Heritage Commission Registers 198 New Sites in National Antiquities Register.

Riyadh: The Heritage Commission announced today the successful registration of 198 new archaeological sites in the National Antiquities Register, elevating the total number of registered sites across Saudi Arabia to 9,317. This strategic move underscores the continuous efforts to preserve the nation's rich heritage and promote cultural awareness regarding the historical significance of these sites. According to Saudi Press Agency, the newly registered sites span several regions, with the Hail Region leading with 50 sites, followed by Makkah with 39, Qassim with 34, Al-Jouf with 28, Madinah with 14, and Tabuk with 13. Other regions include Riyadh with eight sites, Jazan with five, and Aseer, Najran, and Northern Borders with two sites each, while the Eastern Region added one site to the list. These registrations are carried out under the Law of Antiquities, Museums and Urban Heritage, aimed at safeguarding and documenting sites of historical and cultural importance. The Heritage Commission emphasized that re gistering these sites is part of broader initiatives to document and revitalize Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage, providing researchers and enthusiasts with credible information on heritage locations and archaeological sites within the Kingdom. The commission also aims to encourage archaeological studies by highlighting the historical value of the newly discovered sites, thus enhancing the global profile of Saudi heritage. The role of local communities in discovering these sites is acknowledged, with the commission highlighting their active participation as vital in protecting cultural heritage and fostering awareness among future generations about the significance of these sites. Additionally, the commission calls on citizens and residents to report any new archaeological discoveries or illegal activities affecting heritage sites through its official social media accounts, the Balagh platform, by visiting its offices across the Kingdom, or by contacting the Unified Security Operations Center at 911.