Saudi Heritage Commission Records 55 Violations in Second Quarter
RIYADH, July 28, Saudi Arabia Breaking News — Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission recorded 55 violations involving cultural heritage sites and artifacts during the second quarter of 2026, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Inspection tours and public reports identified 16 violations across Riyadh, Qassim, Aseer, Tabuk, the Northern Borders and Al-Baha. They involved unauthorized excavation, illegal digging, changes to archaeological sites and damage to signs, gates and protective fences.
Another 12 violations were detected through social media. They involved archaeological surveys and excavations conducted without authorization, entry into archaeological sites, drone photography, damage to heritage locations and possession of antiquities.
The commission also recorded 27 cases involving the possession, sale or promotion of archaeological and cultural artifacts through social media, online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms without the required permits.
The Heritage Commission urged the public to report violations through its offices, official digital channels, the Archaeological Site Reporting service or the Unified Security Operations Center on 911.
