Prince Sultan bin Salman.

Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH), has launched a new set of awards to recognize those protecting the country’s antiquities.

The Abdulrahman Al-Ansari Prize is being coordinated with King Saud University and the Saudi Society for Archaeological Studies. Prince Sultan made the announcement during a visit to Al-Ansari’s home recently.

“This visit is to recognize the contribution of those who have been faithful and loyal to their homeland. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques (King Salman) has taught us to respect the elderly and people of virtue and science. This is the duty of every official,” Prince Sultan said.

He said Al-Ansari had made several significant discoveries in the area of heritage and antiquities over the years. He had also taught a new generation of archaeologists, and raised the profile of the Kingdom at international forums abroad.

Al-Ansari, who was born in Madinah, is a former professor of archaeology at King Saud University and member of the first and second terms of the Shoura Council. He is the founder and discoverer of the Qaryat Al-Fau archaeological site.

There are four categories: Saudi Pioneers in Archaeology, Foreign Pioneers of Archaeology, Young Archaeology Researchers, and Foreign Archaeology Researchers. The organizing committee is headed by Prince Sultan, with members including Rector of King Saud University Khalil bin Ibrahim Al-Miqil Al-Ibrahim.

Other members include Saad bin Abdulaziz Al-Rashid, Ahmed bin Omar Al-Zailai, Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Ghaban, Said bin Faiz Al-Said, dean of the faculty of tourism and antiquities at King Saud University and president of the Saudi Society for Archaeological Studies.

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