Heritage Commission uncovers 55 violations targeting Saudi archaeological sites
RIYADH — The Heritage Commission recorded 55 violations involving cultural heritage sites and artifacts across several regions of the Kingdom during the second quarter of 2026. The cases were identified as part of the commission's ongoing efforts to protect archaeological and heritage sites, preserv
RIYADH — The Heritage Commission recorded 55 violations involving cultural heritage sites and artifacts across several regions of the Kingdom during the second quarter of 2026. The cases were identified as part of the commission's ongoing efforts to protect archaeological and heritage sites, preserve their historical features, and strengthen compliance with regulationsgoverning the sector. Of the 55 violations, 16 were on-site encroachments recorded in the Riyadh, Qassim, Asir, Tabuk, Northern Borders, and Al-Baha regions through inspection tours and public reports. The violations included unauthorized excavation and digging, altering the features of archaeological sites, and damaging informational and warning signs, as well as gates and fences designated to protect the sites. The commission also identified 12 violations through social media platforms. These included conducting archaeological surveys without the required licenses, entering archaeological sites and publishing information about them, photographing sites using drones, carrying out unauthorized excavation and digging, damaging archaeological sites, possessing antiquities, and falsely claiming to interpret signs and symbols as evidence of hidden treasures or archaeological remains. An additional 27 violations involved the possession of archaeological and cultural artifacts without the required permits and offering them for sale or promotion through social media, online stores, and digital platforms based on monitored advertisements. The items included coins, metal artifacts, stone vessels, stone carvings, and various cultural objects. The Heritage Commission urged citizens and residents to report any violations involving archaeological or heritage sites through its official social media accounts, by visiting one of its offices or branches across the Kingdom, via the "Archaeological Report" (Balagh Athari) service, or by calling the Unified Security Operations Center at 911.