New drive to showcase the treasures of Saudi Arabia’s ancient city of Al-Ula

Using technologies such as aerial LiDAR scanning, experts will meticulously uncover Al-Ula’s ancient secrets. (SPA)
Updated 03 May 2018
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New drive to showcase the treasures of Saudi Arabia’s ancient city of Al-Ula

  • Royal Commission launches program to explore historic site
  • Home to dramatic desert landscapes, spectacular rock formations and some of the Middle East’s most significant ancient sites

RIYADH:  The Royal Commission of Al-Ula (RCU) has launched an integrated program to explore archaeological treasures in the historic area that includes Madain Saleh, which became Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

Madain Saleh is the southernmost settlement of the Nabataeans — who carved out the city of Petra in Jordan — and one of the region’s archaeological treasures.

The archaeological program, with a major conservation and development plan for the area, brought together leading international archaeologists to help prepare for a new era of renewed international collaboration and tourism in line with Vision 2030, which includes diversifying Saudi tourism.

Home to dramatic desert landscapes, spectacular rock formations and some of the Middle East’s most significant ancient sites including those built by Lihyanite and Nabataean civilizations of the first millennium BC and beyond, historic Al-Ula is a wonder of the ancient Arabian world.

Rebecca Foote, head of heritage and archaeology at the Royal Commission, told Arab News on Wednesday: “At the heart of the Royal Commission’s archaeology program is a commitment to preserving Al-Ula’s extraordinary cultural heritage sites for generations to come.”

“Our work observes international best practice standards and utilizes some of the most sophisticated technology available for the archaeological program,” Foote said. “The temporary public closure of sites such as Madain Saleh will allow us to carry out vital work locating, mapping and visualizing Al-Ula’s past in order to evaluate vulnerabilities and implement appropriate protective interventions throughout the area.”

According to the RCU, a major integrated archaeological survey of Al-Ula valley and beyond has been launched by the commission, charged with protecting and regenerating this northwestern region. Until a conservation and development plan can be established, some of the sites including the World Heritage Site of Madain Saleh are temporarily closed to the public.

“Re-opening in 2020, the temporary closure will allow experts the opportunity to carry out vital research activity and plan for how to best preserve and present the sites,” the RCU said.

Using state-of-the-art technologies and methods such as aerial LiDAR scanning and photography captured from light aircraft, helicopter and drone, a team of the world’s leading experts led by Foote will meticulously document, map and model the area, supporting RCU’s mission to uncover Al-Ula’s ancient secrets and mysterious past.

Capable of recording surface features through vegetation, the LiDAR will see what lies within the palm groves of the oasis, and the helicopter team will record the remote and harder-to-reach sites.

Thoroughly documenting the area will provide a better understanding of these cultural heritage sites and their ancient past, something that is vital to safeguarding it for future generations.

Providing a window into the people and cultures that shaped the past, the findings will be collated in a bespoke heritage database and used by the RCU to develop a plan for preserving, studying and activating the area’s historic features.

This archaeological survey program supports the commission’s mission to protect and develop the heritage and historical sites of Al-Ula to achieve a sustainable transformation and to enable local, regional and international visitors to learn about the richness of its cultural, historical and natural heritage.

The RCU was established in July 2017 to protect and preserve the region’s extraordinary ancient heritage and natural landscapes and prepare for an era of renewed international collaboration and tourism coinciding with the goals set under Vision 2030.

The RCU has signed an agreement with Campus France, the leading international academic and vocational public institution in France, which will partly train young Saudis to work in this tourism area and discover archaeological treasures in the northwest of the Kingdom.

The first 200 young Saudis recruited for this purpose are in the vanguard of an ambitious project to bring travelers back to Al-Ula, this time as tourists and lovers of history eager to explore one of the greatest profusions of cultural and archaeological treasures.

Recruited from Al-Ula region, they are in Riyadh being trained in hospitality, learning new languages, studying farming and water technology and swotting up on the cultural, social and natural history of their home region.

Students from King Saud University are also being trained by expert archaeologists in international best practice, equipping them with the skills to become the next generation of cultural custodians for Al-Ula. Significantly, 5,000 years ago, Al-Ula was cosmopolitan. For traders and adventurers alike it was an essential stop on the route between the Mediterranean and the Arab world, and far beyond to Asia and Africa.

Located at a historic nexus of civilizations, on an important route of travel used from at least the first millennium BC for the trade of valuable commodities, Al-Ula is built on a history of exchange between cultures.

This exchange of knowledge and cultures goes back millennia and continues to be a crucial part of the area’s identity, and is a blueprint for its future.

A particular archaeological feature of the area are the more than 100 tombs, some over 20 meters tall, that dot the landscape.

French archaeologist Laila Nehme was the first foreign archaeologist to work in the Madain Saleh area and she discovered that it has many more secrets to be shared; the integrated archaeological program is underway to explore all these treasures.


Hajj pilgrims advised to limit exposure to midday sun 

Updated 6 sec ago
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Hajj pilgrims advised to limit exposure to midday sun 

MAKKAH: The Ministry of Health has advised pilgrims to avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. — when temperatures at the holy sites are at their highest — to help avoid heat exhaustion and sunstroke.

The importance of following preventive measures such as using umbrellas, drinking plenty of water and complying with instructions from the authorities has also been emphasized.

The guidelines have been issued to protect pilgrims and ensure their safety during Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

So far, the ministry has reported a 90 percent reduction in the number of cases of heat exhaustion from last season.

The improvement aligns with the goals of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program, both part of Vision 2030, which aim to ensure a safer Hajj experience.

The Ministry of Health said the decrease was a result of stronger preventive measures, expanded awareness campaigns and effective coordination across relevant agencies.

These actions have included the launch of an awareness kit in eight languages to help prevent heat-related illnesses during Hajj.

The kit includes guidelines, videos, social media posts and printable materials advising pilgrims to stay hydrated and use umbrellas to avoid direct sun exposure.


Saudi AI system enhances Hajj security, management

Updated 19 min 43 sec ago
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Saudi AI system enhances Hajj security, management

MAKKAH: The Saudi Data and AI Authority has supported government efforts for this year’s Hajj season through its Sawaher system, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

Sawaher was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and uses data and AI technology to analyze broadcasts, video recordings, and images captured by smart cameras.

The initiative enhances analytical capabilities and contributes to a safer Hajj experience, the SPA reported.

The system helps manage and analyze large datasets and produces tailored analysis of pilgrims’ behavior. It “uses advanced algorithms for density and crowd counting, supporting government agencies in implementing Hajj plans and estimating pilgrim numbers.” The system also provides real-time updates.

For Hajj, more than 5,000 cameras have been integrated into the Sawaher system, covering more than 80 permanent and seasonal locations across the holy sites and key entry points.

This network supports the work of 18 government agencies and more than 600 personnel, according to the SPA.

The system offers more than 80 services and is operable on 100 workstations in operations rooms and monitoring centers, contributing to improved response efficiency during the Hajj season.


Majority of 1.6m pilgrims begin Tawaf Al-Ifadah as Eid Al-Adha starts

Updated 31 min 48 sec ago
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Majority of 1.6m pilgrims begin Tawaf Al-Ifadah as Eid Al-Adha starts

  • Pilgrims reflect on successful Hajj season

MINA: Most of this year’s more than 1.6 million pilgrims had begun performing Tawaf Al-Ifadah by Friday in Makkah — the ritual that marks the final days of Hajj and the beginning of Eid Al-Adha celebrations for Muslims around the world.

Eid day began with masses of pilgrims performing the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina under moderate temperatures nearing 30 C, with the National Center for Meteorology forecasting a high of up to 40 C. The stoning ritual is among the final rites of Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.

The Tawaf Al-Ifadah — derived from the Arabic word meaning “to pour forth” — refers to the ritual circumambulation of the Kaaba performed by pilgrims after returning from Mina.

It is one of the essential and obligatory rites of Hajj. It involves walking around the Kaaba seven times within the Grand Mosque in Makkah, following the pilgrims’ return from Mina where they perform the symbolic stoning of the devil.

The ritual reflects spiritual submission, physical devotion, and the culmination of the core rites of the Hajj pilgrimage.

Ali bin Faraj Al-Marri, a Qatari pilgrim, told Arab News that the tawaf was smooth and well-organized, saying: “This is my first time performing Hajj, and I had heard that the Grand Mosque used to be extremely crowded. This has been one of the most successful Hajj seasons.”

Saeed Al-Nabit, the head of Al-Marri’s Hajj campaign group, echoed the sentiment, saying everything went as planned, and adding: “This year has been one of the best Hajj seasons ever.”

Leaving the Jamarat Bridge after performing the stoning ritual, Yasmeen Ahmed, a Libyan pilgrim, said with tears in her eyes that she was on the verge of completing one of the pillars of Islam — a lifelong dream she had always prayed to Allah to fulfill.

She said: “This is a moment I will never forget. I never imagined I would live to experience it, but I have always prayed for it. I thank Allah for making it possible, and I would also like to express my gratitude to Saudi Arabia for the beautiful organization of Hajj. There must have been tremendous efforts behind such a successful arrangement.”

The Jamrat Al-Aqaba site, the largest and most prominent of the three stoning structures within the Jamarat facility, stands as one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent development projects at the holy sites, marking a transformative leap in crowd management aligned with the highest international engineering and organizational standards.

With the capacity to accommodate over 300,000 pilgrims per hour, the facility ensures a smooth and safe flow of pilgrims during the peak days of stoning rituals in Mina.

Every year on this day, the Jamarat area in Mina witnesses the arrival of throngs of pilgrims performing this critical Hajj rite  — a solemn act of worship that embodies obedience and adherence to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

The stoning ritual is among the most spiritually significant and logistically complex components of the Hajj pilgrimage.

The Jamarat area in the past consisted of small stone pillars surrounded by narrow spaces and limited roads, leading to severe congestion and difficulties, particularly with the growing number of pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency said in a report.

According to the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, a bridge was constructed over the three Jamarat pillars in 1975 to create a second level for the stoning ritual.

Over the years the structure underwent multiple phases of expansion and enhancement.

The current Jamarat Bridge was inaugurated in its first phase in 2006, with full completion achieved in 2010.

The bridge comprises five levels, each 12 meters high, extending 950 meters in length and 80 meters in width. It includes 11 entrances, 12 exits, and can accommodate up to 300,000 pilgrims per hour. The facility also features a range of support services, including emergency helicopter landing pads, 3,289 escalators, advanced surveillance systems, and four tunnels for vehicles and buses.

The facility operates under a sophisticated management system involving specialized field teams working round the clock to ensure safety and provide medical and guidance services, in cooperation with various security and service agencies.

The site is also equipped with multilingual guidance screens and modern surveillance cameras to enhance flow and ensure pilgrim safety.

As part of broader efforts to enhance the pilgrim experience, Kidana Development Company, the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, has implemented several key projects this year.

Notable among them is the installation of 200 mist fans in the facility’s eastern square to reduce heat stress from direct sunlight.

In addition, the Towards Mina initiative has been implemented to improve spatial orientation, helping to reduce the number of lost pilgrims and facilitating easier access to camps.

The initiative relies on a color-coded signage system aligned with camp divisions and facility levels.


How Saudis spiritually connect with Hajj remotely

Updated 42 min 19 sec ago
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How Saudis spiritually connect with Hajj remotely

  • Livestreamed pilgrimage allows worshippers to embrace spirituality from afar
  • Hajj provides opportunities for reflection, growth even if people are unable to travel

RIYADH: While millions of pilgrims converge on Makkah each year for the pilgrimage which makes up the fifth pillar of Islam, many Saudis are connecting with the spirit of Hajj without ever leaving their homes.

Whether they are not yet eligible, unable to travel, or simply waiting for their turn, these individuals have found meaningful ways to experience the journey spiritually — through screens, rituals, reflections and community.

This evolving form of spiritual connection highlights a growing culture of intentional observance from afar, especially among young Saudis who see Hajj not as a spectator event, but as a season for personal transformation, wherever they are.

For 25-year-old Shatha Al-Jadaan, who has already completed Hajj, the way she engages with the pilgrimage now is more intimate than ever, even when she is not physically there.

“Now that I’ve experienced Hajj, I follow it in a more personal way,” she said. “I keep the Makkah live stream running 24/7 at home. It’s not background noise — it’s a reminder of a moment I lived.”

She adds that her digital engagement with the pilgrimage is deeply structured. “I fast all 10 days of Dul Hijjah (the month of the pilgrimage), and I start my day earlier. I make sure the atmosphere in the house is different — calmer, more reflective.

“My acts of worship are done with full presence. It’s a way to relive the rhythm of Hajj, even if I’m not there.

“Screens can’t replace the feeling — but they do carry the spirit.”

Noor Ahmad, 21, echoed a similar sentiment. She said that seeing Hajj online helped prepare her for the moment she finally went — and now, when she watches others go, it deepens her gratitude.

“I had always seen Hajj on TV, social media, or through others’ stories,” she said. “Those images gave me a glimpse and stirred a longing to go. And when I finally did, I found myself connecting the visual memories with what I was living in real time.”

After her return, the act of watching became a kind of remembrance. “It’s not just nostalgia. It’s a form of spiritual presence,” she said.

Omar Al-Shehri, 33, uses the Hajj season to teach his children about the rituals.

“Every day during Dul Hijjah, we sit as a family, watch the scenes from Mina and Arafat, and I explain each step to my kids. Even though we’re not there, they’re growing up understanding the weight and meaning of it.”

He adds: “They’ll perform Hajj one day, insha’Allah — but until then, they’re growing in awareness.”

Digital platforms have played a huge role in how people spiritually engage with Hajj. Official channels like Saudi Press Agency, Al-Ekhbariya, and digital apps like Haramain Watch allow viewers to follow crowd sizes, ritual timing, and even live fatwas in real time.

Layla Al-Fahad, 29, uses X with mutuals and WhatsApp groups with close friends to share spiritual prompts. “We share reminders, dhikr, and short prayers every day during the ten days. It’s like a mini spiritual retreat — just in group chat form.”

Other Saudis have turned to digital booklets, daily phone reminders, or interactive timelines of the Hajj rituals to stay aligned with the pilgrims’ journey.

The most compelling insight from many of these remote observers is that distance doesn’t diminish intention. In fact, for some, it heightens it.

“There’s something humbling about knowing you’re not there, but still feeling connected,” said Al-Fahad. “You start praying differently, reading differently, even walking differently during those 10 days. Everything becomes softer, more deliberate.”

For many Saudis, participating in the spiritual season does not require boarding a bus, plane, or train. It requires presence of heart, clarity of mind, and intention of soul.


Saudi pumps 895,622 cubic meters of water on Arafat Day

Updated 50 min 26 sec ago
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Saudi pumps 895,622 cubic meters of water on Arafat Day

RIYADH: The Saudi Water Authority announced that the water system pumped 895,622 cubic meters of water in Makkah and the holy sites during Arafat Day.

The total volume pumped since the start of the Dhu Al-Hijjah month, through its ninth day, reached 7,794,799 cubic meters, SPA reported on Friday.

This operational achievement aligns with a meticulously designed plan to ensure an uninterrupted water supply, leveraging production and transport capacities that meet the peak daily demand of more than 1.2 million cubic meters. The system’s pumping capacity surpasses one million cubic meters daily.

Operational oversight included 4,908 laboratory tests on Arafat Day to ensure water quality and safety. These tests elevate total inspections to record levels, reinforcing confidence in supply quality for pilgrims.

Compliance and monitoring teams from the Saudi Water Authority conducted more than 5,000 field inspections across pilgrim camps and service facilities in Mina and Arafat to assess water services for pilgrims.