Riyadh: The Heritage Commission has announced the results of the first season of its project to survey and document rock inscriptions and rock art in the High Najd area in Riyadh Region, as part of its scientific programs aimed at expanding archaeological survey efforts and strengthening the national database of heritage sites.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the scientific team conducted field surveys over a period of 30 days, covering several locations across the geographical region known as High Najd, which constitutes a large part of central Saudi Arabia. The area includes parts of central and western Riyadh, Qassim, and Hail regions, the eastern parts of Makkah and Madinah regions, and the northeastern part of Aseer Region.
The project resulted in the discovery of 103 archaeological sites containing stone structures, written inscriptions, and rock art depicting animal and human figures, as well as a variety of other motifs. These findings reflect the area's rich cultural and environmental heritage and the diversity of human activity across different historical periods.
The commission said the project's findings represent an important scientific step in documenting Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage sites. It added that the next phase will include completing survey work and specialized studies, registering the newly discovered sites in the national register of antiquities, and strengthening public awareness programs on the importance of protecting and preserving archaeological sites as a cultural asset reflecting the Kingdom's deep history and diverse cultural heritage.