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AlUla Rock Art Field School

the field school brought together four Saudi female students and two RCU heritage professionals, alongside a UK postgraduate student from Durham University.

Photo by AlUla Rock Art Field School
Photo by AlUla Rock Art Field School

AlUla Grants, delivered by the British Council in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), support initiatives that strengthen cultural exchange and professional development between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. One of the projects supported through this programme was the AlUla Rock Art Field School, the first of its kind in the Kingdom, designed to equip students and heritage professionals with practical skills in rock art research and conservation.

Held from 12 to 21 October 2025, the field school brought together four Saudi female students and two RCU heritage professionals, alongside a UK postgraduate student from Durham University. Led by rock art specialist Dr Maria Guagnin, the programme combined intensive fieldwork with classroom sessions to provide a complete introduction to the techniques and methodologies used in rock art documentation.


Hands-on Training in the Field

Participants received instruction in a wide range of techniques, including rock art documentation, analysis, 3D recording, microscopy, mapping and tracing. Classroom sessions covered archaeological context, data structuring and research organisation, while fieldwork allowed participants to apply these methods in real-world settings.

For most participants, these were entirely new skills. Of the six participants, five had never previously documented rock art in the field, and none had prior experience with data capture, dating methods, microscopy, 3D modelling, or experimental approaches such as tool analysis and rock art production.

Student feedback highlighted the value of the practical approach. Two participants noted they had previously sought training opportunities in these skills but had been unable to find local courses. One student applied the techniques directly to her PhD research and submitted her findings to the programme lead for feedback.

Conservation and Understanding the Landscape

The programme also emphasised the importance of protecting heritage sites. Participants learned how different materials, such as sandy deposits surrounding rock art, require careful handling for dating and preservation. This understanding contributes to broader conservation efforts in the region and ensures that local heritage remains accessible for both research and public engagement.

The training strengthened the academic and professional capacity of participants and provided insights into conservation issues, research skills, and career development.

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Knowledge Exchange and Mentorship

The Durham postgraduate student played a key role in teaching and mentorship during the field school. She delivered a lecture on European rock art methodologies and demonstrated how these approaches could be adapted to the specific context of Saudi Arabia.

Test excavations conducted during the programme will be written up as a scientific publication, which will serve as the postgraduate student’s first academic paper. She will continue to collaborate with the project lead and participate in future research projects, extending the impact of the field school beyond the ten days of training.

A Pilot for Future Heritage Training

The AlUla Rock Art Field School was designed as a pilot programme, creating a model for future field schools in the region. The initiative demonstrated that approaches used in other contexts are not always applicable to Saudi Arabia’s rock art landscape and highlighted the need for locally adapted training.

Special attention was given to supporting female students, who often have fewer opportunities for field-based technical training. Equipping local students with state-of-the-art skills also allows them to share knowledge with communities, helping to protect rock art sites and promote awareness of their cultural value.

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Photo by AlUla Rock Art Field School

Success Stories

One Saudi PhD student stood out for her dedication and engagement. She applied her learning directly to her doctoral research, received tailored feedback, and was awarded a course certificate along with a recommendation letter to support her academic trajectory.

The Durham postgraduate student gained practical teaching experience and enhanced her research skills. She will continue to be involved in follow-up fieldwork and publications, ensuring the project has long-term professional and academic impact.

Looking Ahead

By providing immersive, hands-on training in rock art documentation, the AlUla Rock Art Field School has laid the groundwork for future programmes. It demonstrates how targeted initiatives can build local capacity, support professional development, and strengthen heritage management in Saudi Arabia — all while fostering meaningful cultural exchange between UK and Saudi heritage sectors.

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