AlUla to Host Exhibition with National Archaeological Museum of Naples Masterpieces in November

AlUla, a major stop on the Incense Road, served as a vibrant hub for trade, facilitating the flow of precious goods like spices and incense from southern Arabia to distant markets. - SPA
AlUla, a major stop on the Incense Road, served as a vibrant hub for trade, facilitating the flow of precious goods like spices and incense from southern Arabia to distant markets. - SPA
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AlUla to Host Exhibition with National Archaeological Museum of Naples Masterpieces in November

AlUla, a major stop on the Incense Road, served as a vibrant hub for trade, facilitating the flow of precious goods like spices and incense from southern Arabia to distant markets. - SPA
AlUla, a major stop on the Incense Road, served as a vibrant hub for trade, facilitating the flow of precious goods like spices and incense from southern Arabia to distant markets. - SPA

The Ancient Kingdoms Festival, hosted in AlUla between November 7 and 30, will showcase a collection of remarkable artifacts from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN) in a captivating exhibition: Masterpieces of the MANN.
The exhibition, displaying captivating objects from several Italian archaeological sites, offers a unique glimpse at the rich tapestry of ancient history, SPA reported.
Visitors will be able to explore the legacy of the infamous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD through artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, Roman cities tragically preserved under volcanic ash. They will also have the opportunity to marvel at pieces from the renowned Farnese Collection, a cornerstone of ancient Greek and Roman art.
Masterpieces of the MANN finds its home in AlUla’s cultural venue, Maraya. This breathtaking place, home of the world’s largest mirrored building, is a stunning juxtaposition of antiquity and modern beauty.
The exhibition transcends geographical boundaries, highlighting the historical connection between ancient Rome and the Arabian Peninsula. The Incense Road, a network of trade and cultural exchange, served as a vital link. Roman emperors like Augustus, Trajan, and Marcus Aurelius played a crucial role in establishing and maintaining these connections, influencing both Roman and Arabian societies.



Rabat Named World Book Capital for 2026

The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
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Rabat Named World Book Capital for 2026

The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated Rabat as the World Book Capital for 2026, following a recommendation from the World Book Capital Advisory Committee.

In a recent statement, UNESCO highlighted the Moroccan capital's commitment to fostering the book industry and encouraging reading through its 54 publishing houses; it also hosts Africa's third-largest international book fair.

Rabat aims to come up with various initiatives to improve access to books, bolster the local publishing sector, and advance literacy among all age groups and demographics, both nationally and internationally.

The statement added that the celebrations are set to commence on April 23, 2026, coinciding with the World Book and Copyright Day.