Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has announced the registration of 1,516 new archaeological sites in the National Antiquities Register, bringing the country’s total documented sites to 11,577. This extensive update, which saw the largest concentrations of new finds in the Riyadh region (1,174 sites), Al Baha (184), and Tabuk (85), underscores the Kingdom’s concerted effort to document and preserve its deep historical roots and cultural diversity. The move is a core commitment to enhancing the national database and ensuring the long-term protection of these valuable heritage assets for future generations.
The announcement follows two extraordinary recent archaeological finds. Earlier this month, the commission unveiled an impressive collection of life-size rock art engravings discovered in the Al Nafud desert, with dating estimates placing them between 11,400 and 12,800 years old. Just three weeks prior, archaeologists announced the discovery of the oldest known human settlement in Masiyon, Wadi Damm, northwest of Tabuk, which dates back over 10,000 years, opening a new window onto the ancient civilizations of the Arabian Peninsula.
The Heritage Commission is actively encouraging community involvement in safeguarding this rich history. Citizens and residents are urged to report any unregistered sites through the official “Archaeological Site Reporting service” or local branches, promoting a shared responsibility for preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.
