Saudi Arabia adds 198 sites to National Antiquities Register

RIYADH: The Heritage Commission has added 198 new archaeological sites to the National Antiquities Register, taking the total across the Kingdom to 9,317.

The commission said the registrations were part of its broader efforts to document and revive Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage, thus providing researchers and enthusiasts with reliable information on heritage locations and archaeological sites in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Hail region accounts for the bulk of the new additions, with 50, followed by Makkah (39), Qassim (34), Jouf (28), Madinah (14), Tabuk (13). The remainder are in Riyadh region (eight), Jazan (five), Asir, Najran and Northern Borders (two each) and the Eastern Province (one).

All of the registrations were carried out in line with the Law of Antiquities, Museums and Urban Heritage.

The commission said it sought to encourage archaeological studies and highlight the historical value of sites, thus raising the global profile of Saudi heritage. It also acknowledged the role of local communities in discovering sites, whose participation contributes significantly to protecting the nation’s cultural heritage and promoting greater awareness for future generations.

People are encouraged to report any new archaeological discoveries or illegal activities that might be detrimental to heritage sites via the commission’s social media accounts, the Balagh platform, by visiting any of its offices, or by calling the Unified Security Operations Center on 911.

Saudi Arabia has several archaeological sites that are recognized internationally, including Hegra in AlUla, which in 2008 became the first in the Kingdom to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At-Turaif District in Diriyah was added to the list in 2010, Historic Jeddah in 2014, Rock Art in the Hail region in 2015, Al-Ahsa Oasis in 2018 and the Hima Cultural Area in Jazan in 2021, among others.