Archaeology & Cultural Heritage Research | The Royal Commission for AlUla

About Us

The Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Research team leads RCU's strategic programme of work illuminating the vibrant cultural heritage of AlUla, Khaybar and Tayma through scientific investigation of the rich archaeological remains and other heritage sources. Our growing team consists of senior Saudi and international specialists with PhDs and MAs in archaeology, anthropology, and related sciences, who develop, commission and manage a diverse array of research projects and mentor our junior Saudi colleagues, among other activities.

The projects involve archaeological survey and excavation using muti-disciplinary methodologies and state-of-the-art technologies along with advanced studies in cultural heritage across the whole range of human occupation throughout the areas of RCU jurisdiction – AlUla County, the Khaybar Oasis, and Volcano Area and the Tayma Oasis – over 300,000 years of activity involving more than 37,000 sites so far identified.

Facts & Figures

Defining a New Era of Arabian Archaeology—and Our Shared Pasts

We work collaboratively with leading institutions and individuals from around the globe as well as in Saudi Arabia, and with our key partner, Agence française pour le développement d’Alula (Afalula). Each of our projects provides community outreach and critical capacity building opportunities for early career professionals from AlUla and nationwide. With an average of 12 projects underway per year and over 200 archaeologists typically in the field during the Autumn and Winter-Spring fieldwork seasons, our project teams are rapidly redefining the history and prehistory of northwest Arabia, its environments and peoples, and their deep connections to the wider world over thousands of years. Through these endeavors we are developing AlUla as the long-term archaeological leader for Saudi Arabia and not only a major research hub for the region but also beyond.

300,000+

Human Occupation Range

37,000+

Archaeological sites

14

2024 Active Projects

200+

Archaeologists and associated specialists in the Field

25,000+

Inscriptions

18,800+

Rock Art

7

Collaborating Institutions

38

Peer-Reviewed Publications since 2021

1,600+

Mustatils

180+

Kites

Safeguarding and Celebrating AlUla's Heritage

The Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Research team also enacts RCU's development principles to safeguard and celebrate the heritage and cultural landscapes within the areas of RCU jurisdiction. Our team brings heritage expertise to master planning and development projects; maintains and disseminates authoritative scientific knowledge about AlUla, Khaybar and Tayma; develops and promotes best practices in heritage; and supports the AlUla World Archaeology Summit and Symposium.