‘Cities Destroyed by Terrorism’ exhibition opens in Saudi Arabia

A major exhibition was organised in Riyadh on Wednesday using virtual reality technology to recreate historic cities destroyed by terrorism.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi inaugurated the “Cities Destroyed by Terrorism” expo that opened up at the National Museum in the Saudi capital.

The exhibition was arranged by the Saudi Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Arab World Institute in Paris, visitors were taken on virtual tours of cultural and archaeological sites demolished or endangered of vandalism by fanatic organizations.

The exhibition aims to promote public awareness of the importance of protecting the Arab region’s heritage from potential threats.



Iraqi PM, who held talks on relations with King Salman, said that the expo in the presence of government officials, foreign diplomats and intellectuals.

The Ministry of Culture has defined “cultural and archaeological sites” and their protection as key areas for future collaboration and development.

The exhibition showcased photography, video and exhibits of famous Arab cities such as Mosul and Nineveh in Iraq, and Aleppo and Palmyra in Syria, all of which have fallen victim to the forces of terrorism in recent years.

Using visual technology, the exhibition attempts to simulate visual imaginary for visitors of what the ruined cities looked like and also promoted a message of tolerance.