The inaugural session of the Security and History Dialogue 2026, held in Riyadh, delved into the story of place in the Arabian Peninsula, exploring how its geography bears witness to successive human civilizations and the interplay between environment, security, and the rise of societies, culminating in modern Saudi efforts to protect nature and develop the land.
Titled "History of Place: The Story of Roots and Origin," the session featured researcher in archaeology and geography Turki bin Ibrahim Al-Quhaidan, CEO of the Museums Association Dr. Hessa bint Turki Al-Hathal, writer and photographer specializing in natural history and desert studies Brigadier General Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al-Yousefi, and researcher in Arab genealogy and Saudi anthropology at Damascus University Dr. Ismail Mohammed Al-Salamat, moderated by historian Salman Al-Mousa.
Al-Quhaidan corrected the stereotypical image of the Arabian Peninsula as a barren desert, citing geological studies revealing ancient watercourses and environmental transformations over millennia, including the Wadi Al-Rumah system. He shared insights from over four decades of fieldwork, noting that archaeological remains such as stone circles and structures, now visible through modern aerial photography and drones, attest to deep human presence and ancient burial practices.
Dr. Al-Salamat offered an anthropological perspective, linking environmental and social conditions to state formation, citing the emergence of Diriyah and the first Saudi state, where the need for security and stability drove institutional building. He highlighted consultative councils as historical roots of dialogue culture in Saudi governance.
Dr. Al-Hathal discussed how inhabitants adapted to harsh conditions, securing trade routes that flourished across the peninsula, with stability around settlements enabling growth into cities and kingdoms, as evidenced by inscriptions focusing on life and prosperity rather than conflict. Brigadier General Al-Yousefi traced the evolution of environmental protection, from the 1986 establishment of the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation to the 2018 Royal Reserves Council, noting protected areas have grown from 4.25% to about 18-19% of Saudi territory, aiming for 30% under Vision 2030, with tangible results in vegetation recovery and ecotourism potential.