Saudi Arabia's Heritage Authority documents 14 archaeological sites

Discoveries will be added to the National Antiquities Register of sites that represent a 'great historical legacy for the kingdom'

The archaeological site in Al Ula includes inscriptions that record the economic, political, religious and social activities of Lehyanian society. Reem Mohammed / The National

Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Authority revealed that 14 archaeological sites of significant historical heritage have been registered in the second quarter of 2021.

The sites in the regions of Riyadh, Qassim, Tabuk and Al Jawf will be added to the National Antiquities Register, which lists archaeological sites that represent a “great historical legacy for the kingdom”.

The sites feature several stone installations comprising inscriptions, rock art, tools and signs dating from the post-Neolithic period.

Rose-coloured sandstone in Madain Saleh, a Unesco World Heritage site near the town of Al Ula in north-west Saudi Arabia. AFP

Six of the registered sites are in the central region of Qassim.

The six sites are Jabal Shofan, Al Safalah, Jal Al Rabiah Al Sharqi 1, Jal Al Rabiah Al Sharqi 2, Rajm Al Shuyoukh, in addition to rock art in Al Taraq Centre.

Three sites were discovered in Riyadh and Tabuk: Shuaib Al Adighim, Upper Shuaib Al Adighem and Ruwaigb in Riyadh; Khashem Al-Naqi, the inscriptions of Wadi Qareen Ghazal, and the stone quarry in Wadi Qareen Ghazal in Tabuk. Jabal Markaz Murir and Al Hennah were discovered in Al Jawf region.

The discoveries include Islamic writing, fragments of green glazed pottery dating from the early Islamic period, and stone tools from the late Acheulean era.

The Heritage Authority had so far registered 624 archaeological sites in the first quarter of this year, bringing the total number of archaeological sites listed in the National Antiquities Register to 8,176.

The authority is responsible for discovering historical archaeological sites in the kingdom, which it then officially adds to the National Antiquities Register.

The locations are shared on digital maps that enable easy access to manage, protect and preserve the sites.