Saudi Arabia, China Extend Archaeological Cooperation Agreement

The renewal of the agreement further strengthens the cultural relations between Saudi Arabia and China. SPA
The renewal of the agreement further strengthens the cultural relations between Saudi Arabia and China. SPA
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Saudi Arabia, China Extend Archaeological Cooperation Agreement

The renewal of the agreement further strengthens the cultural relations between Saudi Arabia and China. SPA
The renewal of the agreement further strengthens the cultural relations between Saudi Arabia and China. SPA

The Saudi Heritage Commission, one of the 11 sector-specific commissions under Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, and China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration have recently signed an amendment to extend the archaeological excavations cooperation project, which began in 2016, at Al-Serrain site in the Makkah region.

The renewal of this agreement further strengthens the cultural relations between the two countries in the fields of heritage preservation and archaeological research. This extension, lasting for five years, reflects the strong ties between the two nations and ensures ongoing, in-depth collaboration in areas such as archaeological excavation and heritage conservation.

Since the project’s inception, the archaeological work at Al-Serrain site has achieved significant results, providing valuable academic insight into the historical and cultural understanding of the region. The collaboration between Saudi Arabia and China in cultural heritage research, archeological excavations, and conservation has become a key part of the cultural exchange between the two nations, further advancing their cultural relations.

This extension marks a new phase in Saudi-Chinese cultural cooperation, with both nations committed to expanding and deepening their collaboration in archaeology and cultural heritage preservation.



AlUla Utilizes SHIMM System to Boost Astronomical Research and Tourism

This effort forms part of the commission’s commitment to supporting future development of astronomical infrastructure in AlUla. - SPA
This effort forms part of the commission’s commitment to supporting future development of astronomical infrastructure in AlUla. - SPA
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AlUla Utilizes SHIMM System to Boost Astronomical Research and Tourism

This effort forms part of the commission’s commitment to supporting future development of astronomical infrastructure in AlUla. - SPA
This effort forms part of the commission’s commitment to supporting future development of astronomical infrastructure in AlUla. - SPA

The Royal Commission for AlUla has launched the astronomical monitoring system SHIMM at AlUla Manara site near Gharameel nature reserve, aiming to assess the site’s readiness for hosting advanced astronomical activities and research, while strengthening AlUla’s position as a premier destination for astronomical tourism and scientific discovery, SPA reported.

The version of SHIMM deployed in AlUla is among the most advanced globally, designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, from sandstorms to extreme temperature fluctuations. Enhanced with AI technologies, it provides automated, accurate, and continuous monitoring, including early detection and alerts for any factors that may impact the precision and quality of astronomical observations.

The system will operate for 12 months, during which it will collect and analyze data on weather variations and atmospheric measurements affecting the clarity of astronomical images.

This effort forms part of the commission’s commitment to supporting future development of astronomical infrastructure in AlUla.