انطلاق موسم الآثار في العلا وخيبر

The Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate has announced the launch of the 2026–2027 Archaeological Season in AlUla and Khaybar, to continue the work of research, excavation, documentation, and preservation of cultural heritage, and to enhance the status of the two regions as a global center for archaeological research and knowledge. The season focuses on themes including early human presence, ancient Arab kingdoms and oasis communities, pilgrimage and trade routes, environmental history and water management, inscriptions and written heritage, material culture, and ways of life. The archaeological work includes studies at the Al-Hijr site to understand life during different historical phases, completing the second phase of the Dadan archaeological project, as well as research in Khaybar addressing the relationship between humans and the oasis, the evolution of ancient environments, and natural resources. It also includes the study of pilgrimage and trade routes, fortifications, and railway stations south of AlUla, which contribute to documenting networks of mobility throughout the ages. The season pays attention to written heritage, following the documentation of over 25,000 inscriptions in AlUla, alongside studies of pottery, animal remains, and water systems, and employs digital documentation and laboratory analysis to deepen the understanding of daily life in ancient communities. The commission continues to develop national capacities by involving university students in fieldwork, laboratory work, and digital documentation, in collaboration with Saudi and international experts and research institutions, and implementing community activities that connect archaeological research with local knowledge, supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 in protecting national heritage and highlighting the cultural identity of the Kingdom.