ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the relationship between two actors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's (KSA) archaeological heritage management. The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) explores the country's historical, cultural, architectural, religious and natural values and accommodates a local interest to preserve archaeological heritage as a sustainable resource. The chapter focuses on the complicated context in which methodologies are devised for preserving and protecting archaeological heritage sites in the KSA. The SCTA's first phase of the comprehensive archaeological survey programme can be divided into two parts: the first part consists of collaborations between Saudi and international archaeologists; the second part was almost completely led by Saudi archaeologists. The chapter argues that archaeological sites in the KSA have not been managed effectively, as evidenced by the uncertain relationship of the public to their heritage. The SCTA has been successful in its efforts to represent and introduce the ancient history of the KSA to the world.
