He confirmed that some of the retrieved pieces had not been located for 50 years, but through two years of hard work and with the assistance of Al-Turath Philanthropic Association some important pieces were obtained from Parker Antiques in the US.

He revealed that the commission is signing an agreement with Saudi Aramco to launch a project to recover antiques and heritage pieces that were exported outside the Kingdom by individuals in collaboration with international bodies and concerned sectors.

Prince Sultan pointed out while receiving pieces returned by citizens to the commission, that the campaign reflects the importance of recovering national antique and heritage pieces as they represent an essential part of the Kingdom’s history.

He also indicated that the commission is working closely with the Ministry of Interior to monitor outgoing and incoming historical pieces. He added the Kingdom handed over three valuable artifacts intercepted at King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh to their rightful owners in Egypt. The story was covered by Arab News last year.

Smuggling antiques, Prince Sultan pointed out, is an offense committed by citizens and expatriates sometimes out of ignorance. He added that antiquities are now protected by law and there are severe punishments for smugglers.

He told citizens not to be carried away by financial temptations and preserve their country’s historical and cultural background.

Prince Sultan said although the Kingdom is still new in tying museums, heritage and antiquities to the tourism industry, the International Organization for Tourism considers the Kingdom one of the largest countries with culture and heritage.

The SCTA president pointed out that there are many programs to enhance tourism, museums and heritage culture, which will provide in turn job opportunities and contribute to the local economy.

He said the commission is preparing an exhibition for recovered antiquities at the National Museum in Riyadh for the upcoming Janadriyah festival.