Saudi Gazette report

AL-ULA — The Royal Commission for Al-Ula (RCU) has harnessed digital technologies to let tourists from all over the world explore the rich heritage of Al-Ula on a virtual platform through the Internet. The initiative enables tourists to enjoy watching the richness of Al-Ula’s past through digital exhibitions using 3D technology from the comfort of their homes.

The move is part of the RCU’s efforts to showcase archaeological sites and disseminate the ancient history of Al-Ula Governorate in the light of the current coronavirus pandemic situation in the world.

In December 2018, the commission launched a program for the archeological and heritage survey in the governorate with the objective of teaching on how to use the latest archaeological survey technologies. These technologies tend to recreate accurate digital copies and three-dimensional models of small immovable heritage pieces such as inscriptions as well as monuments and large buildings, in order to build models of historical sites that are not open to visitors, and thus to preserve the heritage of Al-Ula.

After finishing the copying process comes the step of providing a virtual experience through the website of “Living Museum,” using digital lenses and 360 video clips, where browsers across the world will be able to feel and enjoy a virtual tour to explore the archaeological sites and learn about the ancient history of Al-Ula governorate through digital exhibitions using 3D technology. The RCU is working to achieve this over the coming period.

In 2018, 15 young Saudi men and women from Al-Ula had benefited from the training, as they were given the opportunity to acquire new digital skills in the field of photogrammetry.

In the second phase of the training program held in 2019, two young men — Abdul Rahim Sogair, and Jawhara Al-Balawi — had benefited from two weeks of intensive training in the photogrammetry in Spain to acquire the most important skills enabling them to use this advanced technology in documenting heritage.

They also took advantage of a very unique and exciting experience, where they learned the latest methods of photogrammetry, and how to use the programs devoted to this wonderful technology. This raised their passion for continuing and expanding in the field by applying what they learned on the ground and sharing their experience with the people of Al-Ula. Moreover, they used the skills they acquired in the photogrammetry by offering educational programs and courses to educate people on how to use this technique in the right way.

Dr. Rebecca Foote, head of Heritage and Archeology at RCU, lauded the commission’s efforts to uncover, preserve, protect and celebrate the exceptional cultural heritage together with the rest of the world, through archaeological survey programs to make Al-Ula heritage available globally, by highlighting the ancient cultures and kingdoms of Al-Ula and their significance in cementing cultural exchange over thousands of years.