The Diriyah Gate Development Authority opened, on Friday evening, the second edition of the Diriyah International Forum, held at Bujairi Terrace and running through December 15, 2024. Under the theme "Memory of the Camels," the accompanying exhibition highlights the role of camels in trade and travel routes and their influence in shaping Diriyah as a global center of trade and hospitality throughout the ages.

A forum linking past and present

The forum runs from December 8 to 9 under the theme "A Legacy That Extends," exploring its main topic, "Diriyah at the Crossroads of History and Trade," which highlights the role of Diriyah and the central region in global cultural and economic exchange. The forum brings together a select group of scholars, thinkers and researchers from around the world.

Key forum themes

The forum addresses three main themes:

  1. Tangible heritage: exploring the archaeological, architectural and environmental legacies that reveal Diriyah's historic trade links.
  2. Intangible heritage: presenting interactive experiences including oral history, poetry, traditional songs and artistic expressions for which Diriyah is known.
  3. Textual heritage: analyzing manuscripts and travel accounts that document cultural and linguistic ties throughout the central region's history.

Contents of the "Memory of the Camels" exhibition

The exhibition includes:

  • Archival photographs and geographic maps tracing the history of trade in Diriyah.
  • Rare artifacts highlighting the camel's pivotal role in trade exchange.
  • Documentation of the cultural and economic relationships that made Diriyah a global point of connection.

Forum partners

The forum is held in partnership with a number of local and international entities:

  • Strategic and local partners: the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), the Heritage Commission, and the Heritage Foundation.
  • International partners: the International Association for the Study of Arabia (IASA), the Centre for the Archaeology of the Arabian Peninsula and Islamic Architecture at the University of Liverpool (ARCHIAM), and the French Center for Research on the Arabian Peninsula.
  • Accompanying exhibition partners: the Royal Commission for AlUla, the King Fahd National Library, the King Abdulaziz Public Library, and the National Center for Archives and Records.

Forum goals

The event aims to highlight Diriyah's historical and cultural significance, shedding light on:

  • Its pivotal role in the history of global trade.
  • Strengthening national identity and cultural heritage.
  • Building partnerships between scholars and entities involved in cultural and historical studies.