The Heritage Authority has identified 23 violations of the antiquities law and referred a case to the Public Prosecution
The Saudi Heritage Commission announced that it had detected 23 violations of the Antiquities and Urban Heritage Law during December 2025, as part of its ongoing efforts to protect national assets and preserve the Kingdom's historical heritage. These inspection campaigns covered five main regions: Riyadh, Al-Jawf, Makkah, Asir, and Madinah.
Details of violations and legal procedures
The authority explained that the violations detected ranged from direct encroachment on archaeological sites through unauthorized excavation and dredging, to conducting archaeological surveys without obtaining official approvals from the Heritage Authority. Inspection teams also observed instances of artifacts being offered for sale without the necessary legal permits.
In the context of implementing the regulations, the Authority took the necessary legal measures against the violators, as one of the serious violations was referred to the Public Prosecution for consideration and application of deterrent penalties, while the rest of the violations were referred to the Public Security to complete the regulatory procedures followed in such cases.
The importance of protecting national heritage and the goals of the vision
These intensive monitoring efforts stem from the pivotal role the Heritage Commission plays in preserving national identity, and are in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great importance on the heritage sector as a fundamental pillar of national culture and a source of pride. The Commission works diligently to prevent any practices that could lead to the obliteration of historical landmarks or damage to archaeological sites that tell the stories of the civilizations that flourished on the Arabian Peninsula.
Historical dimension and economic impact
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage spanning thousands of years, encompassing rare archaeological sites, some of which are inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Preserving these sites is a pressing necessity, not only for scientific and historical purposes but also due to their immense economic and touristic value. Architectural heritage and archaeological sites are among the most important elements of tourism upon which the Kingdom relies to diversify its sources of income, and any encroachment upon them represents a loss of a non-renewable national resource.
A call for community awareness
The Heritage Authority stressed the importance of the community’s role in protecting antiquities, calling on citizens and residents to abide by regulations and laws, and to cooperate with the relevant authorities by reporting any suspicious practices or violations that may be observed at archaeological sites, stressing that protecting heritage is a shared responsibility that falls on everyone to ensure that this ancient legacy is passed on to future generations.
