Scientific study solves mystery of AlUla’s magical mustatils

1 / 4
The current evidence shows that the Mustatils were used between 5300 and 4900 BC. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 06 April 2023
Follow

Scientific study solves mystery of AlUla’s magical mustatils

  • Local, Australian researchers think sites may have been used for human sacrifice
  • Sandstone structures were first discovered in 1970

RIYADH: A scientific study has revealed that a collection of ancient sandstone structures in AlUla were most likely built by shepherds and hunters as places to perform rituals and sacrifices, possibly in response to the changing climate.

The new research was conducted by the University of Western Australia in cooperation with a team from the Royal Commission for AlUla and published by Plos One Magazine, a peer-reviewed open access journal.

The first of the structures, known as mustatils (rectangles) and measuring 95 meters in length, were discovered during an archaeological survey of the northwest of the Kingdom in 1970.

In the decades that followed similar structures were found across the country, though they were not excavated until 2018. Since then they have been the subject of ongoing research by the Royal Commission for AlUla.

The latest study noted that all of the structures followed the same architectural plan, with long, thick walls connecting to create up to four courtyards. The mustatils were accessed through a narrow entrance at the base of the structure, with the main ritual chamber at the far end.

“Between 2019 and 2020, excavations in AlUla revealed a 140-meter-long and 20-meter-wide sandstone structure, the head of which had a semi-hollow chamber containing three large vertical stones that were described as ‘the throne’ or sacred stones,” the researchers said.

“These stones were surrounded by well-preserved cattle, goat and deer horns. Only the upper parts of animals were discovered, such as their teeth, skulls and horns, with most of them being two to 12-year-old males.”

Over the past five years, archaeologists have discovered more than 1,600 of the large stone structures spread across the Kingdom’s northwest. These date back more than 7,000 years, to the end of the Neolithic period.

The latest study suggests the mustatils were used between 5300 B.C. and 4900 B.C., at which time the Arabian Peninsula was covered in greenery and received a lot of rainfall.

The study also revealed the discovery of a small structure, near a mustatil, containing the remains of a human leg, five vertebrae and long bones, with soft tissue present at the time they were buried. The person is thought to have been 30 to 40 years old at the time of death.

Similar human remains have been found at other mustatil sites but researchers are not yet sure if the people were buried at the sites or part of some kind of ritual.

The huge size and complexity of the structures does however suggest their construction process was a collaborative effort, involving many groups. This might have been a form of social bonding and the ubiquity of the mustatils indicates they likely had a religious significance.

The researchers also noted that the structures appeared to point toward areas that contained water, suggesting they might have been built at a time when the climate in the region was changing and becoming more arid.

They were perhaps built as places where offerings could be made to the gods to provide rain and preserve the land’s fertility.


Egyptian child with parasitic twin arrives in Saudi Arabia for possible separation surgery

Updated 3 sec ago
Follow

Egyptian child with parasitic twin arrives in Saudi Arabia for possible separation surgery

  • Parents thank the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program and the Kingdom’s leaders for their help and the care and attention their son has received
  • The boy was taken to King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh for assessment by a medical team led by Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah

RIYADH: Mohammed Abdulrahman Juma, a child from Egypt with a parasitic twin, flew with his family to Riyadh on Wednesday for examination by a Saudi medical team to assess whether separation surgery is possible.

It followed directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that the Kingdom help care for the child.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, the head of the medical team at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital, and also an advisor to the Royal Court and Saudi aid agency KSrelief, thanked the Kingdom’s leaders for their support of this humanitarian case. He also acknowledged their backing of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, which provides assistance to critical cases worldwide.

Mohammed’s parents said they deeply appreciated the help provided by the program and the Saudi leaders, and the care and attention they have received, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

A parasitic twin, also known as vestigial twin, is an identical twin that stopped developing during gestation but is physically attached to the fully developed twin. Because it is not fully developed, it cannot survive on its own and often dies in the womb or during birth.


Diriyah program to empower, upskill local community

Fifth Diriyah Graduate Development Program has been launched to equip local talent with essential skills and knowledge.
Updated 44 min 55 sec ago
Follow

Diriyah program to empower, upskill local community

  • Enhance technical, behavioral skills with hands-on experience and training in key sectors 

RIYADH: The fifth Diriyah Graduate Development Program has been launched to equip local talent with essential skills and knowledge to assist in the transformation of the location and the Kingdom. 

As a part of its efforts to empower and upskill the Diriyah community, the program focuses on personal and professional development while fostering a connection to the operating firm’s values, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Launched by Diriyah Co., the program offers graduates an educational experience enhanced through collaboration with experts, consultants, and management institutes. It is designed for bachelor’s and master’s graduates with up to one year of experience. 

Aligned with the goals of Vision 2030, participants will build both behavioral and technical skills, paving the way for strong career prospects in a dynamic work environment, the SPA reported. 

The program includes competitive monthly stipends, housing and transportation allowances, health insurance, and social insurance registration. 

Participants will also have opportunities for secondments with leading consulting firms, international training at renowned educational institutions, and paid annual leave. 

Since its launch, the program has benefited 101 graduates, with nearly 30,000 applications received across four editions, the SPA reported. 

Participants gain hands-on experience by rotating through key departments including finance, marketing, human resources, legal affairs, and governance.

They also receive specialized training in fields including data management, cybersecurity, and risk management.

Registration for the program is now open and will remain available until April 13.

Through this initiative, Diriyah Co. continues to invest in its community, nurturing the next generation of leaders and supporting the Kingdom’s progress, the SPA reported.


Saudi Arabia gears up for dazzling Eid Al-Fitr celebrations

Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority has issued Eid Al-Fitr Events 2025 details, featuring a wide range of activities
Updated 19 March 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia gears up for dazzling Eid Al-Fitr celebrations

  • GEA unveils range of family-friendly activities, including concerts, theatrical performances, across the Kingdom
  • Fireworks will illuminate the night sky at 9 p.m. in key locations in major cities

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority has issued Eid Al-Fitr Events 2025 details, featuring a wide range of activities to mark the occasion.

GEA has unveiled a nationwide celebration featuring concerts, theatrical performances, fireworks, and a variety of activities across the Kingdom's entertainment zones, offering unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Musical concerts will take place in Riyadh, Shaqra, Abha, Qassim, Jeddah, and Eastern Region cities, while theatrical productions will take center stage in Riyadh (April 1-19), Jeddah (April 1-6), and Dammam (April 1-3).

Fireworks will illuminate the night sky at 9 p.m. in key locations, including Boulevard World in Riyadh, Jeddah Art Promenade, Alkhobar Corniche, and Arruddaf Park in Taif.

Eid celebrations will kick off on day one at Riyadh's Boulevard City, Boulevard World, VIA Riyadh, and Jeddah Art Promenade, with City Hub in Alkhobar hosting festivities on day two, providing diverse and family-friendly entertainment.

The events underscore GEA's dedication to celebrating Eid and advancing the Kingdom's entertainment sector.


Saudi Arabia’s AgriServ receives 8 ISO certifications for quality in agriculture

Updated 19 March 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia’s AgriServ receives 8 ISO certifications for quality in agriculture

  • Company recognized for meeting international quality, safety standards

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Company for Agricultural Services was awarded certifications from the International Organization for Standardization on Wednesday.

AgriServ, which provides services to farmers, breeders and agricultural enterprises, received eight ISO certifications for achieving quality standards and meeting international specifications of safety and efficiency.

Abdulrahman Al-Fadli, minister of environment, water and agriculture, and chairman of AgriServ, was present at the award ceremony.

The company obtained certifications in eight categories: anti-bribery, compliance, information security, quality, energy, environment, occupational health and safety, and customer satisfaction, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Omar Al-Suhaibani, CEO of AgriServ, said that the achievement was a result of the company’s efforts to enhance internal procedures and implement the highest quality standards.

He highlighted AgriServ’s commitment to international standards in its regulations, policies and procedures, the SPA added.


Thunderstorms expected across Saudi Arabia until Sunday

Updated 19 March 2025
Follow

Thunderstorms expected across Saudi Arabia until Sunday

  • Thunderstorms are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Sunday

RIYADH: Thunderstorms are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Sunday, leading the General Directorate of Civil Defense to urge the public to exercise caution, stay in safe areas, avoid flood-prone valleys and watercourses, and refrain from swimming in them.

It emphasized the importance of following official instructions issued through media outlets and social media platforms, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, the Makkah region will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, leading to flash floods, hail and winds, causing dust and sandstorms.

Similar conditions are expected in the Riyadh region.

The directorate indicated that the regions of Madinah, Baha, Asir, Jazan, Qassim, and the Eastern Province will also experience moderate to heavy rainfall. Moderate rain is expected in the Najran region while the Hail region will have light showers.