Saudi Heritage Authority launches archaeological survey of ancient stone structures in northern regions

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A team from the Heritage Authority is seen at work at an archaeological site in Al-Jawf region. (SPA)
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Updated 02 July 2021
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Saudi Heritage Authority launches archaeological survey of ancient stone structures in northern regions

  • The project, in the Northern Borders and Al-Jawf provinces, is said to be one of the most important studies of its kind
  • The Kingdom has the largest number of such structures in the world; they are known for the diversity of shape, size and function

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Authority has launched the first phase of an archaeological survey of stone structures in the Northern Borders and Al-Jawf regions.

The project is said to be one of the most important of its kind, given that the Kingdom has the largest number of stone structures of this kind in the world, and their diversity in terms of shape, size and function.

The project is based on a directive by Prince Badr bin Abdullah, minister of culture and chairman of the board of directors of the Heritage Authority. It aims to provide valuable information about the nature of the structures and the environmental, cultural and social conditions that influenced their creation, and expand our knowledge of the Stone Age period in general.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The project, in the Northern Borders and Al-Jawf provinces, is said to be one of the most important studies of its kind.

• KSA has the largest number of such structures in the world; they are known for the diversity of shape, size and function.

• The project is based on a directive by Prince Badr bin Abdullah, minister of culture and chairman of the board of directors of the Heritage Authority.

It will also document the structures and help with efforts to preserve them, while highlighting the important role the Kingdom’s territory and its people played in the development of human civilization. The information will also be used in the environmental, cultural and tourism fields.

The Heritage Authority previously announced that the scientific study of the stone structures would be carried in cooperation with Saudi and international universities and research centers.


Saudi watchdog warns of possible health risk from Nestle baby formula

Updated 06 January 2026
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Saudi watchdog warns of possible health risk from Nestle baby formula

  • Company voluntarily recalls its Nan, Alfamino, S-26 Gold and S-26 Ultima products over concerns they might be contaminated with cereulide, a toxin produced by bacteria
  • Saudi Food and Drug Authority says recall is precautionary and no related illnesses have been reported, but advises consumers to dispose of recalled products immediately

RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority on Tuesday warned the public not to consume certain Nestle infant formula products, after the company issued a voluntary recall over concerns about possible contamination.

The advisory covers products marketed under the Nan, Alfamino, S-26 Gold and S-26 Ultima brands. They might be contaminated with cereulide, a toxin produced by the Bacillus cereus bacteria, which can pose a risk to infant health, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Saudi authority said the recall was a precautionary measure and no related illnesses have been reported. Possible symptoms of exposure can include nausea, repeated vomiting and abdominal pain.

It advised consumers to dispose of the recalled products immediately, and said it was coordinating with Nestle to ensure they are removed from stores and is monitoring the process.

Full details of the affected products, including batch numbers, are available at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority website. The organization said consumers can report any food safety concerns by calling 19999.