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.



AlUla Artist Residency Showcases Creative Excellence at International Design Awards

The AlUla Artist Residency Program has strengthened its presence on the international design scene, with several of its participants receiving awards at the fourth edition of the Design Award. (SPA)
The AlUla Artist Residency Program has strengthened its presence on the international design scene, with several of its participants receiving awards at the fourth edition of the Design Award. (SPA)
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AlUla Artist Residency Showcases Creative Excellence at International Design Awards

The AlUla Artist Residency Program has strengthened its presence on the international design scene, with several of its participants receiving awards at the fourth edition of the Design Award. (SPA)
The AlUla Artist Residency Program has strengthened its presence on the international design scene, with several of its participants receiving awards at the fourth edition of the Design Award. (SPA)

The AlUla Artist Residency Program has strengthened its presence on the international design scene, with several of its participants receiving awards at the fourth edition of the Design Award, organized by the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, the Saudi Press Agency said on Sunday.

Saudi architect and artist Aseel Alamoudi won the Emerging Talent Award for her project "Playformation: The Curve and The Dot," inspired by AlUla's rock formations and natural curves.

The Contemporary Craftsmanship Award was presented to Altin Studio, founded by Yasmine Sfar and Mehdi Kebaier, for their sculptural work "Our AlUla Trilogy" (2025), comprising three pieces titled "Wadi,Waha," and "Yusr." The pieces were crafted from palm wood and plant fibers. The project combines traditional crafts with contemporary design, drawing inspiration from AlUla's landscape and natural materials while evoking the palm cultures of Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.

The international awards won by the participants reflect the initiative's expanding reach and its creative output's growing presence on the global stage, as part of the cultural and artistic momentum taking place in AlUla through its diverse residency programs, exhibitions, events, and festivals.


International Conference on Saudi Arabia’s Efforts to Counter Intellectual Deviations Kicks Off Monday

The Saudi flag is seen at a site in the city of Jazan (SPA).
The Saudi flag is seen at a site in the city of Jazan (SPA).
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International Conference on Saudi Arabia’s Efforts to Counter Intellectual Deviations Kicks Off Monday

The Saudi flag is seen at a site in the city of Jazan (SPA).
The Saudi flag is seen at a site in the city of Jazan (SPA).

Under the patronage of Governor of Madinah Region Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the "International Conference on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Efforts to Counter Intellectual Deviations" will begin Monday.

The event is organized by the Islamic University of Madinah, with the participation of a group of scholars, officials, researchers, and specialists from inside and outside the Kingdom, SPA reported.

The conference will be held on September 27 and 28.

The conference will feature 56 peer-reviewed scientific papers, nine dialogue sessions, and 10 accompanying exhibitions addressing a range of issues related to the causes and effects of intellectual deviations and ways to combat them.

Topics will also include national initiatives to combat extremism; the role of sound faith, mental health, and community institutions in intellectual prevention; as well as the use of modern technologies, artificial intelligence, and social media platforms to enhance awareness and address contemporary intellectual challenges.

The conference aims to enrich scientific dialogue, exchange expertise, and develop recommendations that strengthen national and international efforts to build societies that are more aware and capable of confronting intellectual deviations.


King Abdulaziz Public Library Branch in China Wins Two Awards

Convening representatives and library specialists from across China, the conference addressed emerging sector trends. SPA
Convening representatives and library specialists from across China, the conference addressed emerging sector trends. SPA
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King Abdulaziz Public Library Branch in China Wins Two Awards

Convening representatives and library specialists from across China, the conference addressed emerging sector trends. SPA
Convening representatives and library specialists from across China, the conference addressed emerging sector trends. SPA

The King Abdulaziz Public Library Branch in Peking University won a first prize and an award of excellence during the 12th National Conference of Foreign Language University Library Alliance, hosted by Tianjin Foreign Studies University in China from September 21 to 24.

The branch earned first prize for a professional initiative focused on collaborative service delivery between library staff and specialized academic faculty.

It also received an award of excellence for a research study examining models of institutional partnership between foreign-language libraries and academic researchers, underscoring its role in integrating scholarly inquiry with modern library services.

Convening representatives and library specialists from across China, the conference addressed emerging sector trends, including artificial intelligence integration, digital transformation, research support, and the expansion of smart library ecosystems.

The branch's participation reflects its role in deepening Saudi-Chinese intellectual exchange and fostering institutional partnerships across the 27-member library alliance.