What is considered cultural property in Saudi Arabia?
In Saudi Arabia, movable, buried or perished objects that are located within the boundaries of the Kingdom and sea areas and are more than 100 years old are considered ancient. These must have been made, produced, adapted or drawn by human hands. These include, but are not limited to, sculptures, coins, inscriptions, ornaments, jewelry, and inherited artifacts that are of national importance due to their historical, scientific, aesthetic, artistic, and traditional value or historical use.
What sanctions are there?
Trade in antiquities is already significantly restricted. Registered movable cultural assets in state ownership cannot be sold. Privately owned cultural assets, which are listed in the "Antiquities Record", can only be used within the country, with documentation obligations and with the permission of the Cultural Property Protection authority (Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, SCTA) are sold. Auctions of ancient and folk inherited artifacts require SCTA approval. The purchase of antiquities is only possible if the ownership of the sellers is reliably proven when the buyers are registered with the SCTA. There are separate regulations for this. The export of museum cultural assets and museum replicas for exhibition purposes in international exchange is permitted and subject to separate regulations. The import of cultural assets also requires official examination.
What sanctions are there?
The export, sale or disposal of a movable antiquity is punishable by a fine of up to 15,000 riyals. In addition, the provisions of the Customs Act apply to smuggling. The customs authorities hand over confiscated items to the SCTA.
