Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission estimates there could be over a million archaeological sites in the country, including petroglyphs, rock art, and stone structures along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts.
Currently, more than 3,500 archaeological sites are registered in the Kingdom.
Among these, over 1,000 sites in the Red Sea hold remnants of submerged cultural heritage, like shipwrecks and cargoes dating back over 1,600 years.
Saudi Arabia is actively working to protect these underwater sites. Scientific research also confirms the existence of ancient dry lakes and river remnants in various regions of the Kingdom, indicating climatic changes over the peninsula’s history.
The Arabian Peninsula has been an attractive region for humanity for around 400,000 years due to its economic and cultural strength, witnessing the world’s earliest migrations.
Heritage Commission CEO Jasser Al-Harbash affirmed that Saudi Arabia, with its 1,700 kilometers of coastline along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, is like a continent.
However, only about 400 kilometers have been explored for archaeology.
He encouraged researchers to collaborate with the Commission for more discoveries.
Speaking at a conference in Jeddah, Al-Harbash expressed interest in working with South Korea, inspired by past international missions.
He highlighted the Commission’s focus areas, including antiquities, urban heritage, crafts, intangible cultural heritage, and world heritage.
Al-Harbash emphasized commitment to underwater cultural heritage.
The gathering, titled Underwater Cultural Heritage Conference, featured 16 presentations from experts discussing their experiences in surveys.
Steve Karacic, Deputy Head of International Heritage, shared findings from underwater surveys in Saudi Arabia’s NEOM region.
The research revealed late Roman amphora handles and evidence of trade between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean.
