Archaeologists in Saudi Arabia have unearthed stone tools and pottery fragments dating back over 50,000 years in Al-Quraynah, northwest of Riyadh. The discovery, announced by the Saudi Heritage Commission on August 10, 2025, is a significant find that highlights the Arabian Peninsula's crucial role in early human migration. This excavation is part of the Al-Yamamah Archaeological Project, which began in September 2024 and aims to document and study unrecorded historical sites using advanced survey methods to understand human settlement patterns and the cultural depth of central Arabia.
The Al-Quraynah site also yielded circular stone structures, believed to be tombs from the third and second millennia B.C., and an ancient roadway connecting the valley floor to the plateau and extending towards present-day Riyadh. These findings align with the scientific consensus that the Arabian Peninsula served as a vital corridor for hominids migrating from Africa, particularly around 50,000 years ago during periods of a more verdant landscape, often referred to as "Green Arabia." The unearthed artifacts provide tangible links to these ancient journeys, suggesting the region was a place where early humans adapted and thrived, not just a transit point. The Al-Yamamah Archaeological Project is scheduled to continue until 2028, employing technologies like geographic information systems and ground-penetrating radar to map the cultural and historical sequence of the Riyadh region. The project encompasses surveys in Riyadh City, the Hanifa Valley, and surrounding areas, with major excavations in Dharmah, Al-Hani, and Al-Masane, all aimed at preserving Saudi Arabia's archaeological assets and deepening the understanding of its rich cultural heritage.