Unearthing the story behind Asir’s Al-Meger Palace

Al-Meger Palace’s interiors bear thousands of Islamic motifs and its walls are saturated with architectural details of Umayyad and Abbasid civilizations. (Supplied)
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Al-Meger Palace’s interiors bear thousands of Islamic motifs and its walls are saturated with architectural details of Umayyad and Abbasid civilizations. (Supplied)
Unearthing the story behind Asir’s Al-Meger Palace
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Al-Meger Palace’s interiors bear thousands of Islamic motifs and its walls are saturated with architectural details of Umayyad and Abbasid civilizations. (Supplied)
Unearthing the story behind Asir’s Al-Meger Palace
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Al-Meger Palace’s interiors bear thousands of Islamic motifs and its walls are saturated with architectural details of Umayyad and Abbasid civilizations. (Supplied)
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Updated 15 August 2024
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Unearthing the story behind Asir’s Al-Meger Palace

Unearthing the story behind Asir’s Al-Meger Palace
  • From Al-Namas to Nablus, Mohammed Al-Meger’s journey led him to create a museum of rare artifacts

RIYADH: One man’s labor of love and passion, Al-Meger Palace nestled in Asir’s Al-Namas governorate, tells the story of history, tradition, and the beauty that is born out of resilience and hardship.

The museum is home to some of the oldest manuscripts from Islamic history, including 60 volumes from the era of the Prophet Muhammad, and thousands of handwritten manuscripts of the Holy Qur’an.




Al-Meger Palace’s interiors bear thousands of Islamic motifs and its walls are saturated with architectural details of Umayyad and Abbasid civilizations. (Supplied)

Speaking about how he acquired the manuscripts for the museum, Mohammed Al-Meger told Arab News: “People from all around the country, especially the south, sold me historical manuscripts of great significance.”

The palace is a convergence of world cultures, meticulously curated by Al-Meger. Its interiors bear thousands of Islamic motifs and its walls are saturated with architectural details of Umayyad and Abbasid civilizations.

My interest sparked when I was in Jerusalem marveling at the amalgamation of different styles of architecture from different periods of time.

Mohammed Al-Meger, Museum founder

“The construction of Al-Meger Palace was no small feat, taking a staggering 35 years to complete and costing SR80 million ($21.3 million) to build,” he said.

With over 2 million stones sourced from the surrounding Asir region, the palace stands as a beacon of local architectural heritage. Al-Meger transformed a barren land populated by wildlife into an exquisite palace perched 2,400 meters above sea level.




This palace also bears thousands of Islamic decorations and contains more than a thousand hand-written manuscripts of the Holy Qur’an. (Supplied)

“My journey to creating the palace was fueled by a powerful discovery — a supplication manuscript penned by my father before his untimely passing,” he said.

This poignant relic became the guiding force behind his quest to immortalize his family's legacy through the palace, starting with collecting manuscripts.




The palace stands as a beacon of architectural wonder with over 2 million natural stones sourced from the surrounding region. (Supplied)

Orphaned at a young age, he faced challenges in his education, but Al-Meger persevered, spurred on by the memory of his late parents who were esteemed intellectuals. The palace is now part of the heritage village he built where tourists can stay.

“One of the most striking features of Al-Meger Palace is its astronomical design, which allows the sun to trace a complete circle around the palace through its myriad windows,” he explained. “Sunlight streams into the palace from over 360 windows, facilitating the observation of the sun’s path within the structure.”

The seven domes that crown it symbolize the continents of the world, a reminder of global unity and interconnectedness. Inside, more than 365 columns stand tall, representing the days in a year and fostering a sense of timelessness.

The walls of Al-Meger Palace are also steeped in the rich history of the Umayyad and Abbasid civilizations, creating a visual tapestry that weaves together centuries of cultural legacy.

As visitors roam its hallowed halls, they are enveloped in a world of wonder and discovery, with each artifact being a testament to the enduring spirit of human creativity and ingenuity.

“Tourists can see a collection of ancient Islamic texts covering a range of subjects such as medicine, mathematics, and astronomy,” he noted.

Al-Meger said that scholars and historians have marveled at the architectural ingenuity of the palace, along with its rare manuscripts.

The museum’s collection includes the oldest manuscript penned by Jamal Al-Din Ibn Tumert Al-Andalusi from 720 AD, indicating that Arabs took up chemistry and physics. “The minister of culture sent a Chinese and French delegation with equipment to document and prove its authenticity,” said Al-Meger.

The cultural marvel’s success is born out the difficulties Al-Meger faced to achieve academic success.  

“I grew up without parents and attended school for three years before being expelled. I chose to care for village animals and relied on their milk for sustenance,” Al-Meger added, noting that he cared for the villagers’ sheep in Al-Namas until visiting his uncle in Tabuk at age 14.

His parents’ friends influenced him greatly as a child and he was told they were scholarly and intellectual.

Al-Meger said: “I told my uncle that I am willing to attend any school that accepts me and so I left for Nablus, Palestine. I didn’t spend a single penny (on) it as all the people of Nablus honored me and hosted me better than any of their children.”

When Al-Meger failed yet again, he moved to Jerusalem and a family took him in and enrolled him in Terra Sancta College. He wanted to become a doctor but failed once more.

“My interest sparked when I was in Jerusalem marveling at the amalgamation of different styles of architecture resembling different periods do time,” he recalled.

Back in Saudi Arabia, he joined the military and gained an interest in learning English and French: “I ranked ninth among 202 students in an officers’ course selection process and King Faisal awarded me my first certificate as a lieutenant after completing my training.”

He was then sent to the US. “After that, during my travels to Europe, I happened to pass by Spain and Andalusia and (learned about) the Islamic civilization there.

“Then I took a vacation and took a tour from the US to the Philippines and Indonesia, looking for a homeland to live in … I did not mean to return to Saudi Arabia.”

But fate brought Al-Meger back home and he decided to visit his hometown of Al-Namas once more.

Al-Meger visited the site his palace is now perched upon, describing it as one of the most beautiful sites he had seen in the world.

“I took a trip to India, Pakistan, and the Philippines and found 20 talented builders to bring my vision to life,” he added.

Upon its final opening in 2009, Al-Meger Palace captured the attention of visitors with its unique blend of world cultures, rare manuscripts, and breathtaking Andalusian architecture.

Today, Al-Meger Palace serves as a tangible reminder not just of its historical significance, but also of resilience amid challenges and hardships.

 

Decoder

Al-Meger Palace

Nestled in Asir’s Al-Namas governorate, Al-Meger Palace — a museum that is home to some of the oldest manuscripts from Islamic history — is the work of a lifetime of Mohammed Al-Meger, a former Saudi military officer whose parents were known intellectuals. Orphaned at an early age, he attended school for three years before he was expelled. He then worked as a shepherd until an uncle from Tabuk agreed to help him go back to school when he was 14. Unable to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor, he opted to join Saudi Arabia’s armed forces, which gave him the chance to learn the French and English languages, and the opportunity to travel. When he visited his hometown of Al-Namas once more, he came up with the idea of building the palace. It took 35 years to complete the project, which is now considered a "convergence of world cultures."


Saudi Arabia ranks third in global AI policy review, behind US, UK

Saudi Arabia ranks third in global AI policy review, behind US, UK
Updated 17 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia ranks third in global AI policy review, behind US, UK

Saudi Arabia ranks third in global AI policy review, behind US, UK
  • Kingdom’s rating highlights efforts in AI regulation
  • UNESCO praises country’s advances in accordance with ethical values

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has been ranked third globally in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s AI Policy Observatory, behind the US and the UK.

Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, president of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, referenced the Kingdom’s advances during a panel discussion at the Internet Governance Forum on Monday at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.

Al-Ghamdi said that Saudi Arabia’s third-place global ranking highlighted the Kingdom’s substantial efforts at AI regulation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He credited the country’s recognition to its placing ethics at the heart of AI initiatives since the establishment of SDAIA in 2019, highlighting the international significance of this focus, the SPA added.

Al-Ghamdi added that the Kingdom’s AI Ethics Early Adopters initiative and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics were vital in enhancing trust in AI products and establishing ethical standards for AI practices and services.

He said that ICAIRE, which is based in Riyadh and sponsored by UNESCO, had been selected as a regional and global partner for advancing the AI ethics agenda.

Al-Ghamdi added that UNESCO had praised Saudi Arabia’s advances in the AI sector as part of a recent report evaluating countries’ readiness to adopt AI in accordance with ethical values and international standards.

He said that the Kingdom was prepared to share its expertise with other countries and had significantly contributed to establishing a UN-affiliated AI advisory body in 2023.

He added that Saudi Arabia had collaborated with the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League to organize workshops on raising awareness about ethical evaluation tools for AI.

Al-Ghamdi said several initiatives had been launched during the Global AI Summit in Riyadh in September, including the Riyadh Charter on Artificial Intelligence, in partnership with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

He stressed that trust, transparency, clear guidelines, and proactive risk management were priorities that had positioned Saudi Arabia as a global leader in harnessing AI for the benefit of humanity.


From COP16 to FIFA 2034, a new era of events begins in Saudi Arabia

From COP16 to FIFA 2034, a new era of events begins in Saudi Arabia
Updated 16 December 2024
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From COP16 to FIFA 2034, a new era of events begins in Saudi Arabia

From COP16 to FIFA 2034, a new era of events begins in Saudi Arabia
  • Events sector boosts tourism, economy beyond seasonal peaks, Riyadh summit hears
  • Richard Attias: When you have an amazing policy on e-visas, on making business friendly and easy, attractive transport, and easy hospitality, you become a great destination

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has not just stepped onto the world stage; it is commanding it, securing the rights to host monumental global events like COP16, the Future Investment Initiative and the Misk Global Forum, and most recent crowning achievements of winning the bids for the FIFA World Cup 2034 and the World Expo 2030.

Fresh off these triumphs, the three-day International Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions Summit, held until Dec. 17 in Riyadh, is seeing global experts and tourism leaders converge to delve into the implications of the fast-growing events sector on Saudi Arabia’s evolving landscape.

Anita Mendiratta, special adviser to the secretary general of UN Tourism, told Arab News: “The importance of this event, and any event, is that it’s not only about the event being hosted and destination, IMS being hosted in Riyadh; it’s the fact that the world is interested to be here.”

She added: “They want to be a part of it. They want to understand what is happening in the Kingdom that’s creating so much excitement. So, to be part of this community is special … it’s a privilege to see how we can build business together from the Kingdom to the world and from the world to the Kingdom itself.”

Under the ambitious Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is not just enhancing its entertainment and tourism sectors, but is also aggressively transforming into a global nexus for international events.

This shift is being fueled by substantial investments in infrastructure, a welcoming stance toward global tourism and an evolving changing cultural landscape that positions the Kingdom as a magnet for diverse events.

The events sector stands out for its contribution to the tourism industry, as it is the only sector that ensures a steady stream of visitors throughout the year, encouraging repeat visits, extended stays and spreading economic benefits across various regions.

Mendiratta highlighted this advantage, saying: “So, for an economy, especially a developing economy, trying to build through tourism, which is a fantastic way of building economies, societies, cultures and protecting the environment, MICE is fantastic because it allows for year-round visitation, not only during traditional tourism seasons.”

According to the adviser, Riyadh is at the forefront as being a global entry point for events and tourism due to mobility, allowing for destination connectivity domestically, regionally and internationally, while also offering accessible visa acquisition.

“It is a magnificent front door because it amplifies the invitation of the Kingdom to the world,” she said. “Through Vision 2030, you have outstanding projects being put in place to make sure that you have the rail connectivity, the sea connectivity and the roads, and then you add on the mega events on top of that, and it absolutely amplifies the ability for the destination to really blossom.”

While the events taking place, including the summit, create tangible change on a smaller scale, they all sit within a greater, ambitious master plan to position Saudi Arabia as a leader globally in innovation, environment, tourism, economy and entertainment.

“The beauty about the Kingdom is that you not only have leadership coming behind Vision 2030, but every single mega-project, city, and person in Saudi understands the role that they have to play. That’s where longevity comes from and, importantly, legacy, so that we’re building Saudi for Saudis for generations to come,” Mendiratta added.

This ambitious vision includes the execution of numerous giga-projects that promise to not only enhance the job opportunities and quality of life for Saudi residents, but also cement the Kingdom’s position as a top tourist destination.

Qiddiya has recently made headlines for its plans to propel Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector through partnerships with local and international entities that will bring groundbreaking ventures into the country like Dragon Ball and Six Flags theme parks and Speed Park Track, which comes as the popularity of Formula 1 in the region grows.

Turki Al-Rasheed, representative of Qiddiya Investment Co., told Arab News that Qiddiya City will be located in the heart of Tuwaiq Mountains, which is 1400 km long and will immerse visitors in the heritage and the identity of Qiddiya.

“The city is the first city built on the Power of Play philosophy,” he said, adding that the company conducted multiple research studies that proved play was not only meant for leisure entertainment, but has a significant effect on lifestyle, well-being and health.

“That’s why we’re not only going to live life, we’re going to play life. Qiddiya will be the capital of sports, entertainment and our culture,” he added, “Qiddiya City will be built in phases. So, phase one consists of the Speed Park, Aquarabia, and Six Flags, these three assets that were announced.”

Al-Rasheed said that 8 percent of the Six Flags theme park has already been built, with the promise of announcing the progress of the rest of the assets soon.

The summit may very well be the perfect example of how the engineering of events has changed; normally there would be an event hosted by a company or destination, and the event’s organizers are brought on. In this unique case, it was pulled together, from concept to vision, by the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority.

“In a time marked by profound transformation, the MICE industry has emerged as an essential catalyst of progress. As the premier global leader in the industry, the International MICE Summit is expanding the horizons of what can be done when people meet, connect and are entertained,” Fahd Al-Rasheed, chairman of the authority, told the Saudi Press Agency.

Richard Attias & Associates — a top partner in the Kingdom for events like the Future Investment Initiative and Hegra Noble Summit, was then brought in to bring the summit to life.

Attias, a veteran of the events industry and founder, chairman and CEO of FII Institute, told Arab News: “When you look at all these portfolio of conferences, we are not events just to be an event. We are events who had, all of them, an impact on our humanity — by doing what? By attracting investors.

“When you do an investment conference and change the landscape of the host city as a host country and also the global conversation … you transform cities, you create amazing infrastructure and you create jobs.”

He added that the GCC region, specifically the Kingdom, has become a top destination for the events industry for several reasons, including the quality of infrastructure, such as travel and digitization, and vibrant and full economic ecosystem.

As Mendiratta said, location is a significant aspect as well.

Attias highlighted the role of policy in destination appeal, saying: “On top of that, when you have an amazing policy on e-visas, on making business friendly and easy, attractive transport, and easy hospitality, you become a great destination.”

The seasoned expert in events and conferences also underscored the pivotal role of technology in advancing the industry. He shared a stark warning to peers and staff alike: “The message I give to my colleagues and to the staff in this industry is that you are still underestimating the impact that technology would create in our industry.”

Even though the MICE sector has traditionally been about face-to-face interactions, Attias foresees a seismic shift: “I see technologies, not just AI, that will very soon will disrupt our industry like a tsunami,” he said. “Now we see another revolution, which would totally change our day-to-day life, which would change the way we travel, the way we attend conferences, the way we visit exhibitions, the way we meet, the way we even incentivize people.

“So, the whole MICE industry and far beyond will be totally transformed with technology.”


Saudi minister of interior meets Pakistani counterpart in Riyadh

The Saudi minister of interior meets his Pakistani counterpart Mohsin Naqvi at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh on Monday.
The Saudi minister of interior meets his Pakistani counterpart Mohsin Naqvi at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh on Monday.
Updated 16 December 2024
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Saudi minister of interior meets Pakistani counterpart in Riyadh

The Saudi minister of interior meets his Pakistani counterpart Mohsin Naqvi at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh on Monday.
  • Prince Abdulaziz, Naqvi discuss security cooperation between Kingdom, Pakistan
  • Naqvi congratulates Saudi leadership on hosting 2034 World Cup

RIYADH: Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi minister of interior, met his Pakistani counterpart Mohsin Naqvi at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh on Monday.

Prince Abdulaziz and Naqvi discussed security cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, focusing on efforts to combat drug trafficking and other matters of mutual interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Naqvi congratulated the Saudi leadership on Sunday for the Kingdom becoming the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and expressed his best wishes for the country.

The two countries signed several memorandums of understanding in October, worth $2.8 billion, which Islamabad believes will bring much-needed foreign investment into the financially struggling nation.

The Kingdom’s Deputy Minister of Interior Nasser Al-Daoud, the Undersecretary of Interior Khalid Al-Battal, and the Director General of Drug Control Mohammed Al-Qarni were among the officials who attended the meeting on Monday.

Ahmed Farouk, Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, was also present.


Saudi commerce minister meets Polish deputy PM in Warsaw

Polish Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski receives Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Qasabi in Warsaw. (Supplied)
Polish Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski receives Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Qasabi in Warsaw. (Supplied)
Updated 16 December 2024
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Saudi commerce minister meets Polish deputy PM in Warsaw

Polish Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski receives Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Qasabi in Warsaw. (Supplied)
  • They discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen ties, enhance trade relations and invest in the digital and tech sectors

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Qasabi met Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski on Monday, the Saudi minister wrote on X.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen ties, enhance trade relations and invest in the digital and tech sectors.

Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb met Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar and discussed the region’s “exceptional tourism assets, authentic cultural treasures and rich history,” Al-Khateeb wrote on X on Monday.

 


Saudi Heritage Commission registers 13,040 new sites of historical importance

Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has registered 13,040 new urban sites. (@MOCHeritage)
Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has registered 13,040 new urban sites. (@MOCHeritage)
Updated 16 December 2024
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Saudi Heritage Commission registers 13,040 new sites of historical importance

Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has registered 13,040 new urban sites. (@MOCHeritage)
  • Sites manifest a lasting testament to the Kingdom's historical narratives for future generations
  • The number of heritage sites increased to 17,495 in various regions

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Heritage Commission has registered 13,040 new urban sites, increasing the total number of documented sites with cultural and historical importance to 17,495 in various regions.

The commission's National Urban Heritage Register includes a list of urban sites that manifest a "lasting testament to the Kingdom's historical narratives for future generations," the Saudi Press Agency reported.

According to SPA, the most recent registered sites are 1,950 in Riyadh, 3,273 in Madinah, 1,531 in Al-Baha, 1,525 in Hail, 1,400 in Qassim, 972 in Aseer, 571 in Makkah, 363 in Al-Jouf, 351 in Jazan, 200 in Najran, 107 in Tabuk, 35 in the Northern Borders, and 762 in the Eastern Region.

The Heritage Commission is dedicated to preserving and managing Saudi Arabia's urban heritage for future generations and raising public awareness about its cultural importance, SPA added.

The commission conducts research to identify new heritage sites using technologies and modern practices to preserve, document, and create a comprehensive database of these sites.

The commission said the community is vital in preserving heritage sites. It encourages Saudi citizens to report any sites and buildings of cultural or historical importance for documentation on its online service portal, https://contactcenter.moc.gov.sa.