CNN Explores Archaeological Treasures Of Saudi Arabia

This month on ‘Inside the Middle East’, CNN uncovers the rich and diverse archaeological treasures of Saudi Arabia and how the desert Kingdom is opening itself up to international archaeologists and tourists.

CNN explores how Saudi Arabia is putting the preservation of culture and heritage at the top of the agenda as it is ready to invest billions of dollars to promote cultural tourism. By 2030, Saudi Arabia hopes to more than double the number of world heritage sites in the country, and to do that it is embarking on one of the region’s most expansive archaeological surveys.

The programme visits Mada’in Saleh – the Nabateans southernmost city and one of the Middle East’s major archaeological treasures – which became Saudi Arabia’s first world heritage site in 2008. More than 100 tombs, some over 20 metres tall, dot the landscape. Over 15 years ago French archaeologist Laila Nehme became the first foreign archaeologist allowed to work in Mada’in Saleh but over the years she has uncovered that this area has a lot more secrets to be shared.

Laila Nehme, Co-Director, Mada’in Saleh Archaeological Project explains the possibilities for further excavation and discovery: “There are huge amounts of sites which are yet to be recorded. And so, there’s a lot of work for future archaeologists.”

‘Inside the Middle East’ learns that the work at Mada’in Saleh is part of a much wider initiative, as the Kingdom embarks on one of the largest archaeological surveys ever conducted in the region.

Robert Bewley, Project Director, Endangered Archaeology in the Middle East & North Africa, tells the programme: “In terms of Saudi Arabia, they have some of the best-preserved archaeology anywhere in the Middle East and North Africa. It’s fantastic. What they’re trying to do in certain areas is find the best ways of not only preserving the archaeological sites, but also then presenting them to the public… They’re now, obviously, thinking the future has to be … as with the whole of the Middle East, opening it up so people could come and visit.”

Abeer AlAkel, Head of Strategy, Royal Commission of Al-`Ula, shares similar insights into the finding, recording and showcasing the historic sites: “Saudi Arabia has multiple and different landscapes with amazing cultures and heritage sites. There is a particular interest in Al-`Ula and it is a key element we’re focusing more on the archaeological understanding, the heritage, the culture of the area. Trying to document, trying to identify the sites in here.  It’s an undiscovered area, and we need to make sure that we do preserve and protect the land in here.”