Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Heritage Commission recorded 24 violations involving archaeological sites and artifacts in July 2025, as part of its ongoing efforts to protect the Kingdom’s cultural heritage and enforce national antiquities and urban heritage laws.

The infractions included unauthorized excavations, deliberate vandalism of historical sites, and illegal trading of potentially valuable artifacts via digital platforms.

According to the Commission, 11 violations involved direct attacks on heritage sites across several regions including Riyadh, Madinah, the Eastern Province, Taif, and Al-Jouf. These cases ranged from illicit digging to the defacement of registered archaeological zones.

Additionally, 13 other offenses were tracked through social media, where individuals attempted to sell ancient coins, antique watches, and objects believed to date back to various historical eras, actions deemed serious breaches of national heritage laws.

Legal procedures were initiated against violators, with several cases referred to the Public Prosecution and security authorities. Penalties included fines ranging from SR5,000 to SR50,000, confiscation of items and tools, and legal proceedings in more severe cases.

The Commission said the violations were detected by specialized monitoring teams and through public reports submitted by citizens. It also reaffirmed its commitment to raising awareness about the importance of preserving Saudi Arabia’s archaeological and cultural legacy in collaboration with local communities.

The Heritage Commission called on all residents and citizens to report any violations affecting archaeological sites or objects via its offices across the Kingdom, official social media accounts, or the unified security operations center at 911.