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
Updated 06 April 2023
Arab News
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.
Crown prince launches Saudi Architecture Characters Map to celebrate architectural heritage
Saudi Architecture aims to enrich the urban architectural diversity of the Kingdom, elevate urban landscape in cities and empower local talent
Updated 17 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has officially launched the Saudi Architecture Characters Map, featuring 19 distinct architectural styles inspired by the Kingdom’s diverse geographical and cultural characteristics.
The map highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to celebrating the Kingdom’s architectural heritage, enhancing quality of life and modernizing the urban landscape in Saudi cities as part of Vision 2030, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
The crown prince emphasized that Saudi Architecture would reflect the cultural and geographical diversity of the Kingdom.
He further highlighted the importance of sustainable urban planning that harmonized with the local environment and integrates traditional architectural elements into modern designs.
“Saudi Architecture blends our rich heritage with contemporary design thinking. We are enhancing urban landscapes and quality of life as well as building an architectural framework that balances the past and the present. This model will serve as a global source of inspiration for innovation in architectural design,” the crown prince said.
Prince Mohammed continued: “Saudi Architecture will indirectly contribute to economic growth by making our cities more attractive to visitors and tourists, which will stimulate sectors such as tourism, hospitality and construction. It also envisions a future where our cities and communities thrive.”
Saudi Architecture aims to enrich the urban architectural diversity of the Kingdom, elevate urban landscape in cities and empower local talent.
By 2030, it is expected to contribute over SR8 billion ($2.13 billion) to the Kingdom’s cumulative gross domestic product and create more than 34,000 direct and indirect job opportunities across the engineering, construction, and urban development sectors.
Saudi Architecture provides developers with guidelines that allow for modern building materials without imposing additional financial burdens. Each of the 19 architectural styles offers three design typographies: traditional, transitional, and contemporary – encouraging creative expression while preserving the authenticity of local architecture.
The implementation of Saudi Architecture will unfold in a phased manner. The first phase will focus on Al-Ahsa, Taif, Makkah, and Abha, where initial applications will target major projects, government buildings, and commercial structures.
The Saudi Architecture Characters Map highlights 19 architectural styles inspired by geographical, natural and cultural characteristics, derived from urban and historical studies of building traditions passed down through generations.
These styles include Central Najdi, Northern Najdi, Tabuk Coast, Madinah Rural, Inner Madinah, Hejazi Coast, Taif Highlands, Sarawat Mountains, Aseer Escarpment, Tuhama Foothills, Tuhama Coast, Farasan Islands, Abha Highlands, Bisha Desert, Najran, Al-Ahsa Oasis, Al-Qatif Oasis, East Coast, and Eastern Najdi.
Efforts to implement Saudi Architecture are driven by partnerships across government agencies, engineering firms and real estate developers.
Architectural design studios will support engineers and designers through engineering guidelines, training workshops, and skill development programs to ensure the highest standards of sustainability and quality.
Jeddah fitness buffs break sweat before and after iftar
Fasting residents are staying committed to their fitness regimes during holy month
Updated 16 March 2025
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Ramadan provides a tough test for many, with iftar spreads of sugary, calorie-packed, and fried food being quite a temptation — but fitness enthusiasts in Jeddah are not letting that slow them down.
Many fasting residents are staying committed to their fitness regimes, hitting the gyms and cycling, jogging, paddling, running, boxing, and tackling other high-energy activities to keep their health on track during the holy month.
Fitting in a workout before iftar has become a popular trend this Ramadan among men and women, with many taking to the open spaces to reap its health benefits.
Fitting in a workout before iftar has become a popular trend this Ramadan among men and women, with many taking to the open spaces to reap its health benefits. (SPA)
Tariq Abdulmajeed, 42, who walks daily before iftar on the Tahlia pathway, told Arab News: “One of the effective ways to exercise in Ramadan is to walk before breaking the fast. It is the right period to obtain fitness.
“It really can improve physical and muscular capacity and enhance overall body fitness.”
Fitness expert Nasser Al-Saadi told Arab News that Ramadan was not the time to push your limits or set personal records, and added: “You should treat it as a time to maintain (your health). People should take it easy and not have hard workouts because that could affect their health.”
One of the effective ways to exercise in Ramadan is to walk before breaking the fast. It is the right period to obtain fitness.
Tariq Abdulmajeed, Jeddah resident
He explained that exercising before iftar can help burn fat, as the body relies on stored energy. But it may also lead to dehydration.
Al-Saadi recommends light exercises such as walking, stretching, or low-intensity activities, ideally 30 to 60 minutes before breaking the fast. He added: “Exercising after iftar is the ideal time because the body is replenished with nutrients and fluids.”
With more people training in the hours just before and after iftar, gyms across Jeddah are seeing more members attending during the holy month.
Fitting in a workout before iftar has become a popular trend this Ramadan among men and women, with many taking to the open spaces to reap its health benefits. (SPA)
Mahmoud Abdul Raziq, a coach at Ultimate Power Gym, told Arab News: “Many people intend to maintain their health during Ramadan but they should be committed all year long, not only for one month.”
He has been impressed by the discipline he has seen in his fasting clients, and added: “I think they are at full power and most of them seem very determined to make a change. They want to challenge themselves physically, mentally and spiritually and that’s the reason we have seen more members signing up.
“Group classes are scheduled two hours before and two hours after iftar, which has been advised as the best timeline for results geared towards losing fat and gaining muscle.”
Arab News caught up with a few people in the gym, and all of them had goals: losing excess body fat, maintaining muscle mass, and toning the body.
Most of them have their workout just before their fast ends. They get home just in time for iftar or end their fast in the gym with a single date and water.
Rayan Abu Hamza, 34, said his fitness goal was to maintain muscle mass and tone his body, and added: “Since the beginning of Ramadan I have been coming to the gym before iftar because it is much better than coming at night when the gym gets crowded and most of the exercising machines are busy.”
When asked if it was better to exercise before or after iftar, Saad Al-Zahrani said: “For me it is before iftar. I don’t feel lazy and it gives me more strength.”
Another member, Tawfiq Hamawi, a Syrian expat, said he preferred later in the day, adding: “Due to my working hours, it is impossible to come before iftar. This would be ideally two hours after eating because it allows the body to replenish nutrients and fluids before physical exertion.”
Whether it is walking outdoors, joining group classes, or hitting the gym alone, residents in Jeddah are finding ways to balance health and tradition.
Ramadan is no excuse for these committed locals to pause their fitness journey, but a period to adapt and push forward.
RAWALPINDI: Sheikh Sajid Mahmood, a Pakistani entrepreneur in his late 50s, basks in the winter sunshine after offering Dhuhr prayers at a mosque in the city of Rawalpindi. The tranquil appeal of the place of worship — a spiritual and cultural beacon — draws thousands like Mahmood, particularly during Ramadan.
Surrounded by busy markets and towering buildings, the Markazi Jamia Masjid, or central grand mosque, is an architectural marvel in Pakistan that not only offers a retreat to devotees, but also captivates visitors with its vibrant frescoes and intricate design, offering a glimpse into the rich religious and cultural heritage of Rawalpindi.
Rawalpindi’s Markazi Jamia Masjid offers visitors a chance to connect with the city’s past. (AN photo)
The mosque’s foundations were laid in 1896 by Amanullah Khan, who later became the king of Afghanistan, alongside a prominent local religious figure, Peer Mehar Ali Shah of Golra Sharif in Islamabad. Since its completion, the mosque has been a central place of worship for Muslims in the city, whose numbers multiply in Ramadan.
“I am from the second generation (of devotees praying here). I am almost 60 years old now. (We) get a lot of spiritual satisfaction by praying here,” Mahmood told Arab News, explaining how the vastness of the space provides a sense of serenity.
FASTFACT
Surrounded by busy markets and towering buildings, the Markazi Jamia Masjid offers a glimpse into the rich religious and cultural heritage of Rawalpindi.
“Look at the sunlight, there are rows of prayer mats laid out in the courtyard. You can also get an idea from this; smaller mosques are confined on the sides.”
Worshippers offer prayers in the compound of the century-old Markazi Jamia Mosque in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on March 12, 2025, during Arab News’ Ramadan special coverage. (AN photo)
Mufti Muhammad Siddiq-ul-Hasnain Sialvi, who leads prayers at the mosque, shares a “deep connection” with the place.
“This mosque is the largest in the Rawalpindi division, accommodating up to 7,000 worshippers,” he said. “The arrangements for (late night) Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan are excellent, and we also have a grand arrangement for iftar. A large number of people perform itikaf (or seclusion in the last 10 days of Ramadan) here as well.”
Worshippers offer prayers in the compound of the century-old Markazi Jamia Mosque in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on March 12, 2025, during Arab News’ Ramadan special coverage. (AN photo)
The Markazi Jamia Masjid’s architectural beauty blends elements of Mughal architecture with local designs. The main prayer hall, dominated by three domes and several minarets, reflects the grandeur of traditional Mughal architecture, featuring arches and intricate floral motifs. Local adaptations imbue the mosque with a unique identity that speaks of Rawalpindi’s heritage.
The interior walls are adorned with hand-painted frescoes, some of which have been meticulously restored over the years. The frescoes, with their detailed floral patterns and geometric symmetry, evoke the splendor of Mughal craftsmanship. Although some of the vibrant blues, reds and yellows have faded with time, they retain their beauty, telling the story of an era long past.
The mosque’s spacious courtyard is the heart of the complex, where worshippers gather before entering the prayer hall. During Ramadan, the worship place comes alive, especially during iftar and Taraweeh as the open space allows for a comfortable congregation, offering a welcoming environment for all.
“There is more rush here in Ramadan, the open courtyard makes it comfortable for people,” said Waqas Iqbal, a jeweler who regularly visits the mosque. “You don’t feel cramped, whether it’s summer or winter.”
But for Mahmood, the mosque is a sanctuary of peace.
“The open courtyard and the peaceful surroundings make it a special place to pray,” he said, explaining how the vastness of the space provides a sense of serenity that “smaller mosques often lack.”
More than just a place of worship, Rawalpindi’s Markazi Jamia Masjid offers visitors a chance to connect with the city’s past. Its management, which falls under the Punjab Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department, ensures the mosque undergoes maintenance every 10 to 15 years, so that it stays in pristine condition for future generations.
“Many prominent personalities have offered prayers in this grand mosque and the imam of Haram Sharif (Grand Mosque in Makkah) has visited and led prayers here,” said Sialvi, who added that all these factors make it a special place for the residents of the neighborhood and an honor for Rawalpindi.
Frankly Speaking: Assessing Lucid and the Kingdom’s EV ambitions
Faisal Sultan, VP and MD (Middle East) of Lucid Motors, is confident about the US-headquartered electric vehicle maker’s trajectory and its presence in Saudi Arabia
Considers Saudi electric transportation goals attainable thanks to steady public adoption of EV and strong government policy support
Updated 30 min 11 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Faisal Sultan, vice president and managing director of Lucid Middle East, is confident about the company’s trajectory and its growing presence in Saudi Arabia — a nation eager to establish itself as a key player in the global electric vehicle (EV) market.
Lucid Motors has had a transformative year despite a leadership change following Peter Rawlinson’s departure as CEO after 12 years in the post. Appearing on the Arab News current affairs program “Frankly Speaking,” Sultan said the firm has been left on a strong footing.
“What Lucid is today is because of him,” Sultan told “Frankly Speaking” host Katie Jensen. “The company is in a growth stage and therefore Peter decided to hand it over to the team that he has established to take it forward.”
Lucid, a pioneering EV manufacturer headquartered in the US, has set ambitious goals for its expansion in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
Backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which holds a significant stake in the company, Lucid is spearheading the development of the Kingdom’s first EV manufacturing facility.
The firm’s assembly plant in Jeddah’s King Abdullah Economic City, which opened in September 2023, is already operational. Construction is underway for a full-scale factory, expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
“I’m very proud of the team, what we’ve been able to accomplish in Saudi Arabia — the first-ever international automotive manufacturing plant in the Kingdom,” said Sultan.
“We are definitely going to move and expand on that. We’re building a complete build unit factory now after the semi-knocked-down assembly factory, and that is currently under construction. It’s on time and it’s going to be completed, as previously stated, by the end of next year.
“It will have a capacity of 150,000 and we’ll start producing some cars in early 2027 from there for global consumption.”
Faisal Sultan, vice president and managing director (Middle East) of Lucid Group, spoke to ‘Frankly Speaking’ host Katie Jensen on a wide range of topics related to sustainable mobility. (AN Photo)
Lucid Motors has joined the “Made in Saudi” program, becoming the first global automotive company to do so, allowing it to use the 'Saudi Made' logo on its products, signifying quality and national pride, and reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a leader in innovative manufacturing.
“The ‘Made in Saudi’ badge is a very prestigious thing,” said Sultan. “And it’s a really emotional thing for our teammates out of Saudi Arabia because they feel very proud to be a part of history and to be the first automotive manufacturer that can say that we have a Saudi-made vehicle, which is now being exported to other countries.
“Even the public has perceived it as a medal.”
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy places great emphasis on sustainability and clean energy, with the aim of electrifying 30 percent of vehicles on its roads by the end of the decade.
Sultan believes this goal is attainable, given the steady increase in EV adoption and the government’s strong policy support.
“Our estimates are, basically, about 6 to 7 percent of vehicles that are being sold in the country are already electric vehicles,” he said.
“But I think that’s going to grow to 30 percent because of initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative that really puts in the drive, the motivation, the policies, all of them coming together.”
More can be done, however, to boost the uptake of EVs.
“One of the biggest challenges when you talk about EV adoption is the infrastructure,” said Sultan. “And if the infrastructure is not there, it’s not going to happen. So we’re working with many companies, many partnerships that Lucid has. We’re working with the government entities to make sure that the chargers are there.”
Lucid’s vehicles are often compared to other luxury EVs, particularly Elon Musk’s Tesla range. However, Sultan is keen to clarify that Lucid is operating in a different league.
Lucid, a pioneering EV manufacturer headquartered in the US, has set ambitious goals for its expansion in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia. (Supplied)
“We don’t really consider Tesla as our main competitor,” he said. “Because if you look at a Lucid’s interior, and you look at the offerings that we have, how luxurious the car is, Tesla doesn’t produce a car like that.
“They do have a technological electric vehicle but that is really not the segment. Now people do take that misconception and try to compare it. But it’s an upgrade for a Model S person to come into a Lucid Air. They’re upgrading.”
Sultan says he is not concerned about Tesla entering the Saudi market, pointing to the healthy competition that already exists between other EV brands.
“There’s the Chinese brand BYD. More competition is better because it gives the consumer the difference. And I think we need to just continue to have our powertrain capabilities that are much higher. For example, our motors give you per kilogram more horsepower.”
Saudi Arabia is also launching its first ever domestic EV brand, Ceer, raising further questions about potential competition for Lucid within the Kingdom. However, Sultan sees Ceer as a complementary force rather than a rival.
“Saudi Arabia has been trying to do this for a while,” he said. “Lucid gave it the opportunity to ignite that spark. And now that we’ve done so, we have Ceer, our sister electric vehicle company that is now owned by Saudi Arabia itself, its first national brand. And we have Hyundai, which has also signed a deal with them.
“The three companies — the two companies EV, one company mixed — I think that will give them 500,000 production units by 2030, around that time frame, and a capacity at least. And I think that will get the supply chain coming in, it will get the whole ecosystem developed and then from there on they can build on it.”
There are, however, several barriers to the wider adoption of EVs in Saudi Arabia, including the hefty price tag attached to many vehicles currently on the market, the limited number of charging stations, and the lag in changing public attitudes.
“A lot of it is actually just the change itself, because a lot of people are really worried,” said Sultan. “They’re used to doing things a certain way. You have a car, you go to the gas station, you fill your gas anywhere. For them, it is an adopted way of living. And I think that’s one of the things, we have to inform the consumer how easy it is.”
Sultan stresses that home charging solutions will be key in easing the transition to EVs.
“I think the focus should be at-home charging and it should not be on public charging. If people are thinking that they’re going to be charging all the time on public charging, I think that’s really the wrong way to think about charging. It should be on your home base.”
Lucid, a pioneering EV manufacturer headquartered in the US, has set ambitious goals for its expansion in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia as Sultan explained to Jensen. (AN Photo)
Another lag on the expansion of the EV industry as a whole is the availability of the rare earth minerals needed to make batteries. Although Lucid already has a reliable supply chain for its batteries, Saudi Arabia’s mineral riches — particularly lithium — have not escaped its notice.
“Our suppliers really need those materials,” said Sultan. “We typically don’t buy them directly in raw form. But yes, we’re keeping an eye on that and we’re very lucky because Saudi Arabia is also, under Vision 2030, looking at the mining and minerals sector.”
The company is also open to the idea of sourcing its EV batteries from a Saudi partner in future, but Sultan expects such collaborations to involve established global players.
“We’re open to all these partnerships,” he said. “Currently we buy from LG Chem, Samsung, and Panasonic. Samsung and Panasonic are the two biggest suppliers for our batteries right now.”
Lucid is also working on battery recycling solutions, with discussions underway to establish a recycling facility in Saudi Arabia.
“Some studies have shown that 95 percent of these batteries now can be recycled,” he said. “The cost to recycle needs to come down, and it is (coming down). If you go back five, six years ago, it was a tremendous effort to get these things recycled. But we are getting a lot of development happening, a lot more companies jumping into this.”
Looking ahead to the future, Lucid has seen strong demand for its vehicles in the Gulf Cooperation Council area and intends to expand its presence across these key markets.
“The current focus is really within the GCC area,” said Sultan. “That’s where we want to focus on because the market for a luxury four-door sedan and a luxury full-size SUV is the strongest in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar.”
He added: “In Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is our biggest market. And we want to have a couple more locations in Riyadh. In the Eastern Province, in the Dammam, Al-Khobar area, we don’t have a presence. We’re definitely going to have a presence there.”
With Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to the EV sector, Lucid Motors appears well-positioned to play a central role in shaping the Kingdom’s automotive future. And with state investment and environmental policies taking priority, public uptake of EVs is expected to boom.
They held cordial talks and discussed topics of common interest
Updated 16 March 2025
Arab News
JEDDAH: Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi received Consul General of Chad in Jeddah Mohammed Salahuddin on Sunday.
During the meeting, they held cordial talks and discussed topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Meanwhile, Vice President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed recently attended the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa elections in Algeria.
He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting initiatives that foster the growth of the Olympic movement and strengthen international sports cooperation.
