Riyadh, Saudi Heritage Commission said today that 70 new archaeological sites have been documented in the National Antiquities Register, bringing the total number of registered sites from across the Kingdom to 8,917. The number is testimony to the heritage, and historical and cultural richness of the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said. According to the commission, for an archaeological site to get registered, certain procedures have to be followed. When a site is discovered, it is examined by specialists to assess its archaeological value, and then scientific and technical reports about it are prepared and published. The new archaeological sites are to be found in various regions of the Kingdom. Asir Region accounts for the highest number, 14 sites, followed by Al-Jouf Region with 13, and Hail Region with 12. Jazan Region had 11 archaeological sites registered, seven sites were registered in Al-Qassim Region, six in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Region, and two in Riyadh Region. The Eastern and Makkah region s had one each. The commission stressed that it works all year round, in all regions of the Kingdom, to register archaeological sites, adding that their registration is done in accordance with the Law of Antiquities, Museums, and Urban Heritage, issued by Royal Decree on Muharram 9, 1436 Hijri, and pursuant to a decision of the commission's board of directors, which entrusts its CEO with approving their registration in the National Antiquities Register. Source: Bahrain News Agency