AlUla symposium: Bridging past and present in mobile heritage

Nomadic, or mobile, communities are at the heart of the Arab region’s history. Our ancestors were mobile, moving across the Gulf, the Middle East, and throughout the wider region — a tradition that continues among some peoples of this land today. The presence of mobile communities is not unique to the Middle East; in fact, mobile communities were and are present all over the world. We know this because they have recorded their stories and left archaeological traces across landscapes worldwide.

From Saudi Arabia to Peru, from Turkiye to Namibia, and from China to the US, mobile communities have left their marks on the landscape. These marks can vary in visibility and sometimes appear as monumental structures. For example, in Saudi Arabia, there are large-scale hunting traps known as “desert kites” and long-distance “funerary avenues.” We have the opportunity to learn from the archaeology and heritage studies of these fascinating communities and apply these insights to address contemporary challenges.

Despite mobility being integral to the human condition and foundational to our success as a species over hundreds of thousands of years, there has never been a global gathering of experts to advance our collective knowledge on this important topic. There is an opportunity to enhance our global understanding of the impact of mobility in the past by bringing together leading experts from all parts of the world to engage in a unified global dialogue, exchange knowledge, and foster new collaborations and insights.

This week, the Royal Commission for AlUla will host this much-needed dialogue, convening a groundbreaking debate and discussion among over 100 of the world’s leading experts on mobile communities. From Oct. 30-31, the inaugural symposium under the AlUla World Archaeology Summit will take place in AlUla on the theme of “Moving Forward: Past, Present, and Future in the Archaeology and Heritage of Mobile Communities.”

The curated symposium program offers a platform to explore the dynamic interactions between mobile and settled communities, both past and present. The discussions will cover essential topics, including the economic drivers of mobility, material culture, environmental adaptations, and the role of museums in preserving mobile heritage. By highlighting unique case studies and best practices from around the world, the symposium aims to challenge traditional assumptions about mobility and shed light on aspects of mobile communities that often remain hidden.

This theme is closely connected to the fascinating history and archaeology of AlUla. AlUla has long been a locus of movement — a crossroads for trade, ideas, languages, and cultural practices. The traces of these movements are imprinted on AlUla itself, in our archaeological records, in the landscapes people inhabit, and in the narratives constructed by the people themselves. Expert delegates attending the symposium will also visit the incredible archaeological sites of AlUla that bear witness to our own story of movement.

Beyond AlUla, the entirety of Saudi Arabia has been, and continues to be, known for its ancient civilizations and trade routes, serving as a crucial link in global trade and cultural exchange. We recognize the importance of preserving this rich cultural heritage to promote national unity, values, and identity. Today, we are working to realize Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 — an ambitious blueprint that outlines our long-term goals and provides a clear pathway to achieve them. AlUla has a special role in the realization of this vision, as the home of Hegra, the first World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia, inscribed by UNESCO in 2008 and created by one of these mobile communities — the Nabataeans.

In a world where mobility has become easier for many but not for all — a world that has experienced the implications of a sudden lack of mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic — this year’s AlUla World Archaeology Symposium 2024 hopes to build a new platform to discuss and co-create solutions for future generations.

The Royal Commission for AlUla is committed to safeguarding the exceptional cultural and historical value of Saudi Arabia and this region by transforming AlUla into an inspiring destination for archaeological research and dialogue, bringing to light the stories and histories that define our shared heritage.

• Dr. Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani is vice president of culture at the Royal Commission for AlUla.