Security and History Dialogue Conference highlights Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage

The Security and History Dialogue Conference 2026, in one of its scientific sessions, explored the civilizational dimensions of Saudi Arabia’s heritage, highlighting the country’s wealth of archaeological sites and evidence that document its deep historical roots and longstanding presence in the development of human civilization.

This was presented in a research paper titled “The Civilizational Dimensions of Saudi Arabia’s Heritage” by Dr. Saeed bin Fayez Al-Saeed, Professor of Archaeology and Ancient Languages, who discussed major archaeological discoveries that have contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the historical stages the Kingdom has experienced.

Dr. Al-Saeed explained that excavations and archaeological digs have uncovered evidence of human existence in Saudi Arabia dating back around 1.3 million years. He reviewed several stone tools found in Shuwayhitiyah in Al-Jouf and Najran, some of which date back nearly one million years, reflecting early advancements in tool-making and usage.

He noted that archaeological finds in the Tabuk region have helped establish the presence of camels in the Arabian Peninsula as far back as 120,000 years ago, providing important insights into the nature of life and the environment in the region during ancient times.

He also discussed the so-called “Al-Nafud Finger,” a globally rare discovery of human remains dating back about 85,000 years, found on the edge of an ancient lake in the Nafud Desert in northern Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, he highlighted the Sahout site in the Hail region, which offers evidence of the development and diversification of stone industries around 13,000 years ago, as well as early signs of an emerging artistic school in the Kingdom’s territory.

Dr. Al-Saeed noted that the Arabian Peninsula underwent a major climate shift about 11,000 years ago, with declining rainfall and rising temperatures leading to changes in population and geography. This paved the way for the emergence of villages and settlements, including sites such as Masayoun, estimated to be 11,000 years old; Al-Nata in Khaybar, dating back about 6,000 years; and Qurayyah in the Tabuk region, estimated at 5,000 years old, along with other sites in AlUla and Al-Yamamah.

The paper also addressed several cities and cultural centers revealed by archaeological studies in various regions of the Kingdom, including Tayma, AlUla, Hajar, Najran, Dumat Al-Jandal, Al-Faw, and Al-Hijr. These are considered key components of the Arabian Peninsula’s civilizational structure, highlighting the contributions of its inhabitants to civilization and the development of lifestyles.

He explained that industry was a prominent feature of civilizational progress in these societies, with discoveries indicating that people more than 8,000 years ago were able to shape clay into utilitarian tools. Pottery production evolved from handcrafting to the use of the wheel, marking a technological leap in manufacturing techniques.

He also pointed to the discovery of iron smelting techniques about 4,000 years ago, which led to advances in various industries, including the production of tools, weapons, ornaments, and medical preparations.

Dr. Al-Saeed emphasized that Saudi Arabia is distinguished by its abundance of rock inscriptions and carvings, which serve as a visual record of human life in the Arabian Peninsula. These works demonstrate advanced artistic expression, including attention to proportion and perspective, as well as the existence of an early school of sculpture dating back about 10,000 years that influenced artistic traditions in parts of the ancient East.

Dr. Al-Saeed concluded his paper by stressing the importance of Saudi Arabia’s archaeological heritage, its historical, cultural, and civilizational value, and the state’s commitment to heritage and antiquities as a priority under Vision 2030. He highlighted the knowledge, cultural, and economic dimensions of this heritage and its role in showcasing the Kingdom’s deep-rooted civilization and contributions to human history.