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Saudi Heritage Commission Enforces Strict Penalties Against Antiquities Violators

The fines varied according to the nature and circumstances of each violation
The fines varied according to the nature and circumstances of each violation
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Saudi Heritage Commission Enforces Strict Penalties Against Antiquities Violators

The fines varied according to the nature and circumstances of each violation
The fines varied according to the nature and circumstances of each violation

The Saudi Heritage Commission announced financial fines against 11 violators for dealing in portable antiquities without obtaining the required regulatory licenses, as part of its ongoing efforts to protect cultural heritage in the Kingdom and enhance compliance with regulations governing the sector.

The commission clarified that the violations involved displaying and selling antiquities on online platforms without registering or documenting them with the Heritage Commission or obtaining the necessary licenses, in explicit violation of the provisions of the Law of Antiquities, Museums and Urban Heritage.

The fines varied according to the nature and circumstances of each violation, reaching up to SAR15,000 in some cases.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring violations related to heritage sites and collections across the Kingdom and taking the necessary legal and regulatory actions against all those proven to have contravened the regulations.

The Heritage Commission called on all citizens and residents to report any violations or non-compliant practices related to heritage sites or collections through its social media channels, by visiting its branches across the Kingdom, through the Archaeological Site Reporting platform, or by contacting the unified security operations center at 911.

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Culture

Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz Foundation Showcases Publications at Moscow Book Fair

King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah) logo
King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah) logo
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Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz Foundation Showcases Publications at Moscow Book Fair

King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah) logo
King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah) logo

The King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah) is participating in the Moscow International Book Fair 2026, which began Wednesday in the Russian capital, as part of the Saudi pavilion.

Darah has a dedicated section featuring its publications and scientific and cultural projects, highlighting its efforts to promote the Kingdom's history, heritage, and culture.

The section also provides an opportunity to connect with academics, researchers, and others interested in historical and cultural affairs from various countries.

The section has attracted visitors interested in the Kingdom's history, heritage, and culture, as well as Darah's specialized publications on history, studies, sources, and cultural heritage.

Darah's participation reflects its efforts to promote the Kingdom's history, heritage, and culture internationally and strengthen its presence at cultural events. It also helps build connections with researchers and others interested in Saudi history and culture.

Culture

Saudi Coffee Utensils Reflect a Rich Heritage of Hospitality

The dallah, a traditional coffee pot used to serve coffee, is one of the most prominent symbols of Arab hospitality - SPA
The dallah, a traditional coffee pot used to serve coffee, is one of the most prominent symbols of Arab hospitality - SPA
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Saudi Coffee Utensils Reflect a Rich Heritage of Hospitality

The dallah, a traditional coffee pot used to serve coffee, is one of the most prominent symbols of Arab hospitality - SPA
The dallah, a traditional coffee pot used to serve coffee, is one of the most prominent symbols of Arab hospitality - SPA

Saudi coffee utensils form an integral set of tools associated with the various stages of coffee preparation and serving, from roasting the beans in the mehmasah, cooling them in the mibrada, and pounding them in the najr to boiling and serving the coffee in the dallah.

According to SPA, the mehmasah, traditionally made from iron or copper, is a utensil used to roast coffee beans over a fire or hot embers, while the mibrada is used to cool the roasted beans and prepare them for the next stage, and was traditionally made from local wood in various shapes and sizes.

The najr is used to pound and grind the roasted coffee beans, as well as cardamom and other ingredients. Its rhythmic sound has traditionally been associated with welcoming guests and signaling that coffee is being prepared in the gathering place.

The dallah, a traditional coffee pot used to serve coffee, is one of the most prominent symbols of Arab hospitality, and a strainer is used to remove coffee grounds and spices before serving.

Today, these utensils remain an important part of the tangible heritage of Saudi coffee, reflecting the craftsmanship of artisans who created practical tools for everyday use.

Culture

Red Sea Museum Concludes Six-Month 'Sunken Treasures' Exhibition

The galleries showcased underwater archaeological discoveries and Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to protect and document submerged cultural assets - SPA
The galleries showcased underwater archaeological discoveries and Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to protect and document submerged cultural assets - SPA
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Red Sea Museum Concludes Six-Month 'Sunken Treasures' Exhibition

The galleries showcased underwater archaeological discoveries and Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to protect and document submerged cultural assets - SPA
The galleries showcased underwater archaeological discoveries and Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to protect and document submerged cultural assets - SPA

The "Sunken Treasures: The Maritime Heritage of the Red Sea" exhibition concluded its six-month run at the Red Sea Museum in Historic Jeddah, offering visitors an educational journey into centuries of maritime trade, navigation, and pilgrimage.

Housed at the historic Bab Al-Bunt building since February 25, the exhibition highlighted the Red Sea's historical role as a vital trade artery connecting the Arabian Peninsula with the Mediterranean, Africa, and Asia.

Structured across four thematic zones, the galleries showcased underwater archaeological discoveries and Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to protect and document submerged cultural assets, SPA reported.

Among the exhibition's centerpiece displays was the 18th-century Umluj shipwreck, discovered submerged 20 to 22 meters deep amid coral reefs. Its recovered cargo—including commercial containers, pottery, coins, ceramics, and daily shipboard tools alongside antique navigational instruments and nautical maps—illustrated the vibrant human exchange that traversed regional waters.

Organized in collaboration with the Heritage Commission and the Historic Jeddah Program, the exhibition was also part of the summer season's cultural offerings, combining interactive public programming with scientific research to bolster cultural tourism and raise awareness of the Kingdom's underwater heritage.