Riyadh: The Heritage Commission, with the participation of Saudi experts, has completed an archaeological survey and excavation project at a site in the town of Al-Qurainah, northwest of Riyadh, where some of the unearthed pottery fragments and stone tools date back over 50,000 years to the Middle Stone Age.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the survey and excavation efforts led to the discovery of circular structures resembling tombs from the third and second millennia BC, in addition to the identification of an ancient road extending from the valley to the top of the plateau at Al-Qurainah, reaching Riyadh.

This discovery is one of the outcomes of the Al-Yamama Archaeological Project, launched by the Heritage Commission to redraw the archaeological map of Riyadh Region and neighboring areas. The project relies on precise surveys and advanced research techniques to document previously unexplored sites and analyze patterns of human settlement across different eras, reflecting the depth of the region’s cultural and civilizational heritage.

The survey and excavations aimed to gather as much information as possible to enhance scientific studies of the Al-Qurainah site, understand its cultural and historical sequence, identify architectural styles and construction methods, and document the archaeological finds uncovered during the project.

This initiative is part of the Heritage Commission’s broader efforts to document, preserve, and protect national heritage sites, raise public awareness of their significance, and promote the Kingdom’s cultural heritage as both an economic and cultural asset.

The commission noted that its archaeological survey and excavation work across the Kingdom reflects its ongoing commitment to preserving the nation’s heritage assets. It added that the Kingdom’s cultural legacy is rooted in the successive civilizations that have settled its lands throughout history, highlighting the richness of the Kingdom’s heritage, culture, and history.