Saudi Arabia declares itself cradle of human civilizations

A major exhibition in Rome claimed that Saudi Arabia has become a leader in the field of archaeological research in the past five years

Abdullah Al-Zahrani, director-general of archaeological research and studies at the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, said that 44 international archaeological missions had been carried out this year in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This came in a press conference at the ‘Roads of Arabia Masterpieces of Antiquities in Saudi Arabia Across the Ages’ Exhibition, which was opened by Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi Minister of Culture, and Italian Minister of Culture Dario Franceschini last Tuesday in Rome, Italy.

The groundbreaking exhibition was inaugurated by Saudi Minister of Culture Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and Italian Minister of Cultural Heritage and Activities Dario Franceschini.

Dr. Al-Zahrani gave a presentation on the Exhibition and the important artifacts exhibited by different historical civilizations witnessed in the Arabian Peninsula.

Al-Zahrani said that the Kingdom “has become one of the most advanced countries in terms of archaeological disclosures.”

“Recent discoveries by local and international missions have highlighted the Kingdom’s historical status and cultural depth as the cradle of the beginnings of human civilizations,” he said.

He pointed out that these archaeological discoveries consolidate the civilizational dimension of the Kingdom, as the status it enjoys today among the countries of the world at the religious, political, economic and civilizational levels is an extension of a rich cultural heritage, in addition to the distinctive geographical position that made it a meeting point for international land and sea trade routes throughout all ages.