Saudi heritage authority reports 19 violations at archaeological sites in February

Saudi Arabia’s heritage authorities reported 19 violations at archaeological sites across the country in February, including vandalism, trespassing and other offenses.

The Saudi Heritage Commission said the violations were recorded in the regions of Riyadh, Mecca, Medina and Tabuk, according to a statement and graphic released by the agency on social media.

The commission said the cases included graffiti or other damage to archaeological sites, placing stickers on ancient rock inscriptions, trespassing inside protected heritage areas and possession of items suspected to be antiquities that were displayed online.

The suspected violators were referred to authorities for further legal action, the commission said. Under Saudi law, penalties for damaging or trespassing on heritage sites can include prison terms and fines that may reach hundreds of thousands of riyals.

Authorities also cited the publication of inaccurate information about archaeological sites on social media and the unauthorized surveying or documentation of sites, including displaying rock inscriptions online without official permission.

Saudi photographers raised questions about that particular aspect of the notice and sought clarity from officials.

“Is this truly considered a violation?” photographer Abdullah Al-Edey responded to the commission’s post. “Like many others, I travel across this country, taking photos and sharing them online.”

Al-Edey shares his photographs to Flickr, where he has posted images of ancient rock inscriptions that appear to have been taken in the Nefud desert in northern Saudi Arabia.

“We take great pride in showcasing our heritage and archaeological sites in the most beautiful light. In regions such as Tabuk, Ha'il, and Al-Ula, nearly every mountain features an inscription or drawing,” he said.

“Everyone takes pictures and shares them—I even see foreigners everywhere doing the exact same thing on their own social media accounts! We would appreciate some clarification regarding this matter.”

Saudi Arabia has tightened oversight of archaeological sites in recent years as the country expands cultural tourism under Saudi Vision 2030, an initiative aimed at diversifying the economy and promoting heritage destinations.

The country is home to thousands of archaeological sites, including ancient rock art and inscriptions scattered across desert regions, as well as major historical complexes such as Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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