The Saudi Heritage Authority approved the registration of 624 new archaeological and historical sites in the National Antiquities Register, during the first quarter of 2021, bringing the total number of archaeological sites registered since its establishment to 8,176 sites across the country. Heritage Authority CEO Jasser Al-Harbash explained that the archaeological sites that have been approved for registration include 38 sites in Makkah, five in Madinah, 48 in Hail, 54 in Al-Jouf, 52 in Asir, 35 in Tabuk, 4 in the Northern Borders Region, 342 in Riyadh, 25 in the Eastern Region, 18 in Qassim, and 3 in Jazan. The National Antiquities Register’s role is to document and register archeological sites, placing them on digital maps that facilitate their administration, protection and preservation. It also helps building a special database for registered archeological sites, saving and documenting works that are implemented in these sites and archiving documents and photos of the cultural heritage sites in the Kingdom. The register works on finding applicable solutions to manage the business aspect of the national heritage sector, providing assistance information that helps make proper decisions to preserve and maintain archeological sites and providing information to researchers and specialists.