The City of Al-Akhwad
Situated in the Najran region of southern Saudi Arabia, the archaeological city of Al-Akhwad holds tremendous historical significance, as it is considered one of the most important and richest sites in the Arabian Peninsula. The ancient city is adorned with inscriptions and carvings on its stones that date back over 1,700 years, and it is referenced in the Quran in Surah Al-Buruj. Al-Akhwad lies on the southern bank of the Wadi Najran, nestled between the villages of Al-Qabil and Al-Jarbah. Enclosed by a wall approximately 235 meters long and 220 meters wide, its foundations are built from hewn stones that reach heights of up to 4 meters. The remnants of this historic city, also known as the ancient capital of Najran, are situated atop the Jebel Tlal, approximately 25 kilometers from Najran.
The City of Al-Shuhaytiah
Located around 45 kilometers north of Sakaka, which is the administrative capital of the Al-Jawf region near the Saudi-Jordanian border, the settlement of Al-Shuhaytiah is one of the archaeological sites deep-rooted in history. It traces its origins back to human habitation in the Arabian Peninsula over 13 centuries ago, approximately 1,300 years before present.
Historically linked to the Assyrian, Babylonian, and Balyulish periods, Al-Shuhaytiah is recognized as the oldest human settlement in Asia and the second oldest in the world.
The City of Thaj
Thaj is located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and was an important cultural center in the Arabian Peninsula in ancient times. Archaeological studies indicate that this city flourished during the first millennium BCE.
Today, Thaj is renowned as one of the premier historical sites in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, famous for concealing treasures such as jewelry and gold within tombs dating back 2,000 years. Historical data suggest that the settlements of ancient Thaj, located about 95 kilometers west of Al-Jubail, can be traced back to the Stone Age.
The City of Mada’in Saleh
Known for its archaeological site, Mada’in Saleh is situated in the Al-Ula governorate. Its prominence arises from its strategic location along the ancient trade route linking the southern Arabian Peninsula with the Levant. It is mentioned in the Quran as the homeland of the Thamud, who responded to the call of Prophet Saleh but later reneged on their faith, ultimately slaying the she-camel sent to them as a sign from God, which led to their destruction.
Mada’in Saleh is also regarded as one of the greatest settlements of the Nabataeans after their capital, Petra. It contains the largest settlement in the southern region of the Nabataean kingdom, located some 500 kilometers from Petra in Jordan. Its most notable historical contributions occurred during the first centuries BCE and CE, coinciding with the height of Nabataean civilization before succumbing to the Roman Empire in 106 CE.
The site is believed to have continued its civilization until the fourth century CE, serving as the capital of the Lihyan Kingdom in northern Arabia. Today, Mada’in Saleh features 153 rock-cut facades, several Islamic archaeological remains such as castles and remnants of the Hejaz railway, which spans 13 kilometers, along with the station and locomotives. In 2008, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming the first site in Saudi Arabia to receive this designation.
The City of Jabba
Jabba is situated in the heart of the Great Nafud Desert at coordinates 5640 East and 228 North and is one of the cities in the Hail region, located about 103 kilometers away. Covering an area of 12,500 square kilometers, Jabba is recognized as one of the most important and significant archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia due to its strategic location along the ancient caravan route linking the eastern Mediterranean with the Najd Plateau.
Jabba is particularly noteworthy for its ancient rock carvings and has developed into a modern city equipped with various services, with a population of around 20,000. It is renowned for its agriculture, benefiting from abundant water resources. The area is dotted with inscriptions and drawings scattered throughout Jebel Umm Sinman and the nearby hills, with these carvings dating back to three different time periods.
This region was once the site of an ancient lake, surrounded by the dunes of the Great Nafud, with sedimentary mountains to the west and south, including Umm Sinman, Ghota, Al-Shuhayt, and Unayzah. The General Authority for Tourism and Antiquities has sought to register the rock art site in Jabba and Al-Shuwamis in Hail on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. In 2015, rock art in the Hail region, specifically in Jabba, was registered by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.