‘Discover Al-Khobar’ Chronicles Urban Renaissance in Eastern Saudi Arabia

“Discover Al-Khobar” exhibition, which seeks to highlight the aesthetic charm of this coastal city, received over 344 photographs from 172 photographers (Asharq Al-Awsat)
“Discover Al-Khobar” exhibition, which seeks to highlight the aesthetic charm of this coastal city, received over 344 photographs from 172 photographers (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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‘Discover Al-Khobar’ Chronicles Urban Renaissance in Eastern Saudi Arabia

“Discover Al-Khobar” exhibition, which seeks to highlight the aesthetic charm of this coastal city, received over 344 photographs from 172 photographers (Asharq Al-Awsat)
“Discover Al-Khobar” exhibition, which seeks to highlight the aesthetic charm of this coastal city, received over 344 photographs from 172 photographers (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The urban development movement in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia continues to thrive, with a growing momentum of activity in the city of Al-Khobar, known as the “Pearl of the Gulf.” This city flourishes with unique buildings and expansive green spaces, all along one of the most beautiful shores of the Arabian Gulf.

This picturesque city has captured the attention of a group of photographers who aim to document its landmarks through a diverse range of photographs showcased in the “Discover Al-Khobar” exhibition.

The exhibition is currently taking place at the municipal headquarters of the city, highlighting the modern face of Al-Khobar.

The exhibition, seeking to highlight the aesthetic charm of this enchanting coastal city and the vibrancy of its daily life, received over 344 photographs from 172 photographers.

Among these submissions, a committee of judges selected 45 images for participation.

Furthermore, three winning pieces were chosen for recognition during the exhibition’s opening ceremony held on Sunday evening.

The event was inaugurated by the Mayor of Al-Khobar Province, Eng. Mishal bin Hamidi Al Wahbi, under the patronage of Princess Abeer bint Faisal bin Turki, the President of the Eastern Region Council for Corporate Social Responsibility.

Yousef Al-Harbi, the Director of the Culture and Arts Association in Dammam, clarified in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat that the association’s members, who are photographers, played an active role in the exhibition.

“Initiating, announcing, and involving all members, participating in judging the submitted works is a role, but in my opinion, the larger role is achieved through active engagement with Al-Khobar Municipality, which organized the exhibition,” Al-Harbi told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“Additionally, working with the Council for Corporate Social Responsibility, introducing the exhibition, guiding and connecting with photographers, contributing to and understanding the exhibition, and these effective initiatives, and encouraging them, are among the most important roles we are working on in community and artistic partnerships with various entities,” he clarified.

“This involves gauging the interests and aspirations of photographers, artists, and recipients alike,” added Al-Harbi.

When asked about the artistic value of this exhibition, Al-Harbi said: “Al-Khobar deserves it, and we consistently present the Eastern Province as a creative city.”

“It is an integral part of creativity, and this dedication to providing the environment and identity is what determines the artistic value of the exhibition,” he added.

Al-Harbi emphasized that the exhibition is not merely a repetition of the conventional image; rather, it delves into the context and time, artistic, sensory, and aesthetic exploration and discovery.



Scientists Date Remains of Ancient Child that Resembles Both Humans, Neanderthals

This photo provided by João Zilhão shows forearm bone fragments belonging to an ancient child that appeared to have features from both humans and Neanderthals. (João Zilhão via AP)
This photo provided by João Zilhão shows forearm bone fragments belonging to an ancient child that appeared to have features from both humans and Neanderthals. (João Zilhão via AP)
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Scientists Date Remains of Ancient Child that Resembles Both Humans, Neanderthals

This photo provided by João Zilhão shows forearm bone fragments belonging to an ancient child that appeared to have features from both humans and Neanderthals. (João Zilhão via AP)
This photo provided by João Zilhão shows forearm bone fragments belonging to an ancient child that appeared to have features from both humans and Neanderthals. (João Zilhão via AP)

Scientists have dated the skeleton of an ancient child that caused a stir when it was first discovered because it carries features from both humans and Neanderthals.
The child's remains were discovered 27 years ago in a rock shelter called Lagar Velho in central Portugal. The nearly complete skeleton was stained red, and scientists think it may have been wrapped in a painted animal skin before burial.
When the humanlike child was discovered, scientists noted that some of their attributes — including body proportions and jawbone — looked Neanderthal. The researchers suggested that the child was descended from populations in which humans and Neanderthals mated and mixed. That was a radical notion at the time, but advances in genetics have since proven those populations existed — and people today still carry Neanderthal DNA.
But trying to figure out when exactly the child lived has been difficult. Small roots had grown through the bones and contamination — from plants or other sources — made it impossible for scientists to use traditional carbon dating to measure the child's age. They instead dated the charcoal and animal bones around the skeleton to between 27,700 and 29,700 years ago.
Techniques have improved, and researchers reported Friday in the journal Science Advances that they were able to date the skeleton by measuring part of a protein that's found primarily in human bones, The Associated Press reported.
Examining part of a crushed arm, they revealed that the earlier estimate was in the ballpark: the skeleton was from between 27,700 and 28,600 years ago.
“Being able to successfully date the child felt like giving them back a tiny piece of their story, which is a huge privilege,” said Bethan Linscott, a study author now at the University of Miami, in an email.
She noted the initial discovery was more than a skeleton — it was also the grave of a young child. When dating the bones, she couldn’t help but wonder who loved the child, what made them laugh and what their world looked like in the short four years they walked the planet.
Paul Pettitt, an archaeologist at Durham University in England who was not involved with the new research said in an email that the study is an example of how dating methods are becoming more effective and helping scientists better understand the past.
The study of where humans came from is important “for the same reason we keep the portraits of our parents and grandparents,” said study author João Zilhão from the University of Lisbon.
“It's a way of remembering,” he said.