New campaign urges Saudis to safeguard artifacts

The commission announced last week that 744 new archaeological sites have been added to the National Antiquities Register, raising the total to 10,061 across Saudi Arabia. (X @MOCHeritage)
The commission announced last week that 744 new archaeological sites have been added to the National Antiquities Register, raising the total to 10,061 across Saudi Arabia. (X @MOCHeritage)
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Updated 21 June 2025
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New campaign urges Saudis to safeguard artifacts

New campaign urges Saudis to safeguard artifacts
  • Nationwide effort aims to curb threats to heritage sites and artifacts

RIYADH: The Heritage Commission launched the “Aadat” national awareness campaign to enhance public understanding of the importance of Saudi antiquities.

The campaign underscores the vital role of artifacts in reinforcing the Kingdom’s cultural and national identity, reflecting the succession of civilizations across its land over millennia.

It is part of a broader series of initiatives by the commission to spotlight Saudi antiquities and raise awareness of threats they face, such as encroachments and illegal trafficking.

HIGHLIGHT

The campaign promotes the idea that protecting antiquities is a shared responsibility, rooted in a deep appreciation of their role in the nation’s cultural heritage.

The campaign promotes the idea that protecting antiquities is a shared responsibility, rooted in a deep appreciation of their role in the nation’s cultural heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It adopts a comprehensive approach using various media and outreach tools, including field campaigns in public areas, markets, malls, and universities across multiple regions.

The commission also plans to introduce interactive pavilions to showcase key archaeological sites and highlight the Kingdom’s geographical and cultural diversity.

It stressed that the campaign continues its ongoing efforts to safeguard artifacts, which are rich in symbolic and cultural meaning.

Each artifact, the commission noted, tells a story from the past, and its preservation is essential to maintaining the national memory for future generations.

The commission announced last week that 744 new archaeological sites have been added to the National Antiquities Register, raising the total to 10,061 across the Kingdom.

This milestone underscores the richness and diversity of Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and reflects the commission’s ongoing commitment to documenting and preserving these sites.

The newly registered sites are spread across several regions: Riyadh (253), Makkah (11), Madinah (167), Qassim (30), Eastern Province (13), Asir (64), Tabuk (72), Hail (13), Northern Borders (2), Jazan (23), Najran (86), and Jouf (10).

Stressing the importance of community involvement in heritage preservation, the commission urged citizens and residents to report unregistered sites via the Balagh platform, social media, or the Unified Security Operations Center at 911.

 


5m amphetamine pills seized after Saudi authorities tip off Lebanese customs

5m amphetamine pills seized after Saudi authorities tip off Lebanese customs
Updated 5 sec ago
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5m amphetamine pills seized after Saudi authorities tip off Lebanese customs

5m amphetamine pills seized after Saudi authorities tip off Lebanese customs

RIYADH: An attempt to smuggle over 5 million amphetamine pills into Lebanon was thwarted after Saudi authorities provided intel to their Lebanese counterparts who intercepted the container where the pills were concealed inside glass and porcelain tableware.

Talal bin Shalhoub, spokesman of the Saudi Ministry of Interior, said that intel shared with the Lebanese Customs falls within Saudi Arabia’s proactive security follow-up of the activities of drug smuggling criminal networks.

He commended cooperation with relevant authorities in Lebanon in monitoring and seizing narcotic substances, stressing that the Kingdom continues to monitor, confront, and thwart criminal activities targeting the Kingdom's security and youth through narcotics, and to arrest those involved.


Saudi Arabia’s King Salman receives written messages from presidents of Vietnam, Angola

Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received the message during a meeting with Vietnam’s ambassador to the Kingdom Hoang Huu Anh (L).
Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received the message during a meeting with Vietnam’s ambassador to the Kingdom Hoang Huu Anh (L).
Updated 30 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s King Salman receives written messages from presidents of Vietnam, Angola

Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received the message during a meeting with Vietnam’s ambassador to the Kingdom Hoang Huu Anh (L).

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has received written messages from the presidents of Vietnam and Angola, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The message from President Luong Cuong related to Saudi-Vietnamese relations and ways to support and strengthen them in all fields.

The message was received by the Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs and General Supervisor of the Public Diplomacy Deputyship, Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, during a meeting with Vietnam’s ambassador to the Kingdom Hoang Huu Anh.

President of Angola Joao Lourenco also sent the king a letter regarding relations between their countries and ways to support and strengthen them in all fields.

That message was received by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji during a meeting with Angola’s ambassador to the Kingdom Frederico Cardoso.


Early date harvest begins in Al-Ahsa

Early date harvest begins in Al-Ahsa
Updated 30 June 2025
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Early date harvest begins in Al-Ahsa

Early date harvest begins in Al-Ahsa
  • Harvest typically spans May 20 to July 20, marking an important period for both local agriculture and the national date market
  • Markets across Saudi Arabia are preparing to welcome over 20 varieties of premium dates cultivated in Al-Ahsa

JEDDAH: As temperatures rise, Al-Ahsa is witnessing the early signs of its annual date harvest, with farmers beginning to reap the season’s first rutab — dates in the soft, early-ripening stage of dates.

The harvest typically spans May 20 to July 20, marking an important period for both local agriculture and the national date market.

This year, markets across Saudi Arabia are preparing to welcome over 20 varieties of premium dates cultivated in Al-Ahsa, including the highly favored Khalas, Shishi, and Ghar varieties.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has confirmed the 2025 rutab season in Al-Ahsa signals a promising yield, with initial quantities already making their way across the Kingdom. 

Varieties such as Rutab Al-Tayyar, Majnaz, Ghar, Khneizi, Shishi and Khalas are expected to arrive at different stages throughout the harvest period, offering a steady flow of fresh produce. The harvest of the late-season rutab is set to begin in early July and will continue until mid-August, featuring prized varieties like Um Rahim, Zamli, Shahl, and Hilali.

Following the rutab season, Al-Ahsa will move into the full date (tamr) harvest from mid-August to early October, with popular varieties such as Shishi, Khalas and Raziz forming the core of this stage. 

In addition to fresh dates, Al-Ahsa is also known for producing some of the finest varieties for molasses (dibs), including varieties like Marzban, Hatemi and Shahl, highly valued for their rich flavor and syrupy texture.

Al-Ahsa, recognized as the largest palm oasis in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to more than 2 million palm trees. Each year, the region produces over 120,000 tons of dates, making it a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s agricultural landscape.

With its unique blend of fertile land, deep-rooted heritage, and diverse produce, it continues to be a global center for date cultivation and a vital contributor to the Kingdom’s cultural and economic identity.


Saudi project clears 1,493 mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 1,493 mines in Yemen
Updated 30 June 2025
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Saudi project clears 1,493 mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 1,493 mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,493 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 1,448 unexploded ordnances, 27 anti-tank mines, 14 anti-personnel mines and four improvised explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 502,736 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid.

 


Saudi deputy minister receives ambassador of Myanmar

Saudi deputy minister receives ambassador of Myanmar
Updated 30 June 2025
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Saudi deputy minister receives ambassador of Myanmar

Saudi deputy minister receives ambassador of Myanmar
  • The ambassador came to bid farewell on the occasion of the end of his tenure in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received Ambassador of Myanmar to the Kingdom Tin Yu in Riyadh on Monday.

The ambassador came to bid farewell on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the Kingdom, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.

Al-Sati praised the ambassador’s efforts in strengthening and advancing relations between the two countries and wished him continued success in his duties.