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Heritage Commission Launches Al-Yamama Archaeological Project in Riyadh 

Heritage Commission Launches Al-Yamama Archaeological Project in Riyadh 
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Heritage Commission Launches Al-Yamama Archaeological Project in Riyadh 

Heritage Commission Launches Al-Yamama Archaeological Project in Riyadh 

The Saudi Heritage Commission launched the Al-Yamama Archaeological Project, which focuses on surveying, exploring, and excavating in and around Riyadh to discover its history and preserve the Kingdom's cultural heritage sites.

From 2024 to 2028, the commission will carry out various archaeological surveys and excavations in Riyadh. This includes a detailed survey of Riyadh, along Wadi Hanifah, and surrounding areas. Three excavation projects are scheduled in locations such as the Dharma governorate, Al-Hanee and Al-Masane areas, in collaboration with the commission’s partners.

Experts in Riyadh's history and antiquities, academics and students from Saudi universities and international educational institutions will collaborate in the project and excavations.

The project aims to uncover key aspects of Riyadh's growth, and explore, document, and preserve archaeological and historical sites, in line with the commission's objective to safeguard and showcase the Kingdom's enduring civilization.

The Heritage Commission utilizes cutting-edge technologies for extensive surveys, such as geographic information systems, ground-penetrating radar surveys, 3D modeling, magnetic surveying, low-altitude aerial photography, and AI for generating geographic and topographic maps.

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Shanghai Museum Welcomes Feline Visitors to Peruse Egyptian Cat Imagery at ‘Meow Night’

A cat visitor poses with its owner in the entrance hall of Shanghai Museum's "Meow Night" in Shanghai, China, August 31, 2024. (Reuters)
A cat visitor poses with its owner in the entrance hall of Shanghai Museum's "Meow Night" in Shanghai, China, August 31, 2024. (Reuters)
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Shanghai Museum Welcomes Feline Visitors to Peruse Egyptian Cat Imagery at ‘Meow Night’

A cat visitor poses with its owner in the entrance hall of Shanghai Museum's "Meow Night" in Shanghai, China, August 31, 2024. (Reuters)
A cat visitor poses with its owner in the entrance hall of Shanghai Museum's "Meow Night" in Shanghai, China, August 31, 2024. (Reuters)

Shanghai Museum has pulled in crowds this summer for an exhibition of ancient Egyptian relics including cat statues and other feline imagery, and which on Saturday nights allows up to 200 visitors to bring along their own four-legged friends.

Inspired ancient Egyptians' worship of Bastet, the goddess of protection - often depicted as a cat - the museum has given cats the chance to interact with part of the exhibition called "The Secrets of Saqqara".

"Egyptian archaeological teams discovered a cat temple in Saqqara and unearthed many cat mummies and cat statues. So when we were planning the event, we had cats as a theme, and then came the idea for 'Meow Night'," said Shanghai Museum Deputy Director Li Feng.

The "Top of the Pyramids: Ancient Egyptian Civilization Exhibition" began on July 19 and runs until Aug. 17, 2025, with "Meow Night" planned for at least 10 Saturdays. It has held six so far with tickets, including 200 bring-a-cat tickets, selling out each time.

Visitors bring their cats in carriers or pet strollers and can take them out only at designated areas, such as for a photo opportunity next to a statue of Bastet.

The cats are checked on entry to ensure up-to-date vaccinations and for signs of illness or stress. There are veterinarians onsite and rest areas for cats in case the stimulation from their night at the museum gets a bit much.

"It's very special that you can bring a cat with you," said visitor Qiu Jiakai who was attending "Meow Night" with one-year-old puss An Mao.

"I listened to the narrator's introduction saying ... many of today's pet cats are related to the cats domesticated in ancient Egypt. So I thought I would have to bring my cat here to see its ancestors and the cat goddess," she said.