Dr. Laila Nehme, a French archaeologist from CNRS, visited KAUST as part of the Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) to discuss her work on Mada’in Saleh, also known as Al-Hijr or Hegra. Nehme co-directs the Saudi-French Archaeological Project and specializes in Nabatean epigraphy, studying the daily life of the ancient Nabateans through unearthed remains. Her team, working with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, is beginning its third four-year program to study the site. Why it matters: The research sheds light on the historical significance of Mada’in Saleh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Nabatean civilization's southernmost settlement, enhancing our understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage.
A Heritage Commission and KAUST collaboration published in Nature Communications reveals the discovery of large-scale rock art panels in the Nefud Desert, dating back 12,000 years. Over 60 panels with 176 engravings were found depicting animals like camels and ibex. Paleoenvironmental analysis indicates surface water was present 14,000 years ago, supporting early human and wildlife expansion. Why it matters: The findings revise the timeline of human repopulation in Saudi Arabia's interior deserts after the Last Glacial Maximum and demonstrate the significance of interdisciplinary research in understanding the region's climate history.
KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) 2026, themed "Adaptation: Reshaping for a Fluctuating Future," convened students and researchers to explore adaptation through science and community. Speakers emphasized KAUST's role in preparing Saudi Arabia for change and the importance of aligning research with national goals. The program highlighted the Nabataean Traverse Expedition, a multidisciplinary scientific expedition from Petra to AlUla, involving KAUST's Professor Alexandre Rosado. Why it matters: The WEP program underscores KAUST's commitment to fostering innovation and preparing future leaders to address complex challenges facing Saudi Arabia and the world.
KAUST researchers are using AI to analyze satellite imagery for the automated detection of ancient stone structures in northwest Saudi Arabia, including mustatils (rectangular structures dating to the late 6th millennium BCE) and ruins in circular and triangular shapes. They developed a deep learning algorithm trained on manually identified datasets to isolate similar features over a wide area. The tool converts detected pixels into geodetic coordinates using GPS, assembling them into an online map and database. Why it matters: This project exemplifies computational archaeology, speeding up archaeological discoveries, promoting cultural heritage, and providing a methodology useful to other sectors of the economy.
VentureOne, part of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), launched Nabat, a climate tech venture using AI and robotics for ecosystem restoration. Nabat employs drones, AI-powered software, and flexible seeding to conserve and restore mangroves, aiming to cover thousands of hectares in the UAE over seven years. Their technology enables precision mapping, seeding, and monitoring in remote areas. Why it matters: This initiative showcases the UAE's commitment to using advanced technology for environmental conservation and climate resilience, particularly in preserving vital ecosystems like mangroves, while also highlighting the growing AI startup ecosystem in the region.
A KAUST-led study identified 15 large mammal species that inhabited the Arabian Peninsula in the last 10,000 years, tripling previous estimates. Researchers analyzed thousands of petroglyphs from scientific expeditions, publications, and social media. The study identified two species never known to live in the region before: the greater kudu and the Somali wild ass. Why it matters: The findings provide a benchmark for rewilding efforts and inform decisions on which mammals to reintroduce to the region.
A photography exhibition at KAUST's 2015 Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) showcased Al-Balad in Jeddah through the lenses of Andrea Bachofen-Echt and Marina Kochetyga. The photographers captured the unique architecture of Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, during multiple visits over a month. Andrea noted Al-Balad's authenticity due to limited tourism, making it a unique subject. Why it matters: This highlights the importance of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia through art and photography.
KAUST will host a Modern Saudi Art Exhibit from Arabian Wings (Jan 11-15), an Al-Balad 24 Photography Exhibition featuring work by Marina Kochetyga and Andrea Bachofen (Jan 11-16), and an East African Tingatinga art exhibition (Jan 18-24). The Al-Balad exhibit includes a video by Dr. Lorenzo Pareschi documenting a fire in the historic district. Why it matters: These art exhibits expose the KAUST community to diverse artistic styles and cultural perspectives, fostering cross-cultural understanding.