Some of the most important archeological sites in the Middle East are located in Saudi Arabia. The National Antiquities Register now includes 101 new archaeological and historical sites added by the kingdom’s Heritage Commission, raising the total number of recognized archeological sites to 8,528.

The new locations include 81 in Hail, 9 in Tabuk, 6 in Madinah, 3 in Qasim, and one site each in Asir and Jouf.

The commission’s objective is to identify, catalog, and formally record the kingdom’s historical and archeological sites and place them on digital maps that make their management, conservation, and preservation easier.

Additionally, it aspires to create a unique database for registered archaeological sites, retain and record any work done there, and archive documents and images of Saudi Arabia’s cultural sites.

The commission also praised the efforts of the populace, whom it sees as crucial collaborators in protecting the kingdom’s cultural legacy, and urged them to submit any newly discovered archaeological sites via the Balagh platform.

Under the direction of the Saudi Heritage Commission, a team of Saudi and French archeologists made some new discoveries in July this year, offering a glimpse into early human settlements in the Al-Faw Archeological Area located in the Empty Quarter, south of Riyadh.