Article 42 of the Saudi Antiquities Law
المادة 42 من نظام الآثار والمتاحف والتراث العمراني
The Authority alone has the right to conduct archaeological surveys and excavation, including submerged antiquities, and in coordination with the competent bodies may license universities, scientific bodies, excavators and foreign missions to do so.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
الهيئة وحدها هي صاحبة الحق في المسح الأثري والتنقيب عن الآثار، ويتضمن ذلك الآثار الغارقة في المناطق البحرية الخاضعة لسيادة المملكة أو ولايتها القانونية، ويجوز للهيئة - بالتنسيق مع الجهات المختصة - الترخيص للجامعات، والهيئات، والمؤسسات، والجمعيات العلمية الوطنية، والمنقبين عن الآثار، والبعثات الأجنبية؛ بالمسح الأثري والتنقيب عن الآثار، إما بصورة منفردة، أو بالاشتراك معها، وفقاً لأحكام هذا النظام ولوائحـه.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 42 explained in plain English
This article determines who holds the right to archaeological survey and excavation.
The rule – an exclusive right of the Authority: the Authority alone has the right to conduct archaeological surveys and to excavate for antiquities, and this includes submerged antiquities in marine areas under the sovereignty or legal jurisdiction of the Kingdom.
The exception – licensing others: the Authority may, in coordination with the competent bodies, license archaeological survey and excavation to:
- Universities.
- National scientific bodies, institutions and associations.
- Antiquities excavators.
- Foreign missions.
This may be done either individually or jointly with the Authority, in accordance with the provisions of the Law and its regulations.
Under Article 1, an antiquities excavator is any natural or legal person who is scientifically and professionally qualified in the field of excavation. Excavation means digging, probing, investigation and diving carried out on scientific principles with the aim of finding antiquities, and archaeological survey means exploring and documenting sites.
In practical terms, any digging or diving to search for antiquities without a license from the Authority is not permitted, even as a hobby or for research purposes.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 42 of the Saudi Antiquities Law
Who may excavate for antiquities in Saudi Arabia?
The Authority alone, and in coordination with the competent bodies it may license universities, national scientific bodies, institutions and associations, excavators and foreign missions.
Does the Authority's right cover underwater antiquities?
Yes. Its right includes submerged antiquities in marine areas under the sovereignty or legal jurisdiction of the Kingdom.
Can foreign missions work on their own?
They may be licensed to work individually or jointly with the Authority, in accordance with the provisions of the Law and its regulations.
More articles on Archaeological Survey and Excavation
- Article 5
Owning or using land does not give its owner or user freedom to dispose of or excavate the antiquities on or under it; what is found becomes State property, and the Commission may relinquish fixed antiquities in the land where necessary after documenting them.
لا تُكسب الأرض مالكها أو المنتفع بها حرية التصرف في الآثار الثابتة أو المنقولة التي على سطحها أو في باطنها، ولا يجوز لأي منهما التنقيب عن الآثار فيها، وتقوم بذل
- Article 43
The Authority and licensed bodies may survey and excavate in public and private property in coordination with the owners, with private owners compensated for the value of the land if the immovable antiquity is retained, or for damage after excavation.
للهيئة والجهات المرخص لها حق المسح الأثري والتنقيب عن الآثار في الأملاك العامة والخاصة، وذلك بالتنسيق مع أصحابها أو من تقع تحت سلطتهم، فإن كانت هناك ضرورة للاحت
- Article 44
Discovered antiquities found by the Authority or a licensed excavator are State property that cannot be given up, though they may be exhibited and some may be lent for study for an agreed period.
1- تعد ملكاً للدولة جميع الآثار المكتشفة - التي تعثر عليها الهيئة أو المرخص له بالتنقيب عن الآثار - ولا يجوز التنازل عنها. ويجوز للرئيس أن يسمح للمرخص له بعرض م
- Article 72Amended by M/67
Imprisonment from 3 months to 3 years and a fine of SAR 20,000 to SAR 300,000, or either penalty, for anyone who interferes with an antiquity or heritage site or excavates without a license.
يعاقب بالسجن لمدة لا تقل عن (ثلاثة) أشهر ولا تزيد على (ثلاث) سنوات، وبغرامة لا تقل عن (عشرين ألف) ريال ولا تزيد على (ثلاثمائة ألف) ريال، أو بإحدى هاتين العقوبتي
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.