Saudi Gazette report

AL-DIRIYAH — Senior Saudi and Italian archeology officials reviewed the accomplishments made by the Saudi-Italian mission to excavate archeological sites in the historic Dumat Al-Jandal area in the northwestern Al-Jouf region.

Dr. Jasser Al-Herbish, head of the Saudi Heritage Commission, discussed the matter with Prof. Romolo Loreto of the University of Naples, the head of the mission, and Vito M Pierro, representative of the cultural affairs at the Italian Embassy in Riyadh, in a virtual session on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The meeting discussed new exciting opportunities for continuing collaboration between the archeological entities of the two countries. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al-Herbish stressed the importance of continuing joint work and expanding the scope of the mission to include a greater number of archaeological sites in the Kingdom. “The commission is keen on expanding the work of exploring more archaeological treasures, and transfer of international expertise in modern techniques and methods of archaeological work. It will also involve Saudi university students in archaeological survey and excavation missions in the Kingdom in line with the vision and directions of the Ministry of Culture,” he told the meeting.

Ever since its formation in 2009, the Saudi-Italian mission has made major archaeological achievements in the northwestern region of the Kingdom, and its efforts were focused in the recent period on Dumat Al-Jandal, an ancient city of ruins with invaluable cultural treasures.

The mission is part of a group of global missions in which Saudi researchers are participating to discover ancient monuments and heritage sites in various cities and regions across the Kingdom.