The new institute is an academic center and platform for knowledge and exploration in AlUla within the design vision "A Journey Through Time"

Al-Ula - Beth: The Kingdoms Institute, the recently launched center for archaeological research and conservation studies in Al-Ula, announced that an important archaeological discovery has been reached in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Much more than previously thought. The announcement of this scientific discovery coincides with the fifth anniversary of the launch of the "Kingdom's Vision 2030", as the Kingdoms Institute will be a major contributor to achieving its goals, to introduce the world to the ancient monuments of the Kingdom and to preserve the human heritage.

 The study and conclusions related to the discovered structural structures are subject to further analysis and will be published in "Antiquity" on April 30, 2021, which is a prestigious international journal whose contents are subject to close review by experts in this field.

The Kingdoms Institute embodies a scientific center specialized in archeology research and means of preservation, which works intensively on the study of the history of the Arabian Peninsula and prehistoric times, because this region is a crossroads linking the continents of the ancient world, which would bridge the gaps around the secrets of the natural and human history of the region .

And based on the role of Al-Ula and its historical importance in cultural exchange and trade on an international level, the Kingdoms Institute will become an academic center and a cultural platform for knowledge and exploration, and one of the pillars of the cultural structure of the region within the framework of the design vision "A Journey Through Time" launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula Governorate, early this month.

His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Governor of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula Governorate, noted: “In line with the vision of His Highness, the Crown Prince, to preserve more than 200,000 years of human history in Al-Ula, the Kingdoms Institute represents our commitment to preserving Al-Ula's cultural heritage, As a global center for knowledge and research, it cares for and preserves archaeological discoveries, provides new job opportunities for the people and residents of Al-Ula, and strengthens the Kingdom's role in preserving human history.

The Kingdoms Institute, which was announced earlier this month, has launched as part of the projects of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula Governorate, which in turn undertakes intensive research programs throughout the region with the aim of expanding knowledge of the province's human history, and previous archaeological missions will contribute to forming an intellectual basis that The institute is based on it, as a global center for archaeological research and means of preservation.

Discovery center

The doors of the permanent headquarters of the Kingdoms Institute will be opened to its first visitors by the year 2030, and it will take the form of red sandstone as an architectural structure, thus mimicking the huge building patterns of the Dadan civilization. The Royal Commission for Al-Ula estimates that the institute will receive 838,000 visitors annually in 2035 at its permanent headquarters, which covers an area of ​​28,857 square meters, in the Dadan area of ​​Al-Ula.

Although the actual permanent headquarters of the institute is still in the planning phase, it has been practicing its activity as an effective research institution since the establishment of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula Governorate, where more than 100 specialists are practicing in the effects of exploration, surveying and conducting relevant studies throughout Al-Ula, through Seasonal field work. At the same time, the institute's group of researchers is registering a remarkable increase.

The Kingdoms Institute is concerned with studying more than 200 thousand years of the human and natural history of Al-Ula, but it will focus a lot on the "Age of Kingdoms", that is, the time of the kingdoms of Dadan, Lahyan and the Nabataeans that appeared in the region during the period from approximately the first millennium BC until the year 106 AD.

Within its scope, the institute will include dozens of archaeological missions, preservation and restoration operations, with the participation of a wide range of experts from multiple disciplines, working throughout the Al-Ula governorate. Current efforts include teams from Saudi and international institutions, including King Saud University, which has done important and invaluable work in Al-Ula over the past sixteen years, in addition to UNESCO, the International Council for Monuments and Sites, the French National Center for Scientific Research, and the German Institute. Of archeology, the University of Western Australia, as well as institutions belonging to other countries.

Jose Rivella, Executive Director of Archeology, Heritage Research and Conservation at the Royal Commission for Al-Ula, said: “At the beginning of our mission, we focused on telling the hidden story of ancient kingdoms in northern Arabia, and a lot of work awaits us in the future, so that we can reveal the depth and scope of the archaeological heritage of the region. Its wide spread, especially since it did not get the adequate level of highlighting it for decades, but it will finally get the attention it deserves through the efforts of the Kingdoms Institute to present it to the world in the best way.

The Institute's role in its work will not be limited to exploring the deep layers of Al-Ula's history and the region's intercultural influence by relying on archaeological excavation and exploration campaigns, but will also develop academic and professional training programs at the national and international levels, to highlight the latest methods and technologies, and to invest generously in the next generation of Saudi specialists. , In order to preserve the Kingdoms Institute for future generations.

So far, progress has been made by appointing Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Suhaibani to assume the position of Acting Director of Museums and Exhibitions, and Munira Al-Mashouh as the first archaeologist to participate in the management of an archaeological project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Rebecca Foot, Director of Archaeological Research and Cultural Heritage at the Royal Commission for Al-Ula, added: “With several ongoing research programs, Al-Ula has become the most active area for archaeological research in the Middle East. We have just finished surveying more than 22,000 square kilometers of terrain from Atmosphere and on the ground, we have recorded more than 30,000 archaeological sites. Targeted excavations covering more than 50 of these sites provide data for the prehistoric period in particular for the period from 6,000 - 2,000 BC, along with striking results, such as our new insight on Rectangles. "

It should be noted that the establishment of the Kingdoms Institute includes the commitment of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula to explore the history of the region and the heritage it enjoys and preserve it according to the best international standards and practices, so that Al-Ula becomes a living museum to revive heritage sites and monuments, as part of the goals of Vision 2030 to strengthen its prominent position on the map of human civilization.

In addition to its main role of developing a global center on the history of Al-Ula, the Institute of Kingdoms will also train the next generation of researchers and a group of Saudi archaeologists, opening new horizons for young professionals to support this sector in the country.