Fines of up to 15,000 riyals for violators of the antiquities trafficking law
In a decisive move to bolster the protection of national heritage, the Saudi Heritage Commission announced hefty fines against 11 individuals found guilty of displaying and selling antiquities online without the necessary permits. The Commission explained that the Committee for Reviewing Violations of the Antiquities and Urban Heritage Law approved these penalties, which amount to 15,000 Saudi riyals per violation, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy towards any practices that threaten the safety and historical value of national antiquities.
Legal background and heritage protection efforts
These measures are based on the “Antiquities, Museums, and Urban Heritage Law,” which represents the strict legislative framework established by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to regulate all activities related to antiquities, from excavation and discovery to possession, restoration, and legal trade. This law aims to protect the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, which spans thousands of years and includes treasures from ancient civilizations such as the Nabataeans, Dadan, and Lihyan, as well as early Islamic antiquities. These efforts align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which places paramount importance on preserving national identity and highlighting the Kingdom’s historical and cultural depth as an integral part of its future.
Details of violations and the importance of procedures
Investigations revealed that the violators were offering portable artifacts for sale online, bypassing legal procedures that require all artifacts to be registered with the Heritage Commission and officially documented before being offered for sale. Such illegal practices not only violate the law but also expose this heritage to the risk of loss and smuggling out of the country, thus depriving the Kingdom of a part of its historical memory. The importance of these penalties lies in their serving as a strong deterrent to anyone who might consider tampering with national heritage, and in raising public awareness of the need to preserve these precious artifacts. Internationally, these measures contribute to strengthening the Kingdom's position as an active member in global efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property, in accordance with UNESCO conventions.
A call for social responsibility
The Heritage Commission reiterated its call to all citizens and residents to be active partners in protecting the nation's historical treasures. It emphasized that possessing or trading in antiquities requires full compliance with established regulations and procedures, foremost among them obtaining the necessary licenses. The Commission also urged the public to immediately report any suspicious activities or violations observed through the "Archaeological Report" service available on its website, or by contacting the National Security Operations Center directly at the unified number (911). It affirmed its continued commitment to monitoring and addressing violations and applying the prescribed penalties to perpetrators in order to preserve the nation's history for future generations.
