Saudi Arabia is opening up to research

[Klaus Bartels]

Saudi Arabia is opening up to research. What could that mean for investigating Arabian coast of Gulf of Aqaba?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8A0LpX7_yM

[Deborah Hurn]

Thanks for posting this, Klaus! How amazing! There are many mysterious constructions and inscriptions across the Arabian and Sinai peninsulas, preserved for 1000s of years because the desert conditions keep people away! The hunting scenes and ibex symbols from 33:00 min are similar to those of the Central Negev. I just had a meeting with Prof David Kennedy on the 15th… coincidence!

[Thomas Donlon]

Blending a prior discussion on underwater drone research vessels … here is a link where a company uses them to take people on tours.

https://www.underwaterinspections.com.au/latest-news/sanctuary-of-the-seas-offers-hi-def-seamor-for-tourists

Maybe the government could warm up to the idea of starting a tourist company that gives tours and utilizes this equipment. Maybe it could be a “win-win” for both Saudi Arabia and it could decrease the costs of underwater studies in the gulf of Aqaba and increase the eyeballs and monitoring of the bottom of the ridge.

How close is the developing archaeological park described in the video to the Gulf of Aqaba where other tour ships could be rented, tours given etc. ?