Saudi Heritage Commission Registers 202 New Archaeological Sites

20 discoveries were made in the Asir region. SPA
20 discoveries were made in the Asir region. SPA
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Saudi Heritage Commission Registers 202 New Archaeological Sites

20 discoveries were made in the Asir region. SPA
20 discoveries were made in the Asir region. SPA

The Heritage Commission has announced the addition of 202 new archaeological sites, bringing the total to 9,119.

The documentation process for each site is thorough, beginning with the initial discovery and followed by a detailed inspection by experts to confirm the site's archaeological significance. The final stages include the drafting of necessary scientific and technical reports.

The newly documented sites are spread across the Kingdom, with notable discoveries in the Riyadh region (102 sites), Asir region (20 sites), and Hail region (80 sites).

These sites showcase a variety of stone structures, including wells, pillars, and foundational remnants of ancient buildings.

The discoveries also include graves and cemeteries dating back to the early Islamic period and earlier, featuring a collection of stone tools such as weapons and axes.

Several sites featured Thamudic inscriptions and rock art depicting various animal forms, including deer, wolves, and tigers.

The Commission has called on citizens to report any archaeological findings as part of efforts to involve the public in preserving Saudi Arabia's historical legacy.

This initiative highlights the crucial role of community involvement in the preservation and development of the nation's heritage.



'Riyadh Reads French' Initiative Brings French Culture to Riyadh International Book Fair

The Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 logo
The Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 logo
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'Riyadh Reads French' Initiative Brings French Culture to Riyadh International Book Fair

The Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 logo
The Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 logo

The Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 featured the return of the "Riyadh Reads French" initiative, which was introduced the previous year and gathered numerous French publishers specializing in various fields.

The initiative garnered significant attention and attracted a large number of visitors to the fair.

The French Embassy’s communication officer in Saudi Arabia, Alsaeed Ezz, elaborated that this year's edition aimed to enhance the experience and expand activities, with a particular focus on children. The initiative included over 25,000 books in its pavilions, with 118 French publishing houses participating. Additionally, the Alliance Francaise in Riyadh offered free French language courses to fair visitors, aiming to bring the French language and culture closer to Saudis and all fair attendees.

Ezz highlighted that the Alliance Francaise had dedicated a fully integrated section for children to cater to their needs and knowledge aspirations, with specialized supervisors offering activities such as drawing, reading, and expression to familiarize the younger generation with the French culture.

The initiative also involved Campus France, a national office facilitating registration procedures for studying in French universities and educational institutions. Campus France collaborated with relevant Saudi authorities to introduce available scholarship programs for studying in both English and French, as well as the requirements for obtaining bachelor's and master's degrees and conducting research in various fields.

This year's Riyadh International Book Fair saw a participation from over 2,000 publishing houses and agencies from the Kingdom, the region, and around the world, occupying 800 pavilions representing over 30 countries.