The Heritage Commission recorded 55 violations involving cultural heritage sites and artifacts across several regions of the Kingdom during the second quarter of 2026 as part of its efforts to protect archaeological and heritage sites and promote compliance with the laws and regulations governing the heritage sector. The commission said 16 field violations were identified through inspection tours and public reports. These included unauthorized excavation, illegal digging, altering the features of archaeological sites, and damaging informational and warning signs, gates, and protective fences. The violations were recorded in Riyadh, Qassim, Aseer, Tabuk, Northern Borders, and Al-Baha regions, SPA reported. The commission also recorded 12 violations detected through social media platforms. They included unauthorized archaeological surveys, entering archaeological sites, and publishing information about them, as well as using drones to photograph the sites. Other violations involved unauthorized excavation, damage to heritage sites, possession of antiquities, and false claims linking signs and symbols to buried treasures or archaeological remains. In addition, the commission recorded 27 violations involving the possession, sale, or promotion of archaeological and cultural artifacts via social media, online marketplaces, and e-commerce platforms. The items included coins, metal artifacts, vessels, stone sculptures, and various cultural objects offered without the required legal permits. The Heritage Commission urged citizens and residents to report any violations affecting archaeological or heritage sites through its official social media accounts, by visiting any of its offices or branches across the Kingdom, through the Archaeological Site Reporting service, or by contacting the Unified Security Operations Center (911).
