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Saudi-Egyptian Cooperation on Excavation Project at Ramses III Site

Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass receives from Jasir Al-Herbish, the CEO of the Saudi Heritage Commission, replicas representing prehistoric artifacts that were discovered in Saudi Arabia.
Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass receives from Jasir Al-Herbish, the CEO of the Saudi Heritage Commission, replicas representing prehistoric artifacts that were discovered in Saudi Arabia.
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Saudi-Egyptian Cooperation on Excavation Project at Ramses III Site

Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass receives from Jasir Al-Herbish, the CEO of the Saudi Heritage Commission, replicas representing prehistoric artifacts that were discovered in Saudi Arabia.
Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass receives from Jasir Al-Herbish, the CEO of the Saudi Heritage Commission, replicas representing prehistoric artifacts that were discovered in Saudi Arabia.

Former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities Dr. Zahi Hawass announced that excavation work will begin in November at the site of King Ramesses III in North Saudi Arabia, indicating that he will head an archaeological team to uncover facts concerning pharaohs in the kingdom, as well as the state of trade missions between the two countries over 3,000 years ago.

In a press statement on Thursday, the official revealed that he held a meeting with Jasir Al-Herbish, CEO of the Saudi Heritage Commission, to discuss the steps needed to initiate work on excavations, implementing several other projects on Saudi heritage, and filming a series of documentaries on the kingdom’s antiquities.

In 2010, the Saudi Kingdom announced the discovery of a rock near Tayma bearing an inscription of Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses III, saying it was the first confirmed discovery of a hieroglyphic inscription on Saudi soil.

At that time, Hawass, who had been the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Egyptian Antiquities, suggested that “the two countries cooperate to uncover the Pharaonic presence in the Arabian Peninsula.” He reiterated his offer in an article he published at the end of 2019.

In statements to Asharq al-Awsat, Hawass clarified that “the discovery of artifacts linked to Ramesses III in Saudi Arabia came as no surprise, especially since King Ramesses III sent merchants to acquire copper from a nearby region (which he believes to be Saudi Arabia). Thus, there is a strong chance of Egyptian artifacts in the Arabian Peninsula."

“The excavations have not commenced yet, and when we begin, we will find out what can be discovered based on historical evidence surrounding the area.”

He also said that “the excavations in the kingdom revealed a trade route that links the two countries that had been used in earlier centuries, which opens the door to the possibility of finding new remains and evidence of Egyptian Kings having sent trade missions to the kingdom more than 3,000 years ago.”

There are about 46 archaeological sites in Tayma and various monuments, some around 500,000 years old, including fossils of extinct beings and remains of prehistoric civilizations, as the city had been among the most prominent cities on the trade route between Egypt and Mesopotamia.

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How to Practice Healthy Fasting during Ramadan

People break their fasts during the Muslim’s holy fasting month of Ramadan, at a rooftop restaurant near the historical Badshahi mosque, in background, in Lahore, Pakistan, March 15, 2024. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary, File)
People break their fasts during the Muslim’s holy fasting month of Ramadan, at a rooftop restaurant near the historical Badshahi mosque, in background, in Lahore, Pakistan, March 15, 2024. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary, File)
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How to Practice Healthy Fasting during Ramadan

People break their fasts during the Muslim’s holy fasting month of Ramadan, at a rooftop restaurant near the historical Badshahi mosque, in background, in Lahore, Pakistan, March 15, 2024. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary, File)
People break their fasts during the Muslim’s holy fasting month of Ramadan, at a rooftop restaurant near the historical Badshahi mosque, in background, in Lahore, Pakistan, March 15, 2024. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary, File)

Manal Elfakhani looks back fondly on childhood memories from the month of Ramadan. She would break her fast at the mosque with family and snack on sweet semolina flour cookies that she’s since learned to bake herself.

Ramadan is about spiritual reflection and the value of having enough to eat, she said. For about a month, many Muslims don’t eat or drink from dawn to sunset. This year, it’s set to begin this weekend.

While it’s safe for most people to fast, planning ahead and keeping nutrition in mind can make the month that much more meaningful, said Elfakhani, a nutrition expert at Pennsylvania State University, The AP reported.

Young children, the elderly and those who are pregnant, menstruating or breastfeeding are exempt from fasting. People with diabetes, heart disease or other chronic conditions should talk to their doctor when deciding to fast, especially if they take medications regularly.

“You should be in a very good, healthy state in order to do this,” Elfakhani said.

For the pre-dawn meal called suhoor, nutrition experts recommend fueling up with a variety of food groups.

When Sonya Islam was too tired to crawl out of bed for suhoor as a child, her mother would bring her a banana and a glass of milk. Now a dietician at VCU Health, she sees the wisdom in that meal: a combination of fiber and protein.

“Having sustained fuel that can last for as long as possible is critical,” she said.

This article is part of AP’s Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health. Read more Be Well.

She suggests foods with healthy fats in them — like avocados and nuts — as well as high-fiber, hydrating vegetables and fruits. Sugary foods aren’t the best idea since they digest quickly and can trigger cravings.

While that cup of coffee or tea may be tempting, experts say it’s best to fight the urge. Instead, hydrate with water and non-caffeinated drinks.

The daily fast’s duration can vary by location depending on the hours of daylight. Experts say to take it easy and listen to the body while fasting.

Elfakhani tries to slow down during the day in between teaching stints and catches up on work after the evening iftar meal.

Going for a short walk or stretching can help boost energy levels and keep the mind active. People who exercise regularly may want to work out right before breaking the fast or later in the evening to avoid dehydration.

At the evening iftar meal, avoid overeating as this can make the body feel sluggish.

Some choose to break their fast with a glass of water or a hot drink and fiber-rich dates. After that, consider having a few appetizers and a small entree. Wait a few hours and then snack as needed.

“It’s more so about mindful eating and listening to when your body’s actually hungry as opposed to just overloading,” said Zaiba Jetpuri from UT Southwestern Medical Center.