Italy and Saudi Arabia Unite in Archaeological Venture at Dumat Al-Jandal Amid Cultural Collaborations and New Discoveries
Italy-Saudi Arabia team up on a five-year archaeological excavation and education project in Dumat Al-Jandal.
Starting with a testament to cultural collaboration, Italian Ambassador Carlo Baldocci recently highlighted the archaeological partnership at Dumat Al-Jandal between Italy and Saudi Arabia, a region rich with ancient history. With a new five-year excavation plan led by Prof. Romolo Loreto and initiatives like the Winter Archaeological School, the mission not only strengthens bilateral ties but also aims to foster learning opportunities in archaeology for Saudi students.
Meanwhile, Nordic Culture Week 2024 is set to infuse Scandinavian culture into Saudi life with events in Riyadh and Jeddah, showcasing Nordic heritage through activities such as film screenings and Danish pastry-making. This festival, lauded by Danish Ambassador Liselotte Plesner, emphasizes the united cultural celebration and cooperation between Nordic countries and Saudi Arabia.
In light of weather updates, the Saudi Civil Defense has issued warnings for potential heavy rains and flash floods from Wednesday to Sunday, urging vigilance especially in areas like Makkah and Jazan. Residents are reminded of the sudden weather shifts during autumn and are advised to adhere to safety guidelines as preventive measures.
On the scientific front, a breakthrough discovery at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University has found that removing the "CLAMT1b" gene can boost pearl millet's resilience against the parasitic weed striga. This genetic enhancement marks a significant stride towards addressing food security challenges, particularly in arid regions, and aligns with global efforts to adapt agriculture to climate change.
Turning to community healthcare efforts, the Sheryan Society in Jazan, together with Bristol Myers Squibb, entertained young thalassemia patients with a puppet show during Global Patient Week. This initiative, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, demonstrates the power of partnerships in enhancing patient care and overall healthcare experience.
Finally, in international relations, Russia’s Foreign Ministry has criticized Israel's military actions, accusing them of escalating tensions in the Middle East. Alongside criticism of U.S. and U.K. support for Israel, Russia condemned an Israeli missile attack in Damascus, calling for attention to violations of regional sovereignties and the resulting civilian impacts.