JEDDAH: The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) has undertaken registration of more than 53,000 historical artifacts and relics that it successfully managed to restore from inside and outside the Kingdom as part of the National Project for Digital Recording of Antiquities.
The project follows international standards for archaeological recording and archiving. It aims to document and store all historic sites, artifacts, historical monument and urban heritage buildings in a comprehensive national digital registry linked to a multidimensional digital map, which is compatible with modern GIS technologies and digital databases, maps, images and graphics.
Director-General of Archiving and Protecting Antiquities at the SCTH, Naif Al-Qannour, said: “The new digital recording project stores detailed information and reports about 32,000 artefacts retrieved from outside the Kingdom and 20,000 returned by citizens to the SCTH since Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of SCTH, launched the campaign to retrieve national artefacts in 2011.
“Some artifacts found their way outside Saudi Arabia through foreign travelers who moved them to other countries. One of the most famous artifacts is the Tayma Stone, which was discovered by Charles Huber and later displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris.”
Al-Qannour also explained that many employees of foreign companies, especially in the oil industry, visited many parts of Saudi Arabia to study their geology and natural manifestations, collected the artifacts they found and took them to national museums in their home countries.
“Robbers of archaeological sites sometimes dig for archaeological treasures and achieve fast financial gains,” Al-Qannour said. “By doing so, they are destroying important archaeological evidence found in these sites, be it on land or in the sea.”
Al-Qannour said the SCTH will continue to work on retrieving and protecting artifacts and has released a red list of artifacts stolen from their sites inside Saudi Arabia and information about them to make them easier to identify. The SCTH has also announced handing financial rewards to those who return artifacts or report their loss or theft.
In 2011, Prince Sultan launched a campaign for retrieving national artifacts, including media and cultural programs and initiatives that aim to enlighten and inform citizens about the value of artifacts and the importance of returning them to the SCTH.
Recently, the commission released a list of 140 names of citizens and 18 Americans who returned artifacts, reported archaeological sites or cooperated with the SCTH in protecting the country’s cultural heritage between 2013 and 2017. This was to honor them during the First Antiquities Forum, which will be launched under the patronage of King Salman on Nov. 7 at the National Museum in Riyadh.
Saudi tourism authority retrieves more than 53,000 relics
Saudi tourism authority retrieves more than 53,000 relics
An inspiration to many — the ‘Bedouin from Brooklyn’
- Embracing his identity as ‘a Bedouin from Brooklyn,’ Inzerillo shared his journey and insights in a session called ‘From Brooklyn to Diriyah’
- Jerry Inzerillo: I came to Saudi Arabia in 1998, and I have always been blessed with Saudi friends who have been warm and generous
RIYADH: On the first day of the Impact Makers Forum in Riyadh, Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo captivated audiences with his unique story.
Embracing his identity as “a Bedouin from Brooklyn,” Inzerillo shared his journey and insights in a session called “From Brooklyn to Diriyah”.
He emphasized the power of hard work, saying: “We are very hard-working people.” Recalling a lesson learned from the Qur’an, he added: “May Allah accept all our good intentions, and may our good intentions turn into good deeds. These are not just words; they are blessed words for your life’s submission.”
Inzerillo recounted a moment from a dinner with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where a former Italian prime minister praised the Kingdom’s transformative vision for 2030.
Quoting the crown prince’s response, he said: “Always surround yourself with passionate people. Passion is the fuel of ambition.” He added: “If you see joy in serving, it will carry you through a long career.”
Reflecting on his own journey, Inzerillo said: “I came to Saudi Arabia in 1998, and I have always been blessed with Saudi friends who have been warm and generous.”
On the Kingdom’s recent opening to tourism, he said: “This is a historic time in Saudi Arabia.”
Urging attendees to dream big, he added: “Everything in this Kingdom is accomplishable. The future is very bright for this blessed Kingdom.”
Inzerillo highlighted the rapid progress and achievements under the Crown Prince’s leadership, including hosting the 2030 World Expo, AFC Asian Cup 2027 and FIFA World Cup 2034.
He concluded with an empowering message: “You are the captains of your ship. You will determine your future.”
He encouraged everyone to serve with their hearts, reminding them that while the path may not always be easy, it will be noble.
The Impact Makers Forum, which ends on Dec. 19, is hosted by the Ministry of Media and aims to redefine influence and enrich social values. It brings together over 300 global influencers, industry experts and digital content creators and has a focus on collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Saudi crown prince meets Iraqi PM in AlUla
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recieved Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani in AlUla on Wednesday.
French politician visits Jeddah to strengthen ties, praises Vision 2030
- Amal-Amelia Lecrafi highlights shared ambitions in green energy, education, cultural innovation
JEDDAH: A member of parliament representing French citizens living abroad recently visited Jeddah to explore opportunities and strengthen collaboration between her country and Saudi Arabia.
President of the France-Saudi Parliamentary Friendship Group and representative of French citizens across 49 countries, Amal-Amelia Lecrafi expressed a strong interest in contributing to the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, smart cities and cultural industries.
She said: “I am convinced that my previous experience as a business leader in cybersecurity can help build bridges between our ecosystems. My goal is to further strengthen partnerships in the economic, technological, cultural, and educational sectors.
“Vision 2030 is an exceptional platform for developing projects in green energy, sustainable mobility, and technological innovation. Cooperation in these sectors allows France and Saudi Arabia to pool their expertise and build sustainable, innovative solutions. This collaboration also creates opportunities for Saudi youth to access high-quality training and thrive within companies across all future-oriented industries.”
During her time in Jeddah, Lecrafi also emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy as a means of fostering stronger ties. She highlighted initiatives aimed at enhancing cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations.
“We are working on educational partnerships, such as training programs in NEOM, and on joint artistic projects to promote our shared heritage. Culture and education are key pillars for bringing our societies closer together and strengthening Francophonie in the region,” she said.
As part of her commitment to French citizens living abroad, Lecrafi outlined efforts to improve consular support and engagement. She highlighted initiatives aimed at strengthening consular services, facilitating access to French education and addressing practical challenges such as banking.
“A recurring issue we are addressing is the difficulty many expatriates face in maintaining or opening bank accounts in France,” she said. “We are actively working to resolve this challenge. Additionally, we are ensuring their integration into the local economic dynamism.”
Lecrafi also discussed the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia in the Middle East and France’s role in maintaining regional stability.
“France actively supports dialogue and stability in the region. The announcement of the June 2025 conference for the creation of a Palestinian state, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is a strong signal of our shared determination to promote lasting peace and the recognition of two states,” she said.
She also demonstrated her admiration of the Kingdom’s progress under Vision 2030 and praised its commitment to modernization, tolerance and social progress.
She commended the rapid changes taking place, particularly the empowerment of women, and said: “Vision 2030 embodies a unique ambition to open up to the world while affirming a strong identity, resonating directly with the values of tolerance and progress.
“This vision is accompanied by an unprecedented and rapid emancipation of families, and more specifically women, serving as a shining example for the region.”
She said Saudi Arabia’s commitment to education was a reflection of Islamic values and added: “I will remain a dedicated ally to showcase these achievements and support initiatives that highlight the richness of your vision and the strength of your commitment on the global stage.”
Riyadh Season’s Boulevard Runway blends aviation with entertainment
RIYADH: The Boulevard Runway, one of the key zones of Riyadh Season, offers visitors an innovative blend of aviation and entertainment.
It was inaugurated by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh and Saudia Group’s Director-General Ibrahim Al-Omar.
The zone offers visitors an opportunity to explore three giant Boeing 777 aircraft, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
Guests can walk inside the planes, discover their unique interiors, and enjoy an authentic runway experience that immerses them in the atmosphere of real airports.
Open to the public from 4 p.m. to midnight, the zone includes the “Terminal X” destination, brimming with excitement and adventure. Visitors can enjoy 10 diverse experiences combining aerial adventures and vibrant settings.
The zone is designed to be an ideal entertainment hub, combining interactive activities with fun-filled moments, the SPA reported.
In the takeoff area, children and adults can jump and play on safely designed structures, creating unforgettable memories.
Meanwhile, visitors to the control tower can savor the famous Mike Majlak burger, renowned for its distinctive flavor.
In addition, fans of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine can enjoy a unique experience inside the “Uncle Hussein” airplane, where they can sample dishes that embody the essence of the region’s culinary traditions.
For thrill seekers, the “Lost Boeing 777” experience offers a journey of horror and excitement. This is a plane that transforms into a haunted setting after crashing in the Bermuda Triangle, complete with moving ghosts, live music, terrifying effects, and rocking chairs.
The “Sky War” experience enables teams to undertake a mission to rescue a hijacked plane and save the hostages before time runs out.
Riyadh Season continues to captivate visitors with its eclectic lineup, including international concerts, boxing and wrestling matches, unique dining experiences, expansive gardens, and innovative entertainment offerings.
According to the latest statistics announced by Alalshikh earlier this month, Riyadh Season has attracted 10 million visitors so far.
Saudi authorities warn of rain, thunderstorms until Saturday
- Makkah region to experience moderate rain that may lead to flash floods
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology and the General Directorate of Civil Defense on Wednesday warned of light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in the Kingdom until Saturday as most parts of the country experience a chilly winter.
The authorities urged people to avoid valleys and low-lying water-logged areas susceptible to flooding and to follow instructions issued through official portals and social media platforms.
The meteorology center, forecasting rainfall from Thursday to Saturday, said: “Some areas in the Kingdom are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall. We urge everyone to follow the warnings issued about the expected situation via the center’s website, social media, and the Anwa app.”
According to the center, areas to experience rainfall include Makkah, Baha, Madinah, Tabuk, Jouf, Hail, the Northern Borders and the Eastern Province.
The Civil Defense urged people to exercise caution due to rain and thunderstorms expected to continue in the Kingdom until Saturday.
“People are advised to avoid valleys prone to torrents, including swimming there, and comply with the instructions issued in the media,” it said.
It added that the light to moderate showers in the Makkah region may lead to flash floods, hailstorms, and dust-stirring winds.
The directorate also warned that light rain and dust-stirring winds will fall in the Riyadh region.
The chilly winter in the northern region continued unabated with Qurayyat recording -1 degree Celsius, Turaif 0 degrees, Rafha 1 degree, Arar 2 degrees, Sakaka and Hail 3 degrees, and Tabuk 5 degrees.
