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Archaeological Inscriptions at King Salman Royal Reserve Preserve Legacy of Ancient Civilizations

The reserve features 14 distinct geographical formations - SPA
The reserve features 14 distinct geographical formations - SPA
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Archaeological Inscriptions at King Salman Royal Reserve Preserve Legacy of Ancient Civilizations

The reserve features 14 distinct geographical formations - SPA
The reserve features 14 distinct geographical formations - SPA

Archaeological inscriptions are living historical records carved into rock, bearing witness to ancient civilizations and providing clear insights into the lives of people across different historical periods.

The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve is home to thousands of archaeological inscriptions and ancient rock carvings, including Thamudic and Nabataean inscriptions, as well as depictions of wildlife and hunting scenes scattered across the reserve. These carvings portray daily life in ancient times and feature animals such as ibexes, camels, and horses.

According to SPA, the reserve is considered one of the oldest sites of human settlement in the Arabian Peninsula, distinguished by its unique blend of pristine natural landscapes, clean air, geographical and cultural diversity, and rare archaeological remains, some dating back to 8,000 BC.

It also contains significant archaeological and historical sites, evidenced by ancient rock art, alongside settlements and relics that offer deep insights into the region's human history, making the reserve's cultural heritage an integral part of its value and conservation efforts.

The reserve is home to several archaeological and historical sites, most notably the UNESCO-listed Jubbah, which includes the Jabal Umm Sinman oasis and ancient rock inscriptions and carvings dating back thousands of years.

It also encompasses the Kilwa site, which preserves prehistoric archaeological remains and rock inscriptions. More than 400 archaeological and historical sites have been documented across the reserve, spanning Northern Borders, Hail, Al-Jouf, and Tabuk regions.

The reserve features 14 distinct geographical formations, ranging from towering mountains to vast plains and rolling plateaus. Its richness is further enhanced by valuable mineral resources, regarded as rare natural treasures, while its geographical diversity is matched by its administrative reach, spanning four regions: Northern Borders, Hail, Tabuk, and Al-Jouf.

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Culture

Hegra Highlights Status as Saudi Arabia’s First UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hegra Highlights Status as Saudi Arabia’s First UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Hegra Highlights Status as Saudi Arabia’s First UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hegra Highlights Status as Saudi Arabia’s First UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a land that has witnessed successive civilizations whose traces remain across its regions, is home to AlUla Governorate, where the Hegra Archaeological Site stands as part of this rich human heritage.

It was the first Saudi site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, a testament to Saudi Arabia’s deep civilizational heritage and its commitment to preserving and safeguarding it for future generations.

As Saudi Arabia celebrates Saudi National Day, Hegra evokes part of the history of the Arabian Peninsula and the civilizational and cultural exchanges that took place across the region through the ages, according to SPA.

The Hegra Archaeological Site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008, becoming the first Saudi site to be added to the list, in an achievement that reflects its exceptional historical and civilizational significance. The site contains archaeological remains and carved rock facades that showcase the Nabataeans’ engineering and sculptural expertise.

Saudi Arabia, represented by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), pays particular attention to the Hegra Archaeological Site through comprehensive efforts to preserve the site and safeguard its archaeological and historical components.

These conservation efforts are complemented by archaeological studies, surveys, and research conducted by the RCU in cooperation with experts and academic institutions.

Hegra remains one of the Kingdom’s most prominent heritage sites and a destination for visitors and researchers from around the world.

Culture

Tyre’s Ruins Survived the Strikes. Now Divers are Finding their Way Back Underwater

A diver passes above Roman-era columns at an archaeological site near the coast in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)
A diver passes above Roman-era columns at an archaeological site near the coast in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)
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Tyre’s Ruins Survived the Strikes. Now Divers are Finding their Way Back Underwater

A diver passes above Roman-era columns at an archaeological site near the coast in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)
A diver passes above Roman-era columns at an archaeological site near the coast in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)

Beneath the Mediterranean waters off the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, divers swim past stone walls, ancient structures and a submerged road — remnants of parts of a city that once stood above the water.

With a shaky ceasefire in place after the latest Israel-Hezbollah war, visitors are returning to Tyre, a city known for its Roman ruins and its much older Phoenician history. Diving operators say interest in the underwater archaeological sites is increasing, though the number of visitors remains below prewar levels, The Associated Press said.

“The diving season is not like it used to be before, but the number of people coming to dive to see the ruins is increasing day by day,” said Yousef al-Jundi, manager of the Lebanon Diving Center.

The remains underwater are part of Tyre’s wider archaeological landscape. UNESCO says substantial archaeological remains of the ancient city are submerged, while underwater archaeological research has documented walls, harbor structures and other remains along the former island and coastline.

“This is the identity of this city, which tells us how old this city is and what its history is,” al-Jundi said. He said the underwater sites attract divers from around the world who want to see what is commonly described as Tyre’s “sunken city.”

Tyre was one of the major Phoenician maritime cities of antiquity, with trading networks that extended across the Mediterranean. The city was also famous for its purple dye and later became an important Greek and Roman center. Its archaeological remains were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1984.

The war raised concerns over the preservation of those remains, both on land and underwater.

“We were worried about the archaeological sites on land, which were affected by the war and the strikes, but at the same time we were also worried about the archaeological sites underwater, but thank God they were not affected,” al-Jundi said.

Before the ceasefire in late June, Tyre came under intense Israeli airstrikes, with neighborhoods in the coastal city heavily damaged during the fighting. UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee placed Tyre on its List of World Heritage in Danger in July 2026, citing the threat and damage caused by the ongoing hostilities.

Ali Badawi of Lebanon’s Directorate General of Antiquities said protecting the underwater sites remains a challenge.

“They’re not very well protected," Badawi said, adding that “encroachments” sometimes happen. “But we are trying very hard through surveys and research that we’re conducting, and we’re trying to develop laws to ensure their safety in the future.”

Badawi said the authorities also want to expand research and investment in underwater tourism, including the creation of underwater archaeological parks that would allow more visitors to see the sites.

The effort comes as Tyre seeks to rebuild its tourism sector after the war, while preserving archaeological remains that reflect thousands of years of the city’s history.

Culture

Historic Linah Marks Saudi National Day with Heritage Events, International Performances

Linah is one of the most prominent historical sites in northern Saudi Arabia - SPA
Linah is one of the most prominent historical sites in northern Saudi Arabia - SPA
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Historic Linah Marks Saudi National Day with Heritage Events, International Performances

Linah is one of the most prominent historical sites in northern Saudi Arabia - SPA
Linah is one of the most prominent historical sites in northern Saudi Arabia - SPA

Historic Linah, located south of Rafha in Northern Borders Region, will celebrate Saudi National Day with a series of national and heritage events at the Historic Linah Market.

The program features performances by local and international artistic groups, along with a variety of artistic segments, solo musical performances, and equestrian and camel-riding displays, SPA reported.

The festivities will also include puppet shows, children’s competitions, and a musical evening showcasing traditional songs.

The Historic Linah Municipality has completed preparations across sites, parks, and roads, decorating streets with national flags and festive lighting to welcome visitors and create a celebratory atmosphere that reflects national pride.

Linah is one of the most prominent historical sites in northern Saudi Arabia.

Once a key stop along ancient caravan routes, the town’s historic palaces and market continue to stand as enduring witnesses to the region’s collective memory.