatment of malnourished children.

The initiative is a part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts, through KSrelief, to enhance Yemen’s healthcare system, particularly the management of infectious diseases.


MWL hosts forum to foster dialogue, promote Islamic unity

MWL will host second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects in March
Updated 19 February 2025
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MWL hosts forum to foster dialogue, promote Islamic unity

  • Makkah conference will feature senior figures from various sects, denominations
  • Guide to common Islamic principles to be launched during forum

RIYADH: The Muslim World League will host the second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects on March 6-7 in Makkah, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The conference will bring together leading muftis, scholars, intellectuals, and representatives from senior Islamic councils, jurisprudential academies, and religious institutions across different sects and denominations.

It will serve as a unified platform for fostering constructive dialogue among diverse Islamic traditions as well as coordinating efforts and resources to strengthen Islamic unity, while ensuring mutual respect for doctrinal diversity.

The forum also aims to overcome sectarian disputes that have historically led to division and conflict, and promote fraternity and cohesion through practical initiatives.

This year’s conference marks a critical step in transforming the principles outlined in the inaugural conference into actionable programs, SPA said.

Discussions will address issues such as enhancing intra-Islamic dialogue and cooperation.

A highlight of the conference will be the launch of the encyclopedia of Islamic intellectual convergence, prepared by the Center for Safeguarding Intellect.

The encyclopedia, developed with contributions from 60 Islamic scholars and thinkers, aims to serve as a comprehensive guide to common Islamic principles.


Arab countries welcome Saudi Arabia’s hosting of talks between US, Russia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shake hands in Riyadh. (SPA)
Updated 18 February 2025
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Arab countries welcome Saudi Arabia’s hosting of talks between US, Russia

  • Russia, US agree to start working toward ending conflict in Ukraine

RIYADH: Arab countries on Tuesday welcomed Saudi efforts to host talks in Riyadh between the US and Russia on the Ukraine conflict.

Russia and the US agreed to start working toward ending the conflict in Ukraine and improving their diplomatic and economic ties, the two countries’ top diplomats said after the talks.

The UAE expressed “hope that the talks will serve as a significant step towards bridging differences, fostering communication and advancing dialogue to bring an end to the nearly three-year-long conflict,” the Emirates News Agency reported.

Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended the efforts of Saudi Arabia in hosting the talks “which reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting international peace efforts, and achieving global stability and prosperity.”

The ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting peaceful resolutions to conflicts and promoting international cooperation in addressing global challenges.

Majed Al-Ansari, the spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed Saudi efforts to lead the talks that “will hopefully result in peace in a struggle that has gone on for a very long time.”

Al-Ansari added: “We have called from day one for both parties to engage in a peaceful resolution of this war. This war has had huge humanitarian costs and great geopolitical (and) economic impact globally.”

Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry also welcomed the talks and expressed the hope that they would “lead to achieving their desired goals in enhancing security and stability in the world.”

Sufyan Qudah, Jordan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, commended Saudi Arabia for its pivotal role in hosting the talks and said they highlighted the Kingdom’s continuous efforts to foster comprehensive and just peace worldwide.

The Palestinian presidency said the talks were a culmination of the wise policy pursued by Saudi Arabia’s leadership, adding that it was “a policy that fosters regional and international stability and affirms Riyadh’s commitment to its effective role in achieving peace and security.”


Manga exhibition in Jeddah explores evolution of Japanese artform

Updated 18 February 2025
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Manga exhibition in Jeddah explores evolution of Japanese artform

  • Event strengthens bonds of friendship, cooperation between Kingdom and Japan, says consul-general

JEDDAH: As Saudi Arabia and Japan celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations, the Consulate-General of Japan in Jeddah is marking the milestone with Manga Hokusai Manga, a three-week art exhibition running until March 8.

Organized in collaboration with the Jeddah Historical Development Project and the Japan Foundation, the exhibition explores the evolution of Japanese manga from the 19th-century works of ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai to the modern format that has gained widespread popularity in the Kingdom.

‘Futatasumakura,’ 1981 by Hinao Sugiura. (AN photos/Supplied)

Hosted at Bait Amir Bahar in Al-Balad, one of Jeddah’s historic homes, the exhibition highlights both the similarities and contrasts between the artistic styles while showcasing the cultural depth of Japanese storytelling.

Rather than simply focusing on how Hokusai’s work influenced manga, the exhibition invites visitors to compare both styles and understand what makes them unique. It examines themes such as visual storytelling, artistic techniques and cultural participation across different eras.

HIGHLIGHT

The exhibition in Jeddah explores the evolution of Japanese manga from the 19th-century works of ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai to the modern format that has gained widespread popularity in the Kingdom.

Hokusai’s manga drawings, while sometimes resembling cartoons, encompass a wide variety of subjects, from nature to human expressions and everyday life. Unlike modern comics, his work was not centered on humor but balanced artistic instruction with entertainment — much like how manga today combines storytelling with visual artistry.

‘Portrait of Hokuai,’ 2015, by Sawa Sakura. (AN photos/Supplied)

Hokusai created his manga using woodblock printing, transferring the images onto paper in three primary colors: Black, gray and pale peach. The collection, comprising 4,000 illustrations across almost 800 pages, was published between 1814 and 1878 in 15 volumes bound with string.

The phrase denshin kaishu, which precedes the title, translates to “transmitting the spirit and learning the craft,” highlighting the collection’s educational purpose.

Hosted at Bait Amir Bahar in Al-Balad, one of Jeddah’s historic homes, the Manga Hokusai Manga exhibition showcases the cultural depth of Japanese storytelling. (AN photos/Supplied)

Hokusai Manga was originally used as a reference book for aspiring artists, much like today’s “How to Draw Manga” guides. Similar to modern fan-made manga, his work encouraged learning, copying and artistic experimentation.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Daisuke Yamamoto, the consul-general of Japan in Jeddah, described Hokusai as one of Japan’s greatest artists, modernizing traditional print styles through innovations in subject matter and composition.

Daisuke Yamamoto, Consul-general of Japan in Jeddah

“Hokusai transformed the ukiyo-e genre traditionally focused on images of fleeting pleasures — by shifting its emphasis from people to landscapes and the changing seasons,” Yamamoto said. “His print designs invited audiences to witness nature’s transience, capturing birds in flight, flowers in bloom and water in motion. Through his work, he blended an acute awareness of the fleeting with a deep appreciation for the timeless.”

According to an official statement, Hokusai’s work captured Japan’s diverse landscapes, portraying scenes and activities connected by shared symbols and narratives. He was among the first artists to both shape and be shaped by globalization, drawing from international influences and later inspiring European artists who adopted his decorative motifs, serialized compositions and vision of contemporary society. To this day, countless artists continue to engage with his legacy.

(This exhibition) provides an opportunity for a wide range of people to know about each other’s culture, which will be reflected in the future in their understanding of each other and facilitate all other aspects of cooperation.

Daisuke Yamamoto, Consul-general of Japan in Jeddah

Reflecting on the exhibition’s significance, Yamamoto highlighted its role in strengthening cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan: “Holding this exhibition and other cultural events basically confirmed the excellent cultural cooperation between Japan and Saudi Arabia, and strengthens the bonds of friendship and cooperation, and provides an opportunity for a wide range of people to know about each other’s culture, which will be reflected in the future in their understanding of each other and facilitate all other aspects of cooperation.”

Hokusai’s manga drawings, while sometimes resembling cartoons, encompass a wide variety of subjects, from nature to human expressions and everyday life. (AN photos/Supplied)

Since the 1970s, Hokusai himself has appeared as a character in manga, reimagined by various artists in styles ranging from realistic portrayals to fantastical interpretations. This reflects manga’s evolution, blending historical figures with contemporary storytelling techniques.

Ukiyo-e, the popular art of the 18th and 19th centuries, foreshadowed comic techniques such as visualizing the invisible. However, its speech-like balloons often depicted dreams rather than dialogue, and weather lines were integrated into the scene rather than used as abstract symbols.

Hosted at Bait Amir Bahar in Al-Balad, one of Jeddah’s historic homes, the Manga Hokusai Manga exhibition showcases the cultural depth of Japanese storytelling. (AN photos/Supplied)

Hokusai’s most popular collection of printed drawings was named “manga.” While the collection is primarily known for its diverse subjects and painting style, its frequent portrayal of exaggerated expressions and acrobatic scenes has led many to associate “manga” with cartoons or humorous images.

When compared to the work of his contemporary, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, it becomes clear that Hokusai’s manga images were not necessarily intended to be funny.

In 19th-century Japan, the success of Hokusai’s manga was rooted in the balance between the mundane and the whimsical, instruction and entertainment. This blend helped secure the collection’s lasting appeal.

Today’s Japanese comics share similarities in content, particularly in their focus on capturing movement, and in their wide circulation, thanks to advancements in reproduction technology.