Saudi Arabia’s history, culture and forward-thinking goals are about to reach new heights. The Kingdom’s cultural and scientific legacy will soon be part of Sanctuary on the Moon, an ambitious project supported by NASA and UNESCO that aims to keep humanity’s knowledge and creativity alive, long after we’re gone.

The time capsule is part of a project created by a team of scientists, artists and historians, and leading this one-of-a-kind vision is French engineer Benoit Faiveley. This team aims to create a time capsule that will carry fragments of human civilisation to the moon's surface, landing in 2029.

Moon Surface - NASA Unspash

Faiveley is currently visiting Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, meeting with Saudi institutions to decide what stories and symbols should represent the Kingdom. “With the cultural momentum we’re seeing under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has so much to share — it’s the perfect time,” he said.

The Sanctuary on the Moon archive will include 24 sapphire discs, each engraved with a mix of art, science, data, and DNA: essentially, a compact portrait of life on Earth. Part of it will focus on UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient city of Diriyah and the rock art of Hima, both of which reflect the Kingdom’s deep and evolving identity.

A tall rockface lit up by the lights of a car at night

November to March -outdoor activities-camping

The At-Turaif District is beautifully lit up at night

The At-Turaif District is beautifully lit up at night

The At-Turaif District lit up at night as people wander through it

At Turaif - Diriyah

For Faiveley, this project isn’t only about technology or exploration. “It’s a message to whoever comes after us,” he said. “A cosmic hello — something that says, we were here, we created, we dreamed.”

Saudi Arabia’s role will highlight the cultural voice of the Arab world, connecting its ancient roots with its modern creative energy. The capsule, built to NASA’s standards and carried aboard mission CT-4, is planned to land near the moon’s southern pole, an area scientists see as key to future lunar bases. In joining Sanctuary on the Moon, the Kingdom ensures that its legacy, from ancient carvings to modern innovation, will live on, preserved quietly among the stars for generations to come.

This mission is also a reminder that science and culture can meet in unexpected ways. For the Kingdom, it’s a chance to show that its history and modern ambitions aren’t separate, they belong to the same story, one that will now leave a mark far beyond Earth.

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