Prince Sultan underscored the significance of antiquities as they reflect the Kingdom’s rich heritage and its great contribution to world civilization.

“I am happy to see a growing desire among citizens to protect antiquities as they are state property. There are regulations that prevent occupation of antiquities or encroach on them in any way,” he pointed out.

He reiterated the citizens’ role in protecting antiquities. “The SCTA considers citizens as the premier guards in preserving antiquities that are found in different parts of the Kingdom. These antiquities contribute to formulating our national and cultural identity,” the prince said. He urged the public to inform the nearest SCTA office if they observe any move to steal, transfer or damage the Kingdom’s antiquities.

Last month, Prince Sultan presented the antiquities excavated from Al-Magar to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah during a function at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah and briefed the king on the importance of these historic artifacts. "The antiquities proved that Al-Magar was the oldest place in the world so far with people domesticating horses," Prince Sultan said, adding that the artifacts also showed the cultural activities of people in the region during the Neolithic Age.

During the ceremony, King Abdullah praised the excavation team and wished them greater successes in their efforts. He urged the SCTA to publish the results of the excavation that proved that the Arabian Peninsula set a precedent in taking care of horses.

In Al-Magar, Prince Sultan met with locals and commended their efforts in protecting the Kingdom’s archaeological sites. “This reflects the partnership between SCTA and citizens in the area of preserving and protecting our antiquities.”

Ali Al-Ghabban, deputy chairman of SCTA for antiquities and museums, who accompanied Prince Sultan during the tour, said the commission began excavations in Al-Magar after receiving information about the area from a Saudi last year.

Local and international experts took part in the excavation that found 80 valuable artifacts from the site.

Al-Magar site is located about 120 km from Wadi Al-Dawasir in an area between the municipalities of Tathleeth and Wadi Al-Dawasir.

In March 2010, the SCTA started site survey and exploration. Archaeological finds, including arrowheads and precisely made stone scrapers similar to those used during the Neolithic period, are spread all over the site.

Several statues of domesticated animals found on the site were believed to be part of inhabitants' daily life. They included statues of horses, sheep, goats, Saluki dogs, ostriches, falcons and fish.