Riyadh: The Security and History Dialogue 2026 Conference, during one of its scientific sessions, highlighted the civilizational dimensions of Saudi Arabia's heritage, including its rich array of archaeological sites and evidence documenting the depth of its civilizational history and affirming its presence in the development of human civilizations since ancient times.
According to Saudi Press Agency, this came during a scientific paper titled "The Civilizational Dimensions of the Heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," presented by Professor of Archaeology and Ancient Languages Dr. Saeed bin Fayez Al-Saeed. The paper addressed the most prominent archaeological discoveries that have contributed to forming a comprehensive picture of the civilizational stages that the land of Saudi Arabia has undergone.
Dr. Al-Saeed explained that archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence confirming the presence of humans in Saudi Arabia's territory approximately 1.3 million years ago. He highlighted stone tools discovered in Al-Shuwayhitiyah in Al-Jouf Region and Najran, some dating back approximately one million years, reflecting early advances in tool-making techniques.
He noted that archaeological discoveries in Tabuk Region contributed to establishing the presence of camels in the Arabian Peninsula approximately 120,000 years ago. This provides important evidence of life and environmental conditions in the region during ancient periods.
He also touched on the "Nefud Finger," one of the world's rare discoveries of organic human remains, dating back approximately 85,000 years, found on the edge of an ancient lake in the Nefud Desert in northern Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Al-Saeed concluded by emphasizing the importance of Saudi Arabia's archaeological heritage and its historical, cultural, and civilizational value. He highlighted the government's attention to heritage and archaeology as priorities of Saudi Vision 2030, given their knowledge-based, cultural, and economic dimensions and their role in highlighting Saudi Arabia's civilizational depth and contribution to human history.