Discovery of 5000-year-old archaeological inscriptions in the Al-Soudah Peaks project
In a significant step highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Heritage Commission, in collaboration with Soudah Development Company – a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund – announced impressive results from their joint archaeological survey in the Asir region. These efforts led to the discovery of 20 rocks bearing rare inscriptions and ancient drawings within the "Soudah Peaks" project, adding a new historical dimension to this global tourist destination.
Living testimonies from ancient times
These discoveries are of exceptional importance due to their age; the rock carvings and drawings are estimated to be between 4,000 and 5,000 years old. These rocks contain inscriptions in the ancient Thamudic script, one of the most prominent South Arabian scripts used by the ancient inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula to record their daily lives and events, indicating that this region was home to advanced human civilizations with a unique language and cultural communication.
The discovered rocks are rich with detailed artistic depictions of various animals such as ibex, hyenas, and ostriches, as well as scenes documenting social life during that era, including drawings of hunters, dancers, palm trees, and various weapons. These drawings reflect the nature of the wildlife and environment that prevailed in the Sarawat Mountains and confirm the abundance of natural resources that facilitated human settlement in these highlands thousands of years ago.
Strategic and historical importance of the site
This discovery is inseparable from the rich historical context of the Asir region and the Rijal Alma'a Governorate, which throughout history served as a vital passage for ancient trade caravans connecting southern Arabia with its north. Experts affirm that finding such inscriptions in rugged mountainous terrain demonstrates the ability of ancient humans to adapt to challenging landscapes and points to the flourishing of settled societies that practiced hunting, agriculture, and diverse social rituals.
This discovery supports the World Heritage files in the region, especially since the heritage village of "Rijal Almaa" near the discovery site is already on UNESCO's tentative list, which enhances the global value of the region as a whole.
Integrating heritage with tourism development
These discoveries are the result of a strategic memorandum of understanding between the Heritage Commission and Al-Soudah Development Company, implemented through four meticulous scientific phases that began with data collection and analysis and culminated in field documentation. This collaboration aims to integrate the heritage dimension into the master plan of the "Al-Soudah Peaks" project, creating a luxurious mountain tourist destination that not only boasts natural beauty but also offers visitors a rich cultural experience that tells the stories of the civilizations that once thrived in the area.
Through these works, Al Soudah Development Company affirms its firm commitment to preserving cultural and natural heritage, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which pays great attention to archaeological sites and considers them a fundamental pillar of national identity and an attractive element for global cultural tourism.
