عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Culture

Royal Commission for AlUla Announces Discovery of Over 200,000-Year-Old Hand Axe

RCU announced that the archeological excavation teams at the Qurh site in AlUla have found a hand axe dating back to the Paleolithic Age. SPA
RCU announced that the archeological excavation teams at the Qurh site in AlUla have found a hand axe dating back to the Paleolithic Age. SPA
TT
TT

Royal Commission for AlUla Announces Discovery of Over 200,000-Year-Old Hand Axe

RCU announced that the archeological excavation teams at the Qurh site in AlUla have found a hand axe dating back to the Paleolithic Age. SPA
RCU announced that the archeological excavation teams at the Qurh site in AlUla have found a hand axe dating back to the Paleolithic Age. SPA

Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has announced that the archeological excavation teams at the Qurh site in AlUla Governorate have found a hand axe dating back to the Paleolithic Age, estimated to be more than 200,000 years old.
It is a strong tool, made of soft basalt stone 51.3 cm long, that could have been used for cutting or chopping. Studies are still conducted to identify the purpose of its use.
Qurh is one of the historical sites that have gained prominence in the early Islamic periods. It was one of the most important urban sites in the Arabian Peninsula, rich with secrets and historical and archeological treasures.
The ancient tool was discovered by a team of archeologists from the heritage consultancy TEOS Heritage, which is exploring the area around Qurh, south of AlUla, looking for evidence of man's existence in ancient times. The team has found several archeological discoveries dating back to the early Islamic period, but this new discovery, the hand axe, is considered to mark a new chapter in the history of humanity in and outside the Arabian Peninsula.
RCU is currently overseeing 11 other specialized archeological projects in AlUla and Khyber, all part of its efforts to discover the secrets of ancient times. The commission attaches great importance to archeological discoveries as part of its AlUla comprehensive development plan to become a world-leading destination for natural and cultural heritage.

Most Viewed

 
 
Culture

Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Global Cultural Collaboration

Saudi Arabia reiterated its dedication to promoting cultural diversity. SPA
Saudi Arabia reiterated its dedication to promoting cultural diversity. SPA
TT
TT

Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Global Cultural Collaboration

Saudi Arabia reiterated its dedication to promoting cultural diversity. SPA
Saudi Arabia reiterated its dedication to promoting cultural diversity. SPA

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cultural collaboration and sustainable development was highlighted at the 5th G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting, where Deputy Minister of Culture for International Cultural Relations Eng. Fahad Abdulrahman Alkanaan delivered the Kingdom’s speech.

The ministerial meeting, held in Salvador, Brazil, under the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” provided Saudi Arabia an opportunity to reaffirm its dedication to advancing the global cultural agenda.

In his speech on behalf of Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Deputy Minister Eng. Fahad Abdulrahman Alkanaan expressed gratitude to the Brazilian Presidency, specifically acknowledging Minister of Culture Margareth Menezes, for their dedication to supporting the cultural track within the G20 framework.

“Saudi Arabia is honored to have initiated the first-ever G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting in 2020 during the Saudi Presidency, themed ‘The Rise of the Cultural Economy: A New Paradigm.’ This initiative underscores our belief in culture as a global public good, connecting our past, enriching our present, and shaping our future,” he said.

The G20 Culture Track was introduced in 2020 under Saudi Arabia’s Presidency, marking a transformative milestone in recognizing culture’s role in influencing economic growth, making it an essential part of the G20 agenda. Since then, Saudi Arabia has established a strong legacy within the G20 framework, and successive presidencies—Italy, Indonesia, India, and now Brazil—have expanded upon this foundation, broadening the cultural agenda’s scope and impact.

Aligning with this year’s G20 theme to foster social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience, Saudi Arabia reiterated its dedication to promoting cultural diversity, leveraging digital advancements, fostering a creative economy, and preserving cultural heritage.

Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of preserving and protecting heritage sites worldwide. To support this mission, the Kingdom has launched several initiatives, including the establishment of a world-class center dedicated to the restoration and protection of underwater cultural heritage in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage locally and internationally.
Through these continued efforts, Saudi Arabia remains dedicated to the priorities of the G20 Culture Track, viewing culture as a vital contributor to sustainable growth. Prince Bader remarked, “We are confident that the collaborative efforts among G20 members will continue to elevate culture as a vital force for sustainable development, inspiring future generations to build a better world.”