With a historical past and rich culture, Saudi Arabia offers some of the best heritage destinations in the world. Additionally, there are 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia with ‘outstanding universal value’. These sites provide a clear insight into the old civilizations that dwelled in the Arabian Peninsula before and after the origination of Islam. The sites help to understand the way of life of the old civilization and their evolution with time. From the remains of Nabataeans in Madain Saleh to informative rock art at Jubbah, the heritage sites are popular attractions among tourists worldwide.
6 World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia
1. Madain Saleh, Al Madinah
Madain Saleh, also known as Al-Hijr or Hegra, was the first Saudi site designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The intricate details on the entrances and the smooth surfaces of the 111 tomb façades reflect the skill of masons at the time. The site is a great example of the Nabataeans’ prowess in architecture and understanding of hydraulics. The tomb façades are delicately carved and uniquely modeled. A pair of crowsteps ascend from a central point at the top. Tourists can access the tomb through a gate in the center of the façade. In contrast to the smooth finished façades, the interiors of the structure show uneven sculpting.
Location: The site is located in Al Ula of Al Madinah Region, Al Hejaz. Tourists can easily take a private taxi from Al Ula Airport or Madinah city to reach Hegra.
Top attractions: Nabataean inscriptions, Qasr al Bint, Qasr al Farid, Jebel Ithlib
World Heritage Site since: Hegra became the first World Heritage Site of Saudi Arabia in 2008
Must Read: Al Hijr Archaeological Site, Hegira Madain Saleh: Inside, History, How To Reach, Permit
2. At-Turaif District, Near Riyadh
At-Turaif District, built in the 15th century, displays the great architectural style of Najd. The architectural style is unique to the Arabian peninsula’s central region. The district was a popular political and religious hub in the 18th and 19th centuries. At-Turaif’s citadel became the epicenter of the House of Saud’s temporal power and the spreading of Salafiyya reform within Islam. The site has an urban ensemble and the ruins of numerous palaces built on the ad-Diriyah oasis’s edge. As the place has been abandoned for a long time, it has not been subjected to modern development.
Location: At Turaif is located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, northwest of Riyadh
Top attractions: Salwa palace, Imam Mohammad bin Saud Mosque, Saad bin Saud Palace and At-Turaif Bath House
World Heritage Site since: The ruins of At Turaif became a World Heritage Site in 2010
3. Historic Jeddah, Al Balad
Historic Jeddah in the Al Balad district was established as the primary port for trade routes from the Indian Ocean in the 7th century AD. It helped in channeling goods to Makkah from around the world. The Gate of Makkah also served as a port entry for Muslim pilgrims traveling to the holy city by sea. The town has grown into a multicultural hot spot with a distinct architectural tradition, including towers and houses built by the city’s elite merchants in the late 19th century. Sources indicate that the area started to have fences and doors during the Portuguese campaign in Jeddah. The fences were raised in the middle of the sixteenth century to protect the city from invasions.
Location: Eastern shore of Red Sea, Historic Jeddah is 10 km from Jeddah city center
Top attractions: Jeddah Roshan Tower, various souks, and old houses in the region
World Heritage Site since: Historic Jeddah found its way into World Heritage Site in 2014
4. Al-Ahsa Oasis, Al Ahsa
The Al-Ahsa Oasis is a serial property in the eastern Arabian Peninsula. It encompasses canals, gardens, wells, springs, historical buildings, archaeological sites, and a drainage lake. Al-Ahsa Oasis symbolizes the examples of constantly increasing human settlement in the region. The development is shown by historic fortresses, mosques, wells, canals, and other water management systems. It is the world’s largest oasis, with 2.5 million date palms.
Location: The oasis is located in Hofuf of the Al Ahsa region
Top attractions: Springs, Antiquities, and 12 cultural landscapes
World Heritage Sites since: Became World Heritage Site in 2018
Suggested Read: Al Ahsa Tourism: Top Attractions, Best Stays, And How To Reach
5. Rock Art, Hail
Rock Art is the fourth Saudi heritage site added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Jabel Umm Sinman at Jubba and the Jabal al-Major and Rat at Sunwaymas are two primary spots to see rock arts in a desert landscape. In the southern part of the Great Nafud Desert, the site also had a lake at the foot of the Umm Sinman hill range. The lake helped in the development of the nearby region in ancient times. The location has petroglyphs and inscriptions on the rocks providing insight into the past.
Location: Rock Art in the Hail region is only 124 km from Riyadh city center in the south-west direction
Top attractions: Jabal al-Major and Raat display a wide range of human and animal inscriptions spanning 10,000 years of history
World Heritage Site since: Added as World Heritage Site in 2015
6. Hima Cultural Area, Najran
Hima Cultural Area is an extensive collection of rock art denoting the flora and fauna, lifestyles, and hunting techniques from 7,000 years ago. All through the ages and until the late twentieth century, travelers and armies camping on the site left a wealth of rock inscriptions and petroglyphs. Most of these inscriptions are in pristine condition. The wells of Bi’r im date back at least 3,000 years, somehow still producing freshwater. These are situated near the oldest known toll station on a major ancient desert caravan route.
Location: It is located in a mountainous and arid area 200 km from the Najran city
Top attractions: Well of Bir im and old inscriptions and petroglyphs
World Heritage Site since: The cultural area has been World Heritage Site since 2021
Saudi Arabia’s culture is influenced by its Islamic heritage, historical role as an ancient trading center, and Bedouin traditions. The World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia offer a way to peek into the kingdom’s ancient culture and rich history.
World Heritage Sites In Saudi Arabia FAQs
Why is Hegra famous?
Hegra is famous for 111 tombs in Nabataean architecture.
How far is Rock Art from Riyadh?
Rock Art Site is 124 km from the city center of Riyadh.
What are the popular palaces in At-Turaif?
Saad bin Saud Palace and Salwa Palace are famous palaces in At-Turaif.
Which are the World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia?
Hegra, At Turaif, Rock Art, Historic Jeddah, Al Ahsa Oasis, and Hima Cultural Area are the 6 World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia.
Why is Al Ahsa Oasis famous?
Al Ahsa Oasis is popular for various historical sites and millions of date palms.
