In a new scientific and historical achievement reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Heritage Commission in cooperation with Soudah Development Company – a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund – announced the results of a joint archaeological survey in the "Soudah Peaks" project area. These efforts resulted in the identification and documentation of 20 rocks bearing rare inscriptions and rock art, adding a new dimension to the archaeological map of the Asir region.
Cultural evidence from ancient times
These discoveries are of exceptional importance due to their age; the inscriptions and drawings are estimated to be between 4,000 and 5,000 years old, indicating that the As-Sawda and Rijal Alma' regions were home to stable and flourishing human civilizations thousands of years ago. The discovered rocks include 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.
The discovered rocks are rich with detailed artistic depictions of diverse animals such as ibex, hyenas, and ostriches, providing clear indications of the rich biodiversity that characterized the region in those times. The drawings also document vivid social scenes, including hunters carrying rudimentary weapons, dancers, and symbols of palm trees, reflecting the daily lives and cultural practices of the communities that inhabited the mountain peaks during that era.
Strategic and historical importance of the site
This discovery is inseparable from the historical context of the Asir region, which throughout history has served as a vital corridor for trade caravans and a link between southern and northern Arabia. Experts affirm that the abundance of such inscriptions in the project area—which spans over 636.5 square kilometers—demonstrates that the region was not merely a transit route, but a center of human settlement and civilization, thus enhancing the historical significance of the Asir Peaks project.
Integration between heritage and tourism development
These efforts are part of a strategic memorandum of understanding between the Heritage Commission and Al-Soudah Development Company, aimed at aligning urban and tourism development projects with the preservation of national heritage. The survey work underwent four rigorous scientific phases, beginning with data collection and aerial image analysis, and concluding with field documentation and the identification of high-value sites for protection.
This discovery reinforces the objectives of the Al-Soudah Peaks project to be a world-class luxury mountain tourist destination, where the tourist experience will not be limited to the stunning nature and moderate climate, but will extend to include a journey through time to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to showcase its archaeological treasures to the world.
