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

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History of Hegra Madain Saleh

The natural setting and beautiful view of Madain Saleh convinced the Nabataeans to build their home here. It was similar to their first home, Petra, having heavenly sandstone cliffs in the north of Jordan. According to the inscriptions, Hegra was a thriving civilization between 1 BCE and 74 CE. The Nabataeans raised their herds of goats, sheep, and camels in Hegra Madain Saleh. They followed the footstep of other Arabian tribes that existed here before them and also started oasis agriculture. The excavated remains do not tell much about the time when the tribe inhabited the region, but they tell more about their style of living.

The site shows that the Nabataeans worshipped deities and practiced harsh laws to lead an ascetic life. They knew their ways around the desert and came here after facing invasion from enemy tribes. It is believed that Nabataeans controlled the spice trade in this region. They brought spices from the southern region of Saudi Arabia to the north so that Roman Egyptians, Greeks, Phoenicians, and other Mediterranean civilizations could buy from them.

Many ruins of the Hegra town lie a little far from the tombs. However, most parts of the site are still unexcavated and look like sun-dried mud brick. The inscriptions on the tombs serve as references for historians.

The Al Hijr Story

The history of Islam suggests that Al-Hijr was a settlement of the Thamud tribe. Those people carved their homes and palaces in the mountains and plains of the site. The Madain Saleh story starts when the people of the tribe started believing in idol worship and began practicing oppression. Due to this, Saleh asked them to repent by bringing a pregnant camel from the back of the mountain and taking care of her. Only a few people from the Thamud tribe heeded what was asked of them, but the non-believers killed the camel.

Soon after the animal’s death, her calf escaped to the back of the mountain. The tribe was given three days before the date of punishment. Saleh and his Monotheistic followers left the then-established city while the non-believers in the tribe faced the wrath of God in the form of an earthquake and a lightning event. Legends say that the almighty cursed Madain Saleh and after that, the calf started haunting the region.

However, many researchers suggest that the tribe existed before 715 BCE. Several narrations tell that Thamud was the name of the region and not the tribe.

What to see inside Madain Saleh?

A part of the Al Hijr Archaeological Site, tombs of Hegra are the most spectacular sites in Saleh. After Petra, it is the only site with beautiful tombs depicting magnificent skills and ancient carvings on the walls. The center of the façade offers an opulent entrance to the tomb. The walls inside Madain Saleh have carvings where the bodies of the deceased were placed. Here are some of the things that are worthy of attention and admiration:

• There are Nabatean inscriptions that indicate the ownership of the triclinium, places dedicated to rituals and banquets. At least six triclinium exist in Madain Saleh.
• Qasr al Bint or the ‘Palace of the Daughter or Madain’ is the largest tomb in Hegra and has a height of 16 m. The sculptor of this tomb was Hoor ibn Ahi for Hani ibn Tafsy. He and his family lived here during the reign of the Nabataean King, Aretas IV, in 31CE.
• Qasr al-Farid is considered the most iconic tomb in Madain Saleh because it was carved from a single stone, and it stands alone as a complete structure. The old documents suggest that tombs were chiseled in the top to down approach.
• There are carvings of winged lions on the tomb that have significance in Egyptian iconography. It suggests the exchange between the Nabataean and Ptolemaic kingdoms.
• The Jebel Ithlib is a massive outcrop that exists in the northern part of the site. The middle region has a natural slit called the Siq and is 40 m high. It bears a resemblance to the corridor at Petra. To the right of its entrance is a square-shaped chamber that features three stone benches where people sat during sacred feasts. After the Siq, there is a natural alcove called the Jebel Ithlib sanctuary. Here a canal brings water into a cistern. It is believed to be the sacred place where ancient people worshipped Dushara, the Lord of the Mountain and a Nabataean deity.

How to reach Madain Saleh?

To reach the Al Hijr archaeological site, take a flight from Riyadh or Jeddah to the Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz domestic airport in Al Ula. From there, taxis are easily available for Madain Saleh. A direct cab from Jeddah, Madinah or Riyadh is also an option but it will take a long time. Buses are available from major cities of Saudi Arabia to take passengers to Al Ula and Madain Saleh.

Stay Options

The Hegira region has budget-friendly as well as luxury accommodations. With parking facilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, satellite TV, shuttle service, ATM on-site and other such high-end services, the hotels ensure a comfortable stay.
Some of the well-known hotels in and around Madain Salah are Hilton International Hotel Chain, Holiday Inn by IHG, Waad Al Ula Hotel, Movenpick Hotel & Resorts Madain Saleh, and Elaf Hotels.

Permissions Required

Tourists need to get a permit to enter Madain Saleh. This permit request might take time to get through hence it is suggested to apply well in advance. Travel agents readily arrange permits on behalf of the travellers and groups at a minimal charge. Tourists arriving in a car have to register first and ensure to leave the premises before 5 pm. The site has fixed visiting hours. One can also visit the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities in the Diplomatic Quarters to gain permission to visit Madain Saleh.

Tourists visit this place to witness the epitome of beauty and get acquainted with the history. It helps to understand a civilization from the past and has interesting tales for the visitors.

Al Hijr Archaeological Site FAQs

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