The “AlUla, Wonder of Arabia” exhibition is held in Beijing until March 22. It presents more than 230 archaeological objects from the Saudi region of AlUla. The exhibition includes 50 objects on display for the first time, as well as recently discovered cultural relics and ancient animal bones from mustatils (stone monuments) dating back to the prehistoric era.
Visitors can view sculptures, pottery, cave paintings, inscriptions and bronze relics, accompanied by an immersive multimedia presentation. The exhibition also includes works by renowned photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand, showcasing the impressive landscape of the Saudi region.
Previously held at the Arab World Institute in Paris from October 2019 to March 2020, this updated version is designed by archaeologists Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani, Executive Director of Archaeology, Conservation and Collections at the Royal Commission for AlUla , and Laila Nehme, senior researcher at the French National Center for Scientific Research.
The exhibition, organized chronologically, begins by exploring the geographical and environmental settings that facilitated early human settlements in AlUla, followed by a thematic layout around the four main heritage sites of the AlUla Valley: Dadan, Qurh , the old town and the Unesco World Heritage Site, Hegra. The event aims to recall the trade routes that once linked the Arabian Peninsula to China. AlUla, located along the ancient incense route and later pilgrimage routes to Mecca, facilitated the transportation of Chinese silk and ceramics to the peninsula, along with Arabic incense and other valuable goods heading to China.