Ancient Arab sites show potential of exchanges

After its debut in Paris in 2019, AlUla, Wonder of Arabia, was the first exhibition in China to comprehensively showcase the city with historical significance. It will run through to March 22 in the Palace Museum.

"We have so far 12 archaeological missions (in AlUla), and all of them are international," Alsuhaibani says." To work with Chinese partners (in the future) is an objective of such an exhibition.

"What we have in AlUla is well-preserved humanity," he tells China Daily. "To keep and preserve this heritage is not only our own responsibility … and we thus invite people around the world to excavate and discover."

From 2016 to 2020, China and Saudi Arabia conducted joint archaeological research surrounding al Serrian, a site of port ruins near Mecca. China helped to train the first Saudi underwater archaeologist.

Now, before Chinese archaeologists set foot in Saudi Arabia again for another key site, its glamour has hooked wide Chinese public attention, not only through this exhibition.

Divas Hit the Road, a popular Chinese traveling reality show that premiered last month, chose AlUla as its second destination in the country after the capital, Riyadh.

For two lands with brilliant ancient civilizations, it is perhaps the continuation of a beautiful friendship.