AlUla World Archaeology Symposium 2024

AlUla World Archaeology Symposium 2024 is a global symposium organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Province, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from October 30 to 31, 2024. The event aims to facilitate academic discussions in the field of archaeology, bringing together researchers, specialists, academics, scientists, and professionals in archaeology and cultural heritage from around the world. It also serves as a response to the recommendations of AlUla World Archaeology Summit 2023.

AlUla World Archaeology Symposium 2024 was held under the theme "Moving Forward: Past, Present, and Future in the Archaeology and Heritage of Mobile Communities." Mobility has played a fundamental role in the world since prehistoric times, enabling access to new opportunities, exploration, and the improvement of living conditions. It has also served as a means of coping with environmental and natural challenges, disasters, conflicts, and political and social instability, among other factors.

The study of archaeology and heritage related to mobile societies involves several requirements, such as understanding the material evidence they leave behind and tracing their impact on natural landscapes. It also includes analyzing their mobility patterns, use of natural resources, interactions with both settled and mobile communities, and the influence of mobility on their identity, beliefs, and customs.

AlUla World Archaeology Symposium 2024 featured programs, presentations, and panel discussions on archaeology and the understanding of mobile societies. Topics included interactions between mobile and settled communities, economic and cultural factors, environmental adaptations, the role of museums in preserving the heritage of mobile societies in line with global practices, responsible conservation, adaptive heritage management in response to changes, sustainable tourism, and the challenges of balancing different priorities at archaeological sites.

A global exhibition was held, showcasing a collection of artifacts from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples in Italy. The symposium also included field visits to archaeological sites in AlUla and the surrounding areas, such as Tayma and Khaybar.