Saudi Tourism

Saudi Tourism 

An Enriching Experience

2 

Welcome to Saudi Arabia 

8 

Al Riyadh 

38 

Najran 

2 

Concourse of Civilizations 

12 

The Estern Region 

40 

Jazan 

4 

A Journey to the Past 

14 

Al Ehsa 

44 

Tabouk 

6 

Tourist Attractions of 

Saudi Arabia 

18 

20 

Holy Mecca 

Jeddah 

48 

52 

Hail 

Al Jouf 

22 

Al Taif 

56 

Al Qassim 

24 

Aseer 

62 

The Northern Borders 

28 

Al Madinah 

64 

Useful Tips for Tourists 

34 

Al Baha 

1

Welcome to 

the Kingdom of 


Welcome to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 

a beautiful land where diversity meets 

hospitality. This special place is considered to 

be the birthplace of Arabian culture and its 

customs and traditions. From the generous 

hospitality of its people to the majestic 

beauty of the Arabian horse. Saudi Arabian 

life has been shaped by its unique heritage 

over the centuries. 

Due to the Kingdom’s desert environment, 

early Saudi Arabians developed their own 

unique way of living, and they became closely 

connected to the land, whether during the 

rain and fertility season or in times of drought 

and scorching heat. Such a connection 

helped create substantially solid family and 

social ties within the Saudi Arabian society, 

an important way of life that still continues 

today. 

The Kingdom’s diverse landscapes, bustling 

cities, abundance of sporting activities and 

treasured historical sites are among other 

reasons that it is recognized as a unique 

tourist destination. Every part of Saudi Arabia 

offers the tourist many different experiences 

to suit their tastes and interests. Saudis have 

always been known for generosity and guest 

hospitality over the ages, and that friendly 

and welcoming spirit continues to be enjoyed 

by everyone who visits the Kingdom today. 


Concourse of 

Civilization 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is located 

in a geographic area that enabled it to 

develop vast cultural ties with other ancient 

civilizations throughout history. In ancient 

times, man settled in the Arabian Peninsula, 

most of which is now occupied by Saudi 

Arabia. Over 11,000 archeological sites 

have been discovered and registered in Saudi 

Arabia, in addition to the discovery of several 

archeological evidences that reassures the 

existence of an ancient civilization within the 

Saudi land. Moreover, settlements that date 

back to the ancient Stone Age and sites dating 

back to pre-Islam and modernism eras were 

also discovered on the Arabian Peninsula. 

2

3

Journey to the Past 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosts thousands of 

stationary and portable antique sites that have 

attracted great numbers of travelers and visitors 

over the years. Those sites go back to prehistoric 

eras, passing through ancient historical eras, 

the Islamic era, as well as modern historical 

eras. Such discoveries are essential evidence 

that reflect Saudi Arabia’s historic depth and 

authenticity. 

Moreover, Saudi Arabia is home to several 

historical sites that have been added to 

UNESCO’s world heritage sites list, such as 

“Mada’en Saleh,” as well as other urban sites, 

like Historical Jeddah and Dir’iyah, both of which 

have proudly been nominated for the list. 

Besides historical sites, there are also numerous 

historical palaces that have witnessed 

prosperous eras in the past, such as Ibrahim 

Palace, Khuzam Palace, Murad Palace, Alsufun 

Palace, Hatem Altaa’e, Alredham Palace and 

Alablaq Palace. Visiting these palaces take you 

on a journey back through time to ancient eras. 

All archaeological discoveries and excavations in 

the region have proven that man settled in the 

Arabian Peninsula about one million years ago. 

4

Cultural Wealth 

in Every Region 

In addition to its diverse terrain and 

environment, each region of the Kingdom 

of Saudi Arabia is blessed with unique 

archeological and urban heritage which 

includes museums, historical sites, ancient 

architecture and traditional souks (markets). 

After the evolution of Islam, the Islamic state 

succeeded in integrating all parts of the Arabian 

Peninsula, which became the capital of Islamic 

Da’wah in the times of Prophet Mohamed, peace 

be upon him, and his successors. This was the 

outset of the Islamic movement that aimed at 

spreading Islam and Arabism across various 

parts of the world. 

In Saudi Arabia, each province has its own 

distinct and rich heritage of handicrafts, local 

cuisine and traditional markets that exhibit 

the work of its locals. Some of the products 

that you may find in any given traditional 

market include rugs, furniture, clothes, 

fragrances, amber and incense, gold and 

jewelery, antiques and artwork. 

In the early years of the Islamic 14th century, 

(19th century A.D.), King Abdul Aziz Bin Abdul 

Rahman Al Saud, may he rest in peace, unified 

most provinces of the Arabian Peninsula, 

founding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

5

Tourist Attractions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 

Saudi Arabia has always left in its visitors a 

mixture of curiosity and excitement, which 

motivate them to come back again for 

another unique experience of exploring new 

Saudi adventures. 

Each region in Saudi Arabia offers a one-ofa-kind 

type of tourism. Some regions are 

more suited for business tourism; others are 

best known as medical tourism regions, where 

travelers seek nature and tranquility. 

The tourism infrastructure in Saudi Arabia 

serves the industry very well as it provides 

accommodation facilities, hotels, amusement 

parks, as well as food services and motels. 

Saudi Arabia.. Sports and 

Entertainment 

You can conveniently find most multi-national 

food and restaurant chains in Saudi Arabia, 

along with high-quality hotel services that serve 

all budgets. Sports enthusiasts also get to enjoy 

participating in or attending their favorite sport, 

be it water sports such as sailing and surfing; 

desert sports such as sandboarding, falcon 

hunting, camel and horse racing; or mountain 

climbing, which is done in many parts of the 

Kingdom. 

Unique Environmental 

Diversity 

Saudi Arabia is blessed with a diverse 

environment that stretches from its coasts to 

its mountains and deserts, creating a beautiful 

portrait of nature that is scented with the 

fragrance of roses of Alta’if and sweetened 

with Sukary dates from Qusaim. The country is 

majestic like its mountains in Assir, charming 

like the spacious Roba Alkhali, vibrant like the 

Raghadan forests of Albaha, and joyful like 

Riyadh’s Thamama desert and the beaches of 

Jeddah and Alkhobar. 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a vast array 

of environments that supports diverse flora 

and fauna, including an abundance of different 

species of both ocean and land animals. Such 

diversity of nature works in favor of the millions 

of migratory birds that take advantage of all 

these resources during their journey through 

the Arabian Peninsula. 

6

Every year, Saudi Arabia hosts many festivals 

and special events that promote culture, 

literature, traditional art and folklore, as well 

as handicrafts. Some of the popular festivals 

are the “Jenaderya” festival, the King 

Abdulaziz Award festival for camel beauty 

and racing, the “Okath” local market, the 

East Coast festival, the Ha’el rally, the Assir 

marine festival, the dates festival, the Ta’if 

flowers festival, the honey festival, the olives 

festival, the fruits and flowers festival, and 

several other festivals that take place over 

the year. different species of both ocean and 

land animals. Such diversity of nature works 

in favor of the millions of migratory birds that 

take advantage of all these resources during 

their journey through the Arabian Peninsula. 

7

Riyadh 

It has been called the city that has it all: 

beauty, joy, charm and glory. It is a pure 

manifestation of authenticity yet ongoing 

evolution. 

Riyadh encompasses a unique mixture 

of culture and history, shopping and 

entertainment, business and leisure along 

with never-ending entertainment events and 

festivals all year long. 

Whether it is for tourism or business, Riyadh 

is “the” destination for those who are looking 

for a unique experience. 

Excellent tourism services, an Arab hospitality 

that is second to none, unforgettable 

shopping experiences, aromatic coffee shops 

and luxurious restaurants on every corner 

encompass the superior tourism experience 

you can expect in this exceptional city. 

In addition, Riyadh is also enriched with 

exquisite wildlife and beautiful gardens 

and parks, making it a great destination 

for anyone seeking a relaxing and calm 

atmosphere. 

Historical Dir’iyah 

Historical Dir’iyah is your gateway to the 

past. It is the crib of Islah Dawah, the capital 

of the first Saudi state and the city that had 

witnessed the history of when Saudi Arabia 

was first established. 

Start the tour from the “Tarif” neighborhood 

where you can see the ruling family houses. 

Then visit the “Ghusaibah” neighborhood, 

which was the first capital of Dir’iyah. Finally, 

tour the “Buhairi” neighborhood, which 

embraces the mosque, school and home of 

Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. 

AlMasmak 

In downtown Riyadh, a trip to the Masmak palace 

will take you back in time to when the Kingdom of 

Saudi Arabia was founded. In the palace you can 

watch a documentary about the history of the 

unification of the Kingdom, enjoy the antiquities 

and view the magnificent architectural style that 

surrounds you. 

Alsalam Park 

It is one of Riyadh’s must-visit parks. Alsalam 

Park is popular for its huge lake that offers a 

beautiful view as well as cooler temperatures to 

its visitors, especially on hot, sunny days. The 

park also has several playgrounds, recreational 

areas for children, and large areas of greenery. 

Alsalam park is located on the “Tariq Ibn Ziyad” 

street in Downtown Riyadh, south of Alhakam 

Palace. 

8

Faysaliyah and Mamlaka 

Towers 

The iconic Faysaliyah and Mamlaka towers, 

which are the two tallest buildings in the city, 

are located on the commercial strip in the Oalya 

district in Riyadh. Atop the two towers, you can 

get a magnificent panoramic view of the cityand 

a visit to the towers at sunset provides you with 

an even more spectacular view. Each tower has a 

number of restaurants and shops, in addition to 

a high-end luxury hotel. 

The National Museum 

Shopping in Riyadh 

Shopping malls and districts in Riyadh host the 

finest local and international fashion brands. 

Wherever you go shopping, you will find 

extraordinary hospitality that will give you an 

unforgettable shopping experience. Riyadh’s 

shopping malls also offer visitors a wide range 

of amusement centers and multinational food 

chains and restaurants. 

Saqr Al-Jazeera Aviation 

Museum 

In this museum, you will be introduced to the 

history of aviation and its evolution in the 

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and you will also see 

a collection of ancient and modern aircraft, 

such as King Abdulaziz’s Dakota plane. The 

museum also showcases a wide range of aviation 

equipment and weapons, and you may attend a 

visual presentation of the evolution of the Saudi 

military aviation forces. The museum is located 

on the East Ring Road, between exits 10 and 11. 

As you enter the National museum, you will 

be led to numerous antiquities, manuscripts 

and documents that are all chronologically 

organized to showcase the different times 

and places man used to live, from creation 

to the modern times. Passing through its 

eight main halls, you will get to look into the 

historical landmarks of the Arabian Peninsula 

and its architecture in chronological order. 

The National museum is located in the King 

Abdulaziz Historical Center in the Moraba’a 

district. 

9

Riyadh 

A Trip to the Old 

Villages 

A trip to the old villages will introduce you to 

the charming nature and ancient architecture 

of Saudi Arabia, while also giving you the 

opportunity to experience Saudi customs and 

traditions. Villages such as Alghath or Ashyqr 

have a lot to offer, 

from folkloric arts and handcrafting to nature 

and tranquility away from the bustling city 

of Riyadh. Alghath Village is 250 kilometers 

away from Riyadh on the Riyadh-Qusaim 

Road, while Ashyqr village is 200 kilometers 

away from Riyadh on the Riyadh-Shaqra’a 

Road. This trip is the best option for a whole 

day excursion. 

A Tour Around Riyadh’s 

Modern Landmarks/ The 

Urban Track 

In this tour, you will have the opportunity to see 

Riyadh’s modern urbanization and architecture. 

It starts by visiting the two tallest architectural 

structures in the Saudi Arabia; AlFaysaliyah and 

Almamlaka towers. The tour then continues 

to the main commercial roads and avenues in 

Riyadh, such as Altahleya Road where you can 

enjoy delicious coffee at one of the many coffee 

shops located along the road. The tour may 

also include a trip to some of Riyadh’s several 

shopping malls. This tour takes up to two days. 

A Trip to Thamama Park 

During the cool season, don’t miss the chance 

to enjoy a trip to one of AlThamama park’s 

camps that are located 50 kilometers east 

of Riyadh. Each camp differs in size, yet 

they are all equipped with sanitary toilets, 

kitchenettes, and other essentials. 

10

Alzal Market(souk) 

It is a traditional old market located near 

the Masmak Palace. The Alzal Market sells 

various products, from handicrafts, to 

traditional Saudi costumes, swords, rugs and 

traditional carpets, as well as antique pieces. 

If you are looking for souvenirs and antique 

shopping, Alzal market is the place to be. It 

is open from 9 a.m. to noon, and from 4 p.m. 

to 10:30 p.m. 

The Zoo 

It is one of the oldest and biggest zoos in the 

Kingdom, where visitors can see animals from 

all continents. The zoo is the perfect place for 

a family outing, as it offers private recreation 

areas for families, and it has many restaurants, 

shopping and entertainment areas to suit the 

needs of all the family members. The Zoo is 

located on the “Alah-sa’a” street in the Almalz 

district in Downtown Riyadh. 

Journey to the center 

of Riyadh, the heritage 

track 

If you’re a fan of heritage, culture and oldfashioned 

architecture, a visit to the center 

of Riyadh the ancient city will be a pleasant 

experience. This visit takes a full day in which 

you will be able to absorb the heritage of the 

city, style of urban Old-Najdi, artisans and 

traditional handicrafts. You can finish the 

journey with the experience of eating some 

delicacies in one of the popular restaurants 

deployed there. 

Safari Trips 

Among the main tourist activities that you can 

enjoy while visiting Riyadh are the safari trips, 

especially when the weather cools off in the 

winter and spring seasons. On the safari trips, 

you get to enjoy the desert scenery and all the 

beauty that it holds, and participate in a variety 

of desert sports such as quad biking, and horse 

and camel riding. There are various places in the 

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where safari trips take 

place. These include “Althamama” east of Riyadh, 

“Rawdat Almahlyah,” “Alkharrara,” which is at 

50 kilometers west of Riyadh, “Rawdat khreem,” 

which is 100 kilometers east of Riyadh, as well 

as “Rawdat Altanhat,” which is 180 kilometers 

northeast of Riyadh. 

11

Eastern Province 

12 

In the eastern part of the Kingdom and on 

the Arabian Gulf lie cities and governorates 

such as Aldamam, Alkhobar, Althahran, 

Algbeel, Alkhafagy, Ras Tanoura, and AlQatif. 

Geographically, the Eastern Region is the 

biggest region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 

where its desert plain stretches out from the 

Arabian Gulf shores to the Dahna’a desert. 

Due to its geographical location, its coast 

and its weather, the Eastern Region was the 

ultimate civilizations hub, where peoples of 

different origins lived in harmony for long 

periods of time. Thus, it’s now one of the most 

visited tourist destinations in the Kingdom of 

Saudi Arabia. 

The East Coast 

Whenever you are at any of the east coast 

front cities, you will find places full of joy 

and serenity, and the most popular and 

most visited beach, “Half Moon Beach”, is a 

perfect example. Alkhobar and Aldamam’s 

Corniche, parks in Algbeel and Ras Tanoura, 

children’s playgrounds, dedicated jogging and 

cycling lanes, resorts and summer houses are 

all some of the features you will find when 

you visit the east coast, making it the best 

family vacation destination in Saudi Arabia. 

Another beautiful scene that you are likely 

to find on the east coast is people fishing 

and fishing boats. Fishing and deep sea 

diving for pearls have always been the most 

appreciated professions in the past, yet many 

people still practice them nowadays, aiming 

at preserving their historical significance for 

new generations. 

The Dareen Island 

It is one of the most important islands on the 

waters of the Arabian Gulf, and is known for its 

beautiful ancient buildings and architectural 

structures. The old Dareen port, which faces the 

historical Dareen Palace; Muhamad Abdelwahab 

Alfayhany Palace, is considered the oldest marine 

port in the world. A trip to the Dareen Island 

will expose different worlds of breathtaking 

marine life to its visitors, in addition to the eye 

captivating views of traditional ancient dhows, 

or sailing vessels. 

Science and Cultural 

Adventures 

The Eastern Region is abundant with scientific 

centers, which makes it a favorite destination for 

kids and adults. One of the prominent scientific 

centers is the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Center 

for Science and Technology, which is located 

on Alkhobar Corniche. The center has several 

scientific, astrological and entertainment halls. 

Traditional Markets(souks) 

The Eastern Region is famous for its traditional 

markets of local handicrafts. The Thursday 

traditional market in Qatif is the most popular 

market for antiques and historical pieces 

shopping, while Alhamam market in Aldamam 

is the oldest specialty market selling a vast 

number of bird species and animals.

The Tarout Castle and 

the Old Village 

This historical landmark, which is located 

in the 5,000-year-old city of Downtown 

Tarout, is famous for its traditional ancient 

architecture and the small houses surrounding 

it. These houses were built on the ruins of 

past civilizations and settlements, and you 

can easily get a glimpse of them from far 

away. 

Public Gardens and Parks 

The diving centers on the east coast host several 

marine trips that are run all year long, such as 

fishing trips, commercial diving trips on the 

Arabian Gulf coast and to islands like; Jana, 

Jreed, Kran and Kreen. For more adventurous 

trips, a trip to the “Half Moon Beach” ruins, or the 

sinking ships on the Dammam, Alkhobar and Al- 

Qatif ports will definitely give you an adrenaline 

rush. All trips are run by fully equipped boats 

with the highest safety standards, and all trip 

supervisors are professional licensed drivers and 

are among the best tour guides in the region. 

Shopping Malls 

One of the most notable shopping malls in the 

region is Al-Rashed Mall in Alkhobar, which 

offers various shopping and entertainment 

options. Other prominent shopping venues 

are Almarina Mall, Alshata’e Mall, Alshiraa 

Mall, Dareen Mall, and Dharan Mall in 

Dammam city. Each venue will take you to 

a distinct world of shopping and enjoyment. 

In addition to shopping centers and malls, 

Alkhobar’s waterfront also offers a wide 

range of shopping, entertainment and fine 

dining options. 

Marine tourist trips 

The diving centers on the east coast host 

several marine trips that are run all year 

long, such as fishing trips, commercial diving 

trips on the Arabian Gulf coast and to islands 

like; Jana, Jreed, Kran and Kreen. For more 

adventurous trips, a trip to the “Half Moon 

Beach” ruins, or the sinking ships on the 

Dammam, Alkhobar and Al-Qatif ports will 

definitely give you an adrenaline rush. All trips 

are run by fully equipped boats with the highest 

safety standards, and all trip supervisors are 

professional licensed drivers and are among 

the best tour guides in the region. 

13

Al Ahsa 

The most prominent historical and 

archeological sites are found in AlAhsa’a. 

AlAhsa’a in Arabic is the plural of the word 

“Hasa” which literally means the water the 

land holds from sand. The history of AlAhsaa 

goes back more than 4,000 years BC, and it 

is considered a compilation of a proud past, 

honorable present, and a bright future. 

Al-Aqeer Historical Port 

Al-Aqeer city was established during the 

Islamic Era, and flourished in the Ottoman 

Period. During the times of the First Saudi 

State, Al-Aqeer was invaded by Soleiman 

Bin Afiysan, in 1787 AD/ 1202 Hijri. It was 

later restored in the late second Ottoman 

period, and at the beginning of the Third Saudi 

State. Since then, this port gained historical 

significance as it remained the main port 

for trading goods and merchandise such as: 

wood, food supplies, coffee beans, spices and 

herbs, clothes, fragrances and perfumes. The 

port was also used to export: dates and date 

molasses, palm tree seedlings and fronds, 

wool and pottery products. 

AlAqeer port has several landmarks, some of 

which are: 

1. AlKhan, a hotel accommodating travelers 

and large tourist groups, which is equipped 

with rooms, storage warehouses, commercial 

shops, and livestock shops. 

2. The Mosque, which is located between 

AlKhan and 

AlEmara, has two entrances, one at the south, 

and the other entrance opens to a yard that 

serves the Emara building. 

3. AlEmara and AlHisn, located east of the 

mosque, was built to accommodate the prince 

of Aqeer and provide a working space for 

employees, which is a 1,298 square meter 

rectangular space that is divided into two 

sections; the Emara building with its main 

entrance at the south, an open air yard in 

the middle, and its rooms on the east and 

west sides of the building, and the second 

section that is the Hisn building, which has a 

rectangular open air yard surrounded by three 

hallways in the east, west and south corners, 

and four rooms in the north corner. All corners 

have a spherical tower of two floors, each 

having several openings for defense. 

4. Customs, warehousing, and taxation 

building. 

5. Abu Zahmoul tower. 

6. The historical hills and excavation areas. 

14

The Museum of 

Antiquities and Folklore 

This museum is considered one of the most 

important cultural venues with a tourist appeal 

in the Eastern Region, since it houses several 

antiquities and royalty belongings which reflect 

the tangible and non-tangible heritage. The 

museum exhibits the history and remnants of 

the region, most of which are 12 million years 

old. It also exhibits the tectonic movements 

of continents, geological time scale, earth’s 

age, comparative illustrations of the region’s 

historical remnants to other regions of the 

Kingdom, a glimpse of the desert wildlife 

including most wild desert plant species, in 

addition to illustrations showing the importance 

of the Arabian Gulf to agriculture and trading 

in the region. The museum portrays some 

manuscripts showing what handwritings and 

languages were like before Islam, and it also 

exhibits tools and materials used by Bedouins in 

folkloric culture. You can also find an exhibition 

of ancient currencies and manuscripts. 

Al Hufoof, the First School 

It is the first public school in the history of the 

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was established 

in the year 1360 on the Islamic calendar in 

a strategic location in Downtown Hufoof. 

The school brings nostalgic thoughts to the 

people of AlAhsa’a and the Gulf, since most 

public figures in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf had 

their early education there. Its unique design 

reflects on local architectural elegance and 

culture in the Arabian Peninsula. The school 

is a model of education facilities construction 

with Islamic essence, as it was precisely built 

using local oriental raw materials for the 

ceilings, doors, and windows such as: plaster, 

palm trunks, gravel and tamarisk plant. The 

school consists of two floors of classrooms 

and a beautiful playground. The school is 

open for visits from Sunday to Thursday from 

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The Ibrahim Palace 

If you are a fan of Ottoman architecture, 

then Ibrahim Palace is a must-visit for you. 

It is one of the very important historical sites 

in AlAhsa’a, and is also known as the Kout 

palace or the Dome palace. The palace was 

established in the covenant of Al Jibreen who 

ruled AlAhsa’a between years 840 and 941 on 

the Islamic calendar. The military essence in 

its design is what distinguishes Ibrahim Palace 

among other palaces in Saudi Arabia. The 

palace has undergone some maintenance and 

renovation aimed at preserving its original 

architectural style and it is now proudly open 

for visitors. 

15

Al Ahsa 

Bayt Albaya’a 

King Abdullah Park 

If you are looking for a tranquil environment 

for a family day out, then King Abdulla Park, 

which is the biggest park in the Eastern 

Region of Saudi Arabia, is your best option. 

It has many green spaces and waterways and 

it is home to the biggest interactive dancing 

fountain in the world. The park also offers 

entertainment and recreation areas, and a 

folkloric village. 

The traditional Arabic architectural style is 

perfectly portrayed in this house, where you 

can wander around in its yard to discover for 

yourself this unique architectural heritage. 

Bayt Albaya’a, also known as Sheikh Abdullatif 

Almulla’s house, is located in the Kout district 

in Al Hufoof city, and it’s approximately 705 

squared meters in size. It was established in 

1203 hijri by Sheikh Abdulrahman Bin Omar 

Bin Mohamed Bin Omar Almulla, the judge 

of AlAhsa’a at the time. One of the features 

that distinguish this house among other 

historical places in the region is the precision 

and beauty of the details of its design. This 

house witnessed the throne handover to 

King Abdulaziz, may God bless his soul, in 

1203 hijri, which makes it one of the most 

prominent tourist attractions for its historical 

significance. One of the treasures of this 

house is King Abdulaziz’s chamber, where he 

stayed the night AlAhsa’a earned its freedom 

on the fifth of Jumady Alawal in 1331 hijri, 

1913 A.D. The chamber is known as “Aldar” 

which means that it consists of two rooms, 

one inside the other. 

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The Qara Mountain and 

its caves 

It is considered the origin of pottery. This 

15,000 year-old mountain is located on 

the outskirts of Al-Hufoof city about 13 

kilometers away. One of the advantages of the 

mountain is its smooth slope, which makes it 

easy to climb and get a panoramic view of the 

magnificent agricultural oasis below it. The 

Qara Mountain has many rock cracks that 

are beautifully clustered, and caves that are 

usually cool in summer and warm in winter. 

Over its edge, there is a local pottery shop 

which is ready and open for visitors. 

Alqaysaria Souk 

This is one of the oldest and most popular 

markets in the Eastern Region of the Arabian 

Peninsula, which proves the elite position 

AlAhsa’a has in the trade industry in the Kingdom 

of Saudi Arabia. It is considered the link between 

the Arabian Gulf coast and water locked cities 

through the exit of AlAqeer marine port. 

The Joatha Mosque 

It is the first mosque to host Friday prayer 

in Islam after the Prophet’s Holy Mosque. It 

is distinguished for its location in the center 

of Al-Ahsa’a National Park. A few years ago, 

archeologists discovered that the mosque was 

built over the ruins of an older mosque. It has 

two main corridors; a Qiblah corridor and an 

eastern one. In the Quiblah corridor, there are 

four pillars carrying three arches, while only 

three pillars carrying two arches remain in the 

eastern corridor. 

17

Holy Makkah 

Holy 

Makkah The Holy Mecca Mosque 

The province of Mecca belongs 

It is the dearest place to the heart of all Muslims 

around the world. In the center of the mosque 

stands the holy Ka’aba in an environment full 

of prestige and reverence. The mosque also 

contains Prophet Ibrahim’s shrine and the 

administratively to several main cities, Zamzam water well. 

namely: Mecca the holy capital, Jeddah, and 

Alta’eif. Mecca is considered the holy capital 

of the Islamic world, and it welcomes millions 

Ghar Hera’a 

of Muslim visitors and pilgrims from all around 

the world. It contains the holy Kaaba, the 

Qiblah of Muslims, the shrine of Ibrahim, and 

the stone of Ismail, peace be upon them. The 

last messenger to God, prophet Muhammad, 

peace be upon him, was born in Mecca; hence 

it’s the dearest place to the hearts of all 

Muslims. During Islamic pilgrimage, several 

religious rituals occur in Mecca, such as 

Menna, Arafat, and Muzdalifa, while it also 

hosts many religious institutions and projects 

such as Umm Al-Qura University. 

It is where the Prophet Muhammad, peace be 

upon him, received revelation for the first time. 

Ghar Hera’a is located in the Nour Mountain, 

which witnessed one of the most important 

milestones in the history of Islam, if not the 

greatest and most glorious, and that was the day 

the Prophet Muhammad received his revelation 

from God. 

The Ka’aba’s Covering 

Fabrics Factory 

The factory produces the covering fabrics of the 

Holy Ka’aba from pure all-natural silk that is 

dyed in black. You can pay the factory a visit and 

watch the whole process of making covers, from 

designing to knitting, printing, and dyeing. 

Ain Zubaida 

It is one of the most important historical sites in 

the holy capital, and most of its antiquities are 

still standing sound since hundreds of years ago. 

This historical well was established by Zubaida 

Al-Abbasi, the wife of Caliph Haroun Alrasheed, 

in the year 186 on the Islamic calendar, after 

she realized how pilgrims in Mecca suffer from 

water shortage while practicing the duty of Hajj. 

Ain Zubaida consists of several water wells that 

are perfectly designed and executed, which 

reflects the brilliant Islamic engineering skill 

that created it. 

18

The Mecca Clock Tower 

It was established on top of the tallest building 

overlooking the Holy Mosque of Mecca, and 

stands at 400 meters above the ground. The 

clock tower has one clock on each of the four 

faces; two main clocks, one facing the Holy 

Mosque from the North, and the other at the 

South. Each of the clock›s four faces measure 

43 meters in diameter and are illuminated 

by 2 million LED lights, with four oriented 

edges, just above the clock alongside the 

largest Arabic script reading: Allah Akbar 

“God is the Greatest”. The tower beautifully 

lights up on special festive occasions and its 

top flashes five times a day with each call 

to prayer, “Athan”. Mecca has numerous 

accommodation options from five-star 

hotels and fully furnished luxury apartments, 

to modest hotels and rent apartments that 

will suit all needs and budgets. The Holy 

Mosque’s vicinity is blessed with mega 

projects that represent a paradigm shift in 

the urban development of the holy capital. 

Some examples of such projects are: the 

Huker Children Entertainment Center on the 

Ring Road, Badrah Center in the Al Zahir 

District, and the Happy Child Recreation 

Center in Alraseefah neighborhood. 

The Saqqaf Palace 

This palace was used by King Abdulaziz in holy 

Mecca, and consists of two floors. It is located 

in the Maabda District in downtown Mecca and 

holds 9,000 square meters of space, and the 

construction shows fine Islamic engineering 

style. The palace also contains several pieces of 

Islamic artwork. 

The Museum of the Two 

Holy Mosques 

The museum is situated near the Ka’aba covering 

fabrics factory in the Om Aljood neighborhood 

in Mecca. The museum consists of seven halls, 

and it was established to showcase the story, 

history and urban elements of the holy capital, 

including the Two Holy Mosques. The main hall 

has enlarged photos and models of the Two Holy 

Mosques. Another hall is the “holy mosque” hall, 

which contains valuable pieces of antiques and 

calligraphy. The third hall is the holy Ka’aba hall, 

which contains replicas of the Ka’aba covering 

fabrics, their sewing machine, and its old door. 

The photography hall in the museum also 

contains rare photos of the holy mosques, 

while the manuscripts hall contains samples of 

materials from the holy mosques library has 

such as manuscripts, documents and a copy of 

the Quran belonging to Othman Bin Affan, may 

God have mercy on him. The Zamzam water well 

hall exhibits the well borders used in the early 

14th century on the Islamic calendar, and some 

old and recent photographs of the well. The last 

hall is the Prophet Muhammad Mosque, which 

features many valuables from the mosque in 

addition to photographs. 

19

Jeddah 

It is located on the Red Sea coast, and is also 

known as the “Bride of the Red Sea”. Jeddah 

is considered the port and main gateway to 

Holy Mecca, and it has a distinctive Arab 

identity and culture. 

Jeddah attracts many visitors and tourists 

from inside and outside the Kingdom of Saudi 

Arabia throughout the year, and its airport 

and marine ports are among the busiest 

ports in the world. It has a large variety of 

accommodation facilities and hotels that 

suit all budgets. In addition, Jeddah features 

various entertainment facilities, including 

parks and resorts that are on the beach 

and in the vibrant Jeddah downtown. This 

wide variety of facilities, entertainment and 

amenities is what makes Jeddah such a 

popular tourism destination. 

Jeddah city is well known for its local seafood 

dishes such as Sayadeya, which is one of the 

most popular dishes in Jeddah, as well as 

Sahlep, Belilah, Munto, Farmuzah, Yaghmish, 

Aish bel lahm, and other Jeddah specialty 

local foods. 

Festivals 

Jeddah hosts several festivals and events all year 

long, and some of the most important festivals 

in Jeddah include the annual summer festival 

called “Jeddah Gheir”, the Jeddah economic 

forum, the Formula 2000 race, the Energy and 

Water Forum, as well as the “Hayya Jeddah” 

shopping and entertainment festivals. 

Downtown Jeddah 

The historical old town Jeddah is one of the 

main tourist attractions, and was given the 

name “historical Jeddah” due to its historical 

significance, and its unique urban design and 

traditional Hijaz style. Downtown Jeddah has 

a lot to offer tourists from culture, history, 

architecture and national heritage that 

reflects the Saudi’s authentic identity. One 

of the many attractions in Jeddah that is a 

must-see for visitors is the Rawshan Houses 

which have a unique essence that showcases 

how the people of Hijaz were a step above at 

the time. For shopping enthusiasts, downtown 

Jeddah is also a shopping hub with several 

shopping malls and centers, such as Corniche 

Mall, Mahmal souq, and Al Faisaliah souq. A 

shopping experience in historical Jeddah will 

definitely give you an insight on Jeddah’s 

customs and traditions with customary dress. 

Roaming around downtown, you will also get 

acquainted with some Hijazi phrases that add 

fine touches, which guarantee a joyful stroll in 

Jeddah’s historic center. 

20

Shopping Malls 

One of the most popular malls is the Mall of 

Arabia, which is considered an architectural 

masterpiece. Other malls include: the 

Red Sea Mall, Sirafi Mega Mall, Aziz Mall, 

Aljamia Plaza, Sultan Mall, Haifaa Mall and 

Aljamia Mall. You can find various local and 

international fast food chains and recreation 

areas in all malls. 

Khuzam Palace 

It is located in the Yemeni Quarter and was given 

the name “Khuzam” due to the abundance of 

the “Khuzam”, or lavender plant, in its vicinity. 

King Abdulaziz ordered its construction after 

his residency in the Naseef house for a period 

of time. The construction of the palace began in 

1928 A.D., and was completed in 1932 A.D. It 

is the first building in Jeddah to be constructed 

of cement and iron, and is now one of the most 

important museums in Saudi Arabia. 

Jeddah Beaches 

Handicrafts and Local 

industries 

Jeddah is full of traditional crafts that are still 

being practiced today in many local markets. 

These include making wooden products, 

pottery, and palm frond products, in addition to 

construction industries such as plumbing, bead 

making, khazwan, milling, storytelling, fishing, 

spices and perfumes making, money exchange, 

Misaharati and others. 

Tahaliyah Street 

Also known as Prince Muhammed Bin Abdulaziz 

Street, Tahiliyah Street is one of the busiest 

main streets in Jeddah. It is a commercial hub 

of shopping centers, given the many brand name 

shops lining each side of the street, as well as 

the finest restaurants, multiple shopping malls 

and lavish offices. This beautiful street is in a 

strategic location that divides Jeddah into two 

sections. 

Beaches in Jeddah are blessed with dazzling 

coral reef structures, which the Red Sea is 

famous for. The coral reefs are located 100 

to 150 meters off shore, and can be found at 

various depths, reaching 50 meters below the 

surface in some areas. 

21

Taif 

The city of Al Al Ta’if is internationally 

recognized in the field of flower and rose 

planting. The industry flourishes in the 

cultivation period of the roses in April 

and May, during which rose water and 

concentrated oil-based perfumes and 

fragrances are produced. Al Ta’if welcomes 

visitors in its flower and rose factories to 

learn about this aromatic process. 

Al Ta’if is located atop the Ghazwan Mountain 

within the Sarwat mountain series, which 

makes it the best summer destination for 

Saudis and their Gulf neighbors due to its 

moderate weather on hot summer days. 

Alta’eif has an active regional airport, making 

it an easy to reach destination. 

Sports enthusiasts will definitely enjoy Al 

Ta’if, due to the lovely weather and moderate 

temperature during summer. You, and your 

family, will get to enjoy participating in 

your favorite sport in Al Ta’if ’s many public 

parks and green valleys. Among the most 

convenient sports to practice in Al Ta’if are 

jogging, hiking and mountain climbing in 

Alhoda, Alshefa, Bin Saad, Thaqeef, Bilhareth 

or Bin Malek mountains. 

Al Ta’if has several signature local dishes 

such as Qurs Almulla and Alma’soub. Al Ta’if 

is also popular for its summer fruit cultivation 

including pomegranate, grapes, berries, 

pears, damsons, apricots, peaches, citrus 

fruits, plums, mangoes, figs, Indian figs, in 

addition to olive and almond tree cultivation. 

Al Ta’if also produces some of the finest kinds 

of dates in Alkhurmah and Raniya. 

Dams in Al Ta’if 

Al Ta’if has many historical dams that date 

back to the early days of Islam, especially from 

the Ummayad Era in which efforts and money 

were invested in developing water resources 

and agriculture. Since then, Al Ta’if has played 

an important role in the agriculture industry, 

and cultivates many of the essential fruit and 

vegetable crops. One of the most important dams 

in Al Ta’if is the Sumalaqy Dam in Thamala Valley, 

which is one of the oldest dams contstructed 

of rocks. It is located atop the Leah Valley in 

Thamala on the main highway to Albaha, 35 

kilometers south of Al Ta’if. Another important 

dam is the Seesed Dam, which dates back to the 

year 58 Hijri in the era of Caliph Muawiyah Bin 

Abi Sufyan. Various other dams that showcase 

the architectural style of this era were built later 

after the Seesed Dam, and they are all part of 

the Saudi urban heritage. 

Alradaf Park 

This four square kilometers park is considered 

among the popular public amusement parks in 

Al Ta’if. It is famous for its magnificent granite 

rock constellations, and it has a zoo in one of its 

corners. The park also contains several children’s 

playgrounds and food and beverage stalls. Next 

to the park, there is the Ghadeer Albanat area 

where one of the old dams was built. 

22

The Shubra Palace 

This historical palace dates back to the 

first quarter of the thirteenth Hijri century. 

It consists of a basement floor, and four 

floors above, all similar in design. The 

construction of the Shubra palace required 

massive efforts and money, since many of 

its construction materials were imported 

from abroad. Its porcelain, for example, was 

imported from Italy, whereas its wood was 

imported from East Asia and Turkey. The 

construction process was also supervised 

by Turkish architects and engineers, and 

executed by skilled craftsmen from Hijaz. The 

architectural design of the palace reflects a 

cross or a hybrid between Islamic and Roman 

architectural styles. 

Rose Farmlands 

Alhada Cable Carts 

They link the edge of Alhada descending to the 

Alkara entertainment village that stretches 

along the inclined road to the edge. At the top, 

there is a restaurant and a hotel overlooking 

beautiful scenery, while at its lower end, 

there is a 15,000 square meter park that has 

a restaurant, a mosque, recreation areas for 

children, and a water park. 

It is what Al Taif is famous for world-wide. Roses 

petals are transferred via special bags from 

Al Taif’s widely spread farmlands to factories, 

especially those located in Shifa, Hada, Mahram 

Valley and Ghadeerain. Such factories carry out 

the process of rose distillation. Petals are then 

squeezed to extract rose oil. Among the most 

famous distinctive scents that are extracted from 

roses is the red rose scent, which is very popular 

in the Islamic world. 

23

Aseer 

Aseer is a gift of nature, the land of all seasons, 

with a beauty and magic that takes you from 

reality to a world of fantasy. It is the land dressed 

in authenticity, painted in magnificence, and a 

most beautiful marvel of nature. 

Aseer, which is approximately 400,000 square 

kilometers in size, is located in the southwest 

of Saudi Arabia. It has a diverse terrain that 

varies from mountains and agricultural lowlands, 

to valleys and forests that contain numerous 

species of trees and plants. The climate in Aseer 

is among the best in the Arabian Peninsula, as 

it is moderate in summer and chilly and rainy in 

winter, while it also rains during most seasons of 

the year. 

The history of the city dates back to prehistoric 

eras, and it was the origin of several 

civilizations which enriched its cultural and 

historical heritage. Some of the civilizations 

that influenced the city are the Saba, Madeen, 

Alazdyeen and other civilizations before Islam, 

especially the ones that evolved in Hijaz and 

Yemen. 

Aseer is an agricultural area famous for producing 

the finest grains, such as corn and wheat, as well 

as the finest seasonal fruits including apricots, 

grapes, peaches and pomegranates. This is due 

to the annual heavy rains and the availability of 

basic agricultural factors, such as rich soil and 

moderate climate. 

Local Honey 

Aseer is an agricultural area famous for 

producing the finest grains, such as corn 

and wheat, as well as the finest seasonal 

fruits including apricots, grapes, peaches 

and pomegranates. This is due to the annual 

heavy rains and the availability of basic 

agricultural factors, such as rich soil and 

moderate climate. 

Asser, Art Like No 

Other 

Aseer has a unique art scene. Architecture 

in Aseer is like no other, and reflects the 

beautiful nature and fine taste of people in 

Aseer. Houses on mountain tops and cliffs 

are now museums that enrich the heritage in 

the region. If you want to learn about Aseer’s 

unique architecture, any of the friendly 

Aseer locals will gladly show you around. 

24

Traditional Markets 

Aseer has more traditional markets and stores 

than other parts of Saudi Arabia. It has various 

markets offering old and new products such as: 

Mahayel Aseer souq, the Tuesday market, the 

Saturday Hubail souq on the Rijal Alma Road 

south of Jazan, the Rufaida Sunday market, the 

Monday market in Ibn Hamoud, the Saturday 

Alaya market, the two valleys market, in addition 

to the Khamees Masheet market. 

The Shada’a Palace 

It is located in the center of the city of Abha, 

where it was restored in 1348 Hijri, 1927 A.D., 

under the recommendation of King Abdul-Aziz 

to Sheikh Abdul Wahab Abu Milhah, financial 

Director of Abha at the time. This palace was 

the heart of Abha for a period of time. It has 

several floors, and includes many old appliances, 

agricultural tools, weapons, costumes, old 

manuscripts and coins. 

Ibn Hamsan Cultural 

Village 

It is located in the historical city of Khamis Mashit, 

and is considered a main tourist attraction in 

the city, due to the abundance of cultural and 

folkloric wealth it has. It has a cultural museum, 

and a restaurant serving delicious traditional 

dishes in a beautiful presentation that reflects 

the village’s culture. 

The Rayda Protectorate 

It has nine out of ten unique kinds of endemic 

wild birds in the Kingdom, making it very suitable 

for bird watching, plants and tree viewing and 

photography. It is a rich area with unique natural 

components. 

The Dahna’a Waterfall 

This waterfall is located in Tanumah in the 

province of Abha, about 110 kilometers away 

from the city of Abha on the road to Taif. It flows 

in a small lake in the green valley, which makes it 

appealing to tourists and visitors for relaxation. 

Rijal Alma’a Museum 

and Village 

This village is located west of Abha, going 

down to the Tihama Aseer. It is one of 

the most popular and fascinating cultural 

villages in the Peninsula, since it was the 

main trading capital in the past, receiving 

convoys from India, through Yemen, and 

others from Africa, through Qahma, Albark, 

and Aljizan. It also has the infamous Alma’a 

palace, which dates back to more than 400 

years ago, and is now open for visitors as a 

museum exhibiting pieces that reflects the 

region’s rich heritage. 

Rijal Alma’a contains unique models of 

palaces that were built from rocks, some of 

which are eight floors high. It is also known 

for its unique artistic inscriptions called 

“Alqat”. 

25

Aseer 

Public Parks 

Aseer has numerous public parks. Some of 

which are: 

Abha Dam Park 

it is located within the city of Abha and it supplies 

the city with clean rain water. It also has seating 

areas overlooking a lake. This lake provides 

magical panoramic views for the park’s visitors. 

Aseer National Park 

it is located two kilometers away from the 

center of Abha. It is the first national park in the 

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and was established 

in 1401 (Hijri). It has diverse terrain, such as 

high mountain peaks, steep cliffs, deep valleys, 

and dense forests. Yet most importantly, its 

cold weather attracts many tourists. The park 

includes a cable car that allows you to enjoy the 

magnificent view of Abha in the evening. 

Sudah Park 

it is located 25 kilometers away from the city 

of Abha, at 3000 meters above sea level. It 

is equipped with all recreation facilities and 

services, such as restaurants, hotels, seating 

areas, restrooms, and pathways for walking. It 

is also blessed with cool weather in the summer. 

Sahab Park 

It is located 15 kilometers away from the city 

of Abha,on a high mountain peak, which is 

accessible by car. The park has a wonderful, 

peaceful atmosphere, and has a stunning and 

charming landscape that you will never forget. 

26

Shahaf Al Weman Park 

it is located south of Sahab park. It is full of 

beautiful trees and abundant nature. 

Prince Sultan Park in 

Far’aa 

it is located 30 kilometers away from the city of 

Abha on an estimated area of 420 hectares. It 

has generous amounts of juniper trees, and it is 

equipped with all necessary services. 

Habalah Park 

it is located 50 kilometers away from the city 

of Abha. It is characterized by its vertical 

mountains and cliffs and fascinating nature. 

It is located partly in a deep abyss ranging 

from 170-300 meters high. It overlooks a 

lovely view to which you can descend by cable 

cars. The park is equipped with all services 

and facilities. 

Shafa Al-Masqi Park 

it is located 30 kilometers south of the city of 

Abha, on an area of about 29.96 hectares. It is 

linked to Prince Sultan Park, featuring juniper 

tree-covered mountains. It is equipped with all 

services and facilities. 

Dalghan Park 

it is located 27 kilometers southwest of the city 

of Abha, on an area of 440 hectares. It has flat 

land with some rocks and scattered acacia trees. 

It also has all facilities, utilities and services. 

Jarrah Park 

it is located 40 kilometers away from the city of 

Abha. It is one of the protected and preserved 

parks. 

Hadhabah Park 

it is located 15 kilometers east of the city of 

Abha, on an area of 10 hectares. It has mountains 

with cracks and fractures in which wild birds 

make their nests. 

Harabi Park 

it is located 4 kilometers away from Khamis 

Mashait, in the center of Harabi valley, yet it is 

easily reachable. It is equipped with all facilities 

and public services. 

27

Al Madinah Al Monawarah 

If you wish to travel to a place known for its 

calmness and tranquility, then Madinah is 

a perfect destination. It is the second most 

important city to the Muslim world after Mecca. 

Madinah is the site of the mosque of the Prophet 

Mohammed bin Abdullah, peace be upon him, as 

well as his grave and the graves of his family and 

companions who spread the message of Islam. 

Madinah is considered an oasis of serenity 

and peace, and offers a unique opportunity 

for worshiping, visiting religious monuments, 

relaxation and comfort, as well as visiting 

many places associated with the biography 

of the Prophet Muhammed, peace be upon 

him, and sites of Islamic history. The city is 

also rich in diverse cultural heritage and many 

archaeological and historical sites. 

Maindah is considered the regional capital and 

the administrative center of the region, and it 

includes a number of governorates: 

• Yanbu: it is 250 kilometers away from Madinah, 

and is now the main marine port for the 

province Its port is used to export petroleum 

and petrochemical industries to most countries 

of the world. 

•Badr: it is 150 kilometers away from Madinah. 

It is the place where one of the most significant 

Battles in Islamic history took place; the Badr 

Battle. The city also has Rayes Beach. 

•Khaybar: it is 170 kilometers away from 

Madinah. It has forts, castles and water springs. 

Madinah includes other governorates such as 

Almahd, Alhnakyh, and Wadi Alfara’a, each of 

which has several unique historical landmarks. 

Sites of Islamic History 

Visitors to Madinah are always keen on 

visiting the Holy Mosque of the Prophet 

Muhammad, peace be upon him, the Holy 

Rawdah and the Prophet Muhammad’s 

grave, peace be upon him. The visitor 

can then go to a number of sites that the 

Prophet had stepped foot in (Baqeea Al- 

Gharqad – Uhod Battle site - Quba Mosque). 

In addition, there are a number of sites 

with references in Islamic history, such as 

the site of the Battle of the Trench, Friday 

Mosque, Qiblatain Mosque, Ejabah Mosque, 

Ghamamah Mosque, Abu Bakr Mosque, Omar 

ibn al-Khattab Mosque, Ali bin Abi Talib 

Mosque, as well as Saqifat bani Sa’edah. 

Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International 

airport is the main artery of traveling in the 

region, as it serves more than two million 

passengers every year. Madinah is also linked 

with other cities and the rest of the provinces of 

the Kingdom through a network of highways. 

28

Hijaz Railway Station 

Hijaz Railway Station is the biggest and last 

station on Hijaz railway. It consists of many 

buildings with a unique architectural style 

and maintenance workshops. The station will 

soon be a regional museum featuring many 

archeological artifacts. 

Harrat Rahat 

It is a unique geological park that includes many 

volcano craters and grooves left by the volcanic 

lava streams. 

Faqrah 

Faqrah is located in the high lands, which makes 

its climate moderate in summer and cold in 

winter. It is abundant in palm trees and honey 

apiaries, and it offers chalets and summer houses 

for daily or weekly rental. Faqrah is 30 kilometers 

away from the Fareesh Center, and it attracts an 

increasing number of visitors each year. 

Entertainment and 

Shopping Centers 

There are many shopping and entertainment 

centers in Madinah, namely: Aliah Mall, Noor Mall, 

Al-Rashid Mall and Al-Manar Mall. There are 

also a number of parks, such as King Fahad Park, 

Nakheel Park and Baydha Wild Park, in addition 

to several gardens and hiking and jogging places. 

Museums 

There are a number of museums in Madinah, 

including the Museum of the Holy Quran (King 

Abdulaziz Library), the Museum of Madinah in 

the Hijaz Railway Station, the Museum of Dar 

Madinah in the Knowledge Economics City, the 

Museum of Dinar and Dirham, Qimma Madinah 

Museum as well as the Media Museum. 

Folklore 

There is a variety of folkloric arts and poems 

for each occasion in Madinah. Some of 

them are in classical Arabic and others are 

colloquial accompanied by the rhythms of 

Alzeer, flutes and drums. Some examples 

are: Al-Khatib, Al-Mujeeb, Alhadi, Alkesrah, 

Almed’e, Alkhubaiti and Alsamiri. 

Handicrafts 

Madinah is famous for various handcrafts 

such as making silverware, pottery, and dailyuse 

utensils. The agricultural environment in 

Madinah, especially that of palm trees, also 

developed the industry of wicker production, 

in which men and women compete to produce 

attractive and high quality products. 

29


Urban Heritage 

Due to the historical importance of Madinah, 

man has left behind many unique and 

distinctive towns and villages throughout the 

ages. Madinah’s visitors can enjoy visiting 

forts and castles that spread throughout 

the city. The heritage villages in the Ula and 

Soor districts in Yanbu attract people who 

are interested in ancient Islamic history and 

architecture. 

Ula Governorate 

Ula is among the most important heritage sites 

in the Kingdom. It has archeological antiquities, 

which date back to the Nabataean State, and 

other sites dating back to the two Dadanian and 

Lahyanian Kingdoms through which the Hijaz 

railway passes. Mada’en Saleh is classified within 

the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO. 

Alkhuraybah and 

Al-Ussood Cemetery 

Located northeast of Ula, it is among the most 

important archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia. 

It features a round stone basin, which is known 

locally as «Mahlab Annaqah.” The site involves a 

large number of tombs that have been carved into 

the bottom of the eastern mountain of the site, 

each with a different size and shape. The most 

prominent of these cemeteries are Al-Oussud 

cemetery, which is marked by the presence of 

sculptures of fairy-like animals looking like lions. 

Mabiyat Archeological 

Site 

Before it got its current name it was called Qarh, 

and it dates back to the Umayyad and Abbasi 

era. It is one of the most important Islamic sites 

in the north. It is rich in archaeological and 

cultural elements, and features narrow streets 

full of shops and houses with wooden doors 

that are decorated with calligraphy and other 

plaster inscriptions similar to the famous style 

of Samarra. 

Hajr Islamic Fort 

Located near the railway station of Hajr, this 

castle was built during the Abbasid era in 1375 

Hijri, 985 A.D., for protection and as a rest 

area for pilgrims. It consists of two floors, a 

large interior courtyard and a water well. The 

most prominent feature of this castle is the 

beautiful Islamic indoor arches. There is a large 

pool outside the castle that was used to store 

rainwater for the benefit of users of this road in 

the past. 

30

Mada’en Saleh 

It is among the most prominent global 

monuments, and it holds a large number of 

palaces (graves) carved into the mountains, 

such as Sanea Palace, Fareed Palace, and 

Bent Palace. 

Al Feel Mountain 

It is a huge rocky mountain that is more than 50 

meters higher from the surrounding area. It is 

characterized by its unique elephant-like shape. 

It is located 20 kilometers from Al-Ola on the 

road to (Ula / Hail). The rock is surrounded by a 

group of mountains and a wide open landscape 

covered with golden sand. The site is a perfect 

spot for desert sports and mountain climbing. 

There are also many interesting sites that can 

be visited in Ula, such as Um Naser Castle, 

Tantura, Ula Museum, Mughirah Castle, Shar’an 

Park, Atheeb Railway Station, Atheeb Farms and 

Hawara Mountain. In addition, visitors can enjoy 

the unique mountain formations of Ula. 

31


Hajar Railway Station 

The Hajar Railway Station is the newest and 

largest railway station in Hijaz. It consists of 

many buildings with a unique architectural 

style and maintenance workshops. The 

station will soon be a regional museum 

featuring many archeological artifacts. 

Heritage Village in Ula 

Home to ancient buildings made from rocks and 

mud, it dates back to the first few centuries 

in Islamic history, while also offering new 

tourism opportunities. Many of the main tourist 

attractions have been renovated and reopened 

to welcome visitors. 

Shafa Harrat Owairedh 

It is at the edge of a volcanic plateau overlooking 

the entire city of Ula. It is used as a terrace and 

a park that looks out over Mada’en Saleh and 

Heritage Village of Ula. The view becomes even 

more interesting and beautiful at sunset. 

32

Yanbu Governorate 

Yanbu represents a well-known marine 

destination for those who wish to enjoy unique 

beaches and pure nature. It has the perfect spots 

for participating in water sports such as diving. 

Coastal and residential resorts provide suitable 

accommodation places for families. 

Southern Corniche 

It is a 2 kilometer-long corniche that extends 

along the coast of the Red Sea. It contains 

seating areas and playgrounds for children. This 

corniche also has perfect spots for swimming 

and recreation. 

Northern Corniche 

The Northern Corniche is Yanbu’s waterfront 

on the Red Sea extending for a length of 15 

kilometers. It is a very active place where visitors 

can enjoy a large variety of water sports. 

Oyster Island 

This island is one of the famous sights in 

Yanbu, with an area of 521,000 square meters, 

and includes sunrise and sunset beach, which 

include sandy beaches and places designed for 

swimming and recreation, in addition to the 

necessary facilities for amateur and services 

and lovers of camping and practice of marine 

sports. 

Bathnah Marina 

This marina has a very large boat ramp with 

can accommodate up to 50 vessels. The marina 

also offers many water activities and sports, 

such as fishing and diving, as well as boat and 

jet-ski rental. 

Visitors to Yanbu Industrial City should also 

make a point of stopping to see the artificial 

lake and the Equestrian Club. Information 

about the entire area is provided by the tourist 

information center at the entrance of the city. 

The Soor District 

It is an old district with a unique architectural 

style, 

featuring a range of traditional buildings and 

distinguished architectural figures. 

Yanbu also contains many waterfront sites such 

as Allayl Souq, the fish market, Alhawara and 

Aljakr beaches, the aquatic life museum, and the 

North Creek. 

Sobh Beach Gardens 

Sobh Beach Gardens are on Industrial Yanbu’s 

waterfront. It is a well established garden with 

extensive landscaping, public services, seating 

areas and playgrounds in addition to a fully 

equipped beach, which makes it perfect for 

picnics. 

33

Al Baha 

Located southwest of the Kingdom, the 

beautiful mountainous area of Al-Baha provides 

visitors with gorgeous views of the surrounding 

landscape and scenery. The uniqueness of this 

beautiful city is highlighted in the series of the 

breathtaking mountains of Sarawat that climb to 

2,000 meters above sea level. The eastern part 

of Al-Baha is primarily a desert area extending 

to the east of the Aqiq governorate, while the 

Tihama Plains cover the western part. 

The distinctive geographical nature of Al-Baha 

distinguishes it from any other part in Saudi 

Arabia. It has a perfect summer getaway for 

those who enjoy the winter charm and beauty 

of heavy fog over the mountains of Sarawat. The 

plain of Tihama provides Al-Baha with moderate 

temperatures all year long . 

The most beautiful roads in the region are those 

embraced by the mountains. A spectacular view 

is guaranteed for all visitors who take the Taif 

- Baha tourism road, or King Fahd Road, which 

connects the city of Al-Baha with Makhwat, in 

addition to the old mountain road that connects 

Tihama Plains with Sarwat Mountains. 

These beautiful mountains are considered a great 

opportunity for an adventurous experience. 

Whether it’s hiking, walking or climbing 

mountains, the mountains of Al-Baha are indeed 

very much appreciated by sports enthusiasts 

who take part in such activities. 

34 

Upper Shada Mountain 

Located northwest of the city of Makhwah, 

Upper Shada Mountain is filled with 

authentic archaeological symbols and 

villages such as the chapel of Ibrahim bin 

Adam. It is also a great experience for hiking 

enthusiasts since it is considered one of the 

highest peaks in Al-Baha. The beautiful 

Shadawi coffee trees on the mountain are 

spectacular and the view of the valleys from 

the top of the mountain is simply marvelous. 

The Old Trade Route (Al 

Feel Route) 

This historical road extends from the south the 

Arabian Peninsula and through Baha. Its middle 

is flatly paved and has many stations that were 

designed in a circular shape as rest areas for 

travelers. Some historians linked this road with 

the story of Abraha Al-Ashram, who tried to 

destroy the Ka’aba, as they believed he used the 

same road and considered that Baha was one 

of the most important points at which his large 

army stopped. 

Raghdan Park 

Raghdan Park is one of the most beautiful parks 

in Baha. It is blessed with a spectacular location 

at the foot of the mountain with the stunning 

view of Tihama Plains below. The park is perfect 

for everyone in the family as it features different 

key services and facilities that make your 

visit truly enjoyable. These include beautiful 

landscaping, lighted walkways, family seating 

areas, restrooms, different shops and a modern 

theater that hosts different shows during the 

holidays.

Thi Ain Village 

Despite the fact that years ago, the village 

was abandoned by its citizens, they still 

visit their ancient village to look after their 

properties, farms and livestock. Visitors 

to this city will enjoy the beautiful urban 

heritage and the exceptional scenery of 

its water springs that flow all year long 

irrigating the banana, Kadi and basil farms. 

The village park is also a must see where 

visitors can spend and enjoy a whole day 

there. 

35

Al Baha 

Qamea Park 

Located 20 kilometers south of the city of 

Baljurashi, Qamea Park is one of the most 

famous and picturesque parks of Baljurashi in 

Baha. It is well known for its lovely olive trees 

locally known as ‘Atam,’ in addition to other 

very unique trees such as juniper and acacia 

trees. The ideal location of the park makes it 

easy to reach and allows for simple mobility 

within. 

Shakran Park 

Located south of Balijurashi, ten minutes away 

from Balijurashi’s downtown and right along 

the south road, this park features seating for 

visitors that are seamlessly spread on both sides 

of the road guaranteeing a great time. The park 

provides convenience to all its visitors with its 

special sections for family and others for singles, 

and both sections offer different services that 

ensure a comfortable and a pleasant visit. The 

park is usually very crowded during holidays and 

weekends, attracting both tourists and local. 

Prince Miteb bin Abdul 

Aziz Park 

Located in Bni Kebeer, in the middle road 

between Baha and Balijurashi, on the top of 

a mountain covered with beautiful juniper 

trees, the park offers a magnificent view of 

the horizon. With an abundance of seating 

areas and children playgrounds, it’s a perfect 

place to bring the family, have a picnic and 

enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Further 

more, for those seeking more adventurous 

activities, there are a lot of desert trips and 

hiking adventures available at this park. 

36

Prince Mishari bin Saud 

bin Abdul Aziz Park 

Located northwest of Baha, this park features 

many different attractions for the whole family. 

There is a breathtaking view of a waterfall 

descending into a pond surrounded by rocks, 

which was a source of water for local residents 

in the past, and a distinctive number of juniper, 

acacia and olive trees. Visitors can enjoy different 

activities such as riding in horse-drawn carts, 

hiking, bicycling, and walking in the open spaces 

as well as the public children’s playgrounds. 

Khalb Park 

Located in the northwest of Mandaq, this large 

park is a combination of several smaller parks 

such as Faqdah, Sanam and Qamrah. There are 

many comfortable shaded seating areas, as well 

as amenities such as restrooms, lighting, paved 

roads and children’s 

playgrounds. The park 

is filled with different juniper and olive trees 

which provide a serene and natural environment, 

and for those who would like to have a picnic, 

everything you need for a delightful afternoon or 

evening can be found in the stores next to the 

park. 


One of the most significant characteristics 

of Baha is the continuous existence of its 

traditional markets that have succeeded in 

keeping their popular style since they were 

first established. Each governorate has its 

specific place and specific day of the week, 

and the market is often named after the 

governorate and the day of the week, such 

as: Thursday Market of Baha, Tuesday Market 

of Mikhwat, etc. The residents of each area 

gather on that day to buy their essentials of 

food, clothes and artifacts, and these days 

also provide a great opportunity for visitors 

to have a true insight about the culture and 

an enjoyable local shopping experience for 

souvenirs. 

The traditional markets open after the Fajr 

prayer on the day of the market and stay 

open until the Dhuhr prayer. The most popular 

markets are: 

- Khamees (Thursday) Market of Baha: held 

every Thursday in the center of Baha. 

- Sabt (Saturday) Market of Baljurashi: located 

in downtown Baljurashi. 

- Thulooth (Tuesday) Market of Mikhwat: 

located in the Mikhwat governorate near the 

main road to the west. 

Provincial Museum of 

Baha for Antiques and 

Heritage 

With a mixture of authenticity, history and 

culture, this museum displays the diverse 

heritage, historical memories and geographical 

characteristics of the province. Among its 

exhibits are pieces of art represented in ancient 

rocks that show the graphics and models of local 

buildings. 

37

Najran 

Located in the southwest part of the 

Kingdom, the Najran Valley extends from 

the west to the east. With such a strategic 

location, Najran played a huge commercial 

role for ages, as it was the hub for trading 

spices and incense. Because of its many 

diverse resources, it was subjected 

to numerous invasion attempts in the 

past. It is one of the cities enriched with 

archaeological and historical sites that 

attract tourists worldwide. 

Al-Okhdood Historical 

Site 

Located at the southern bank of the Najran 

creek, the city of Okhdood is filled with ancient 

history. The name Okhdood means “groove.” 

It is a central city surrounded by a wall that 

is 532 meters long and 220 meters wide, and 

the foundations of the entire building were 

carefully built with sculptured rocks that 

extend between 2 and 4 meters in height. The 

magnificent citadel of the city represents the 

main settlement of the Groove, which may 

have begun before 600 BC. 

Industries and 

Handicrafts 

- Pottery crafts 

- Steatite industries 

- Wood industries 

- Metal industries 

- Textile and knitting industries 

- Leather industries 

- Daggers industries 

- Jewelry industries 

The Museum of Najran 

Najran museum encompasses the history, 

culture and heritage of the whole region with 

holdings that reflect different historical periods. 

The museum includes a specific place to display 

the traditional products of the region and explain 

the historical treasures of the Kingdom of Saudi 

Arabia, as well as the history of the civilization 

of Najran throughout different periods of times. 

38

Al Emarah Historical 

Palace 

An exceptional landmark in terms of its 

marvelous construction and architecture that 

flawlessly blends the past with the present, 

the palace is located in Aba Saud city on 

an approximate area of 625 square meters. 

Construction work of the place started in 

early 1362 (AH) during the reign of King 

Abdul Aziz, and was finished in 1363 (AH) 

to be the ruling palace and the Sharia court 

at that time. The palace has 60 rooms and 

forms a whole integrated citadel, surrounded 

by a high fence and guarded by four circularshaped 

towers, where each corner of every 

tower is an added beauty to this spectacular 

construction. A water well still exists in the 

inner yard of the palace and is believed to be 

the source of water for the residents of the 

palace after it was built, and many indicators 

also assume that this water well dates back 

to the pre-Islam period, since the lower part 

of it is constructed with clay bricks, the same 

material used in water wells before Islam. 

Najran’s Urban Heritage 

Najran has more than 34 heritage villages that 

extend along the northern and southern banks of 

the Najran Valley. Each village has an average of 

7 to 10 beautiful, authentic mud buildings that 

are considered pieces of art. 

Daggers Market 

It is the only market that specializes in selling 

and manufacturing locally made daggers. 

Oroug Bani Maaradh 

Natural Reserve 

This beautiful natural reserve extends over an 

area of 12,000 square kilometers, and is mostly 

located in the Najran Province, with a smaller 

part of it in the Riyadh Province. It is considered 

one of the most important sites that protect the 

Arabian gazelle in the Kingdom. This stunning 

natural reserve is famous for its high and 

beautiful sand dunes. 

39

Jazan 

Jazan is known as the pearl of the south, and 

wherever you go, you will be greeted with 

kindness, generosity and great hospitality. 

Nature will greet you too with beautiful 

landscapes, marvelous mountains, exquisite 

forests, distinctive plants, natural wildlife and 

dazzling rocks that were naturally sculpted 

by the wind, the lakes and the waterfalls. 

With such diverse terrains, scenery and 

landscape, visitors find Jazan to be a great 

get-away from their stressful lives. On 

the other hand, you will find the pristine 

beaches and islands of Jazan the perfect 

place for swimming, diving and exploring the 

beautiful, natural underwater scenes that 

feature stunning, world famous coral reefs. 

The geographical nature of Jazan is divided 

into three diverse regions; the coastal plains 

of Tihama; the plateaus, which include many 

sloping valleys towards the Tihama; and the 

Sarwat Mountains at the northeastern side of 

Jazan, in addition to the islands of Farsan, which 

include more than 100 islands. 

For many years, Jazan has been blessed with 

a rich and diverse natural terrain that led to 

its variant urban patterns. Consequently, the 

Tihama Plains and coastal areas of Jazan have 

an urban pattern that was adopted by its local 

people hundreds of years ago, and they uniquely 

used the basic local materials to build their 

homes from nature. 

At the eastern side of the province and above 

its highlands, you will find architectural 

masterpieces that were created by the minds 

and hands of the locals. This area extends from 

the mountains of Qais, Sala and Abadel; near 

the Yemen borders and through the Bani Malik 

governorate, Fayfa, the Hashir Mountains, 

Mesyadah, Faqarah, Jabal El Aswad and to 

Alraith and Qahr mountains. 

upper floor is for the residence. 

Farasan architectural style is considered an 

archeological landmark that shows off the 

artistic and architectural talents of the locals. 

Such unique architectural style reflects their 

superb artistic talents in design, construction 

and implementation. 

The mountain houses in Jazan (usually built 

opposite to the agricultural terraces) are 

uniquely differentiated by their beautiful, 

cylindrical shapes that consist of several floors; 

the ground floor is typically used for the storage 

of the house essentials, such as food, while the 

40

Alhareed Festival 

The Alhareed Festival is a unique and 

exciting annual celebration, and one-of-akind 

festival that only exists in the island of 

Farasan, a beautiful island south of the Red 

Sea. 

The Alhareed festival is named after a reef 

fish that looks like a parrot and is called the 

“Parrot fish” in English. Each year at this 

time, a celebration is held to welcome these 

beautiful fish as they approach the Farasan 

Island and fascinate us with their superb 

beauty. 

Jazan Winter Festival 

Jazan holds its annual festival and carnival 

during the mid year vacation in January. This 

annual celebration is an open invitation to all 

for numerous entertainment activities, including 

water activities, cultural events, shopping and 

sports. At this time of the year, the weather in 

Jazan is warmer than any other region, which 

makes it the perfect vacation destination for 

tourists. 

41

Jazan 

Heritage Village of Jazan 

Farsan Islands 

Mango Festival 

In an exquisite, flavorful annual festival, 

Jazan celebrates the month of May with the 

harvest season of its delicious mango. The 

festival crowns the agricultural efforts of 

Jazan with its special agriculture exhibitions, 

in addition to the cultural and entertainment 

events that are enjoyed by visitors and local 

alike. You can taste the different kinds of 

mango available, such as Jalenn, Indian, 

Kent and Tomi. 

Located 5 kilometers away from Farasan port, 

this village is considered a model that stands 

still for its heritage. It portrays for visitors the 

civilization of a great history, a great culture 

and displays an integrated community with 

all its values and traditions. It reflects the 

perfect picture for the architectural patterns 

of mountain and coastal environments, and 

provides an exceptional experience to tourists 

with its wide range of handicrafts, traditional 

cuisine and folklore. 

The golden beaches of Farsan islands are 

“The” destination for those who enjoy diving, 

swimming, fishing and watching birds and 

sea turtles. All you have to do is simply find a 

seat in any of the free public boats that go to 

Farsan islands twice a day. 

42

Feefa Mountains 

Beesh Beach 

Famous for its fascinating sand dunes and 

magnificent nature, Beesh Beach is perfect for 

swimming with its various colorful sea creatures 

that will give you the relaxation you seek. 

Hafah Tourism Marina in 

Jazan 

Located 6 kilometers away from the airport, 

this marina offers different cruises and diving 

trips to a number of beautiful islands near the 

city of Jazan and Farasan islands, where you can 

enjoy the pristine water surrounding these lovely 

islands in the middle of the sea. 

Lajab Valley 

Located 130km away from the airport, Lajab 

valley resulted from a crack in the eastern side 

of Al-Qahr Mountain dating back to the great 

African Rif that led to the formation of high 

mountains made of solid rocks. The valley is 

11km long and water flows in its southern side. 

Hot Water Springs 

The three hot water springs in Jazan are well 

known for their healing purposes. The most 

famous hot water springs are in Khobah and 

Bani Malek; the flowing water of these natural 

miracles can reach a temperature of 45° C and 

contain chemical elements as well as gamma and 

alpha rays that act as a natural treatment for 

rheumatism and skin diseases. 

A series of connected mountains located 90km 

away from the airport, known for its perfect 

climate as well as its beautiful greeneries that 

resulted from the frequent rain throughout 

the year. Blessed with a magnificent nature 

that lists it as one of the top amazing tourist 

attractions, in addition to its circular terraces 

that are covered with dazzling plants and 

trees. The scenery of the beautiful houses 

above the clouds will amaze you for a lifetime. 

43

Tabouk 

Tabuk province is the “Go to” destination for a 

beach getaway in Saudi Arabia. It has beautiful 

beaches, islands and superb nature and natural 

surroundings. The coral reefs and distinctive sea 

life of Tabuk are filled with nature and natural 

beauty. Since diving in the Red Sea is considered 

the best in the world, the coral reefs of Tabuk 

are natural treasures. One of the most popular 

destinations that attract visitors is the Alhisi 

region located south of Amlaj. 

Historical monuments indicate to Tabuk as a 

home to many Nations, such as the Thamud, 

Aramean, and Nabataeans. Human presence in 

the northern part of the Kingdom since centuries 

BC has been evidenced by Tyma archaeological 

remains associated with Mesopotamia. Impact of 

several important historical epochs is felt here, 

such as the Nabateans civilization, the Edomite 

civilization, and the Islamic periods, including 

the Mamluk and Ottoman rules. 

The many natural ingredients of Tabuk region, 

like the coastal areas with brilliant and pristine 

beaches, scenic Islands of various sizes 

scattered along its coast, and natural coral reefs 

dispersed across the coastline. The region is 

also known for its variety of flora and fauna, and 

diverse natural sites like sandy deserts, hills, and 

exceptional rock formations. 

44

Tabuk Beaches 

The coastal areas of the Tabuk region offer 

delightful beaches, numerous nearby islands, 

and picturesque environment of the deep 

sea where coral reefs and other marine 

organisms reflect the beauty and excellence 

of biodiversity. Some of the designated areas 

here for diving along the coast of Red Sea 

are from the world’s best. This includes reef 

sites along the coast of Tabuk, which still 

preserve their original nature. One of the 

popular destinations is Al Hisis, located south 

of Umluj. 

Notable beaches along the shores of the 

region include, the Shareeh beach, Sultaniyah 

beach, Ba’r Almashi beach in Hegl, the Qiyal 

beaches, Ras Al Sheik Humaid beaches located 

south of Bid’a, the Sherma, Khiraibah, and 

Muwalij beaches located north of Duba. Also, 

the Hiwaz and Huwaiz Gulf beach, Riseefah 

beach, Antar Gulf beach, Hirab beach, and 

Wejh beach. In the Umluj region, are located 

the Hurrah beach, Ras Sha’ban beach, and 

Hisis beach. 

Desert Sites in Tabuk 

The Zeta region is famous for its beautiful 

sand dunes, rocky hills and the Teeb Elesm 

path, a natural trail running through the 

mountains from the Bid’h side to the Red 

Sea. This is definitely the place for hiking 

enthusiast to experience. Deesah, another 

site located in Qraqre mountain region, is an 

oasis that is surrounded by spectacular and 

unique mountains. 

Islands of Tabuk 

Al-Wasl Island in Haql region is a must see! It 

can be reached by boat, or if you consider you 

self a good swimmer, you will definitely enjoy 

a short swim to this dazzling island. Tabuk 

is blessed with so many different islands, 

such as Fersha Island, located in Giyal; Walah 

Island, opposite to Sherma Beach; Sila Island, 

opposite to Muwailih and Nu’man Island, 

located in the Dhiba region. 

Louz Mountain 

Skiing in Saudi Arabia? Yes! Only on Louz 

Mountain can you actually enjoy the snowfall 

in winter. Visitors will enjoy a perfect day on 

this magnificent mountain that is enriched 

with the vivid beauty of different plants and 

wildlife, which makes it an ideal spring or 

winter vacation. 

45

Tabouk 


Museums 

There are a few main museums in Tabuk; 

Tima’a Regional Museum, the Aviation 

Museum that belongs to the King Faisal Air 

Base, along with other museums including 

the Elkenany in Tabuk and the Elfajr Museum 

in Tima’a. 

Traditional markets are everywhere, and there 

is no region in the province that doesn’t have 

the famous traditional markets. The Thursday 

Market of Tabuk displays different types of 

unique products while Eltawaheen market (in 

the old area of the city) specializes in selling 

grains and other traditional local products. Other 

markets include the Old Markets in Umluj and 

Tima’a, and the Manakha Market in Wajha. 

46

Traditional Crafts 

The locals of Tabuk inherited many traditional 

crafts that came about as a result of the desert 

environment or the coastal environment in which 

they live.. This is in addition to other crafts that 

are practiced in agricultural environments such 

as: 

• Woodwork and traditional carpentry 

• Tent making 

• Weaving and sadu 

• Stone inscriptions 

• Wickerwork 

• Strings and weaving ropes 

• Dilal making (Arabic coffee pots) 

• Wooden shipbuilding, or «Alqlafah» 

• Fishing tools 

Festivals and Events 

Many festivals are held in Tabuk, the majority 

of which are annual events that are held with 

the support of SCTH. Such as: 

• Spring Festival of “Khail o Hail” in Tabuk City 

• Heqlina Winasa Summer Festival 

• Dhiba Darik wil Bahr Darik Festival 

• The Destination is Ours Festival 

• Ummluj Ajmal Summer Festival 

• Camel and Horse Annual Race 

• Khayyalah Festival 12/15 

• Asayel Mid-Year Festival – before spring 

• Annual Flower and Fruit Festival in May 

• Diving Summer Festival 

Parks 

Tabuk has many naturally superb parks, whether 

inland such as Prince Fahd Bin Sultan Park in 

Tabuk and Prince Fahd Bin Sultan Park in Tima’a, 

or coastal parks such as the Nakheel Park in 

Hegl, the Lotus Park and Mountain Orchard in 

Dhiba, as well as Degm Park in Umluj. 

International Access 

The Tabuk Province is Saudi Arabia’s 

northwestern portal. It is home to four 

international ports: Prince Sultan Bin 

Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, 

Dhiba International Port, and two land ports; 

Durra Port and Halat Ammar. 

47

Hail 

Desert Festival 

48 

Hail, is a city filled with generosity and 

authentic hospitality, is called the home of 

Hatem el Ta’ey. It is considered a leading 

destination for desert tourism. The people 

of Hail are very passionate about camping 

in the wild, especially in winter and spring 

when they spend many nights and days in the 

Nafud desert, a vast expanse that that covers 

an area of 40,000 kilometers and occupies 

approximately one third of the region. 

When you visit Hail, there are several 

activities that you can enjoy, such as climbing 

the Aja Mountains, hunting, riding 4x4 

vehicles, sand boarding in the Nafud desert 

or exploring the Aja mountain peaks that are 

located west of Hail. There you will discover 

a maze of rough granite peaks and domes, 

water springs, marshes and fresh water, 

oases of palm trees, acacia and Nubian mule 

deer. You can also observe the wildlife of Hail, 

take interesting photographs, go hiking and 

enjoy the beautiful open spaces. 

Hail is the home for a lot of poets and 

writers, and it also attracted a lot of well 

known European travelers during the19th 

century and early 20th century. Hail is always 

associated with the name of a famous symbol 

of generosity and hospitality, «Hatem el Ta’ey. 

This is a cultural festival that has been 

held annually since 2008, that includes 

international participation from some Arab 

countries as guests of honor. The festival 

mainly focuses on reviving the heritage and 

culture of the desert through a variety of 

events and activities, such as a traditional 

markets for handicrafts, traditional cuisines, 

Arabian poetry and folklore, special shows 

for desert life, in addition to entertaining 

activities and sports. The festival is held 

during the spring break in Hail and other 

governorates for a period of 9 days.

Hail Regional Museum 

Located in the Jama’een district, this museum 

is the perfect place to learn more about the 

stories of the different eras of history. Within 

its large gallery are displays of images, maps, 

panels of texts and items of clothing from 

the past. A large modern museum is being 

constructed now in Hail to be included in 

Hail’s most dazzling attractions. 

Rata and Manjoor 

(Shuwaimis) 

Located about 320 kilometers southwest of 

Hail, these sandstone heights are surrounded 

by exquisite paintings carried out by the 

finest artists of the era, They are considered 

masterpieces and lasting representations of 

the precision and brilliance of ancient fine art. 

Most of the artwork features illustrations of 

human form. 

Qishlah 

Located in Hail’s city center, Qishlah follows 

the same unique architectural style of Najd, 

and is considered one of the most significant 

architectural landmarks due to its strategic 

location in the heart of the historical city of 

Hail. Built in the 1940s, the site encompasses 

a large square that was used for training and 

presenting soldiers. During your visit you will 

notice arcades roofed with tamarisk trunks and 

fronds mounted atop stone columns. Qishlah 

has two large gates and houses a mosque inside 

as well as numerous rooms decorated with 

gypsum and beautiful colored and patterned 

doors and windows. 

Jabbah Archaeological 

City 

Jabbah is considered one of the most significant 

archeological sites in Saudi Arabia. Many ancient 

inscriptions and illustrations that can be found 

in Um Sanman Mountain and other mountains 

nearby, such as Ghuta, Anera, Alghara, Moya’z 

and Shuwaht. These ancient drawings and 

inscriptions date back to three different eras, 

where the most important one is known as 

Jabbah’s virgin style, which is believed to date 

back to 7000 BC. The SCTA has requested that 

the inscription sites at Jabbah and Shuwaimis 

in Hail Province be registered under UNESCO’s 

World Heritage List. 

49

Hail 

50 

Hail International Rally 

The Hail Rally is an annual race that goes a 

distance of approximately 1,200 kilometers, 

and includes the participation of the most 

talented drivers in the Kingdom, the GCC 

and the world. The rally attracts thousands 

of visitors to its various activities that 

are all suitable for the entire family. Such 

activities include lectures, seminars, 

children’s activities, traditional markets and 

recreational centers, in addition to other 

activities for youth such as sand boarding 

and hiking. 

A’airif Citadel 

A’airef Citadel is located in the center of Hail 

on a mountain summit that overlooks the 

city from the south. Built of stone and mud, 

the initial construction of the citadel dates 

back to the era of the Al Ali Dynasty, and it 

was restored during Al Rasheed dynasty. 

The citadel then witnesses numerous addons 

until it reached its current form as a 

mud citadel. The location of the citadel is 

ideal for defense and a surveillance fortress 

using openings, slots, etc., for weapons and 

observation. 

Hail handicrafts 

Hail is famous for many distinctive 

handicrafts including Sadu, wicker, 

wooden doors, wooden artistic pieces, as 

well as other creative crafts. 

Uqdah Village 

Located in Hail, it is merely impossible to miss 

such a beautiful place; the stunning village 

is surrounded by glorious mountains and 

decorated with palms where the aroma of fresh 

mint is everywhere. Once you get there, you will 

be welcomed by the generous locals who will 

definitely invite you in for their special tea with 

mint, and for all hiking enthusiast, this village 

will exceed your expectations. 

Faid Historical City 

Faid City is considered a major stop along 

the historical Zubaidah Trail for those who 

are interested in learning about its ancient 

history. The site comprises the remnants of 

an ancient castle built of basalt stones, which 

is locally called Khirash Castle, and includes 

some beautiful ponds that give it just the right 

atmosphere. The Zabaidah Route was created 

under the order of Zubaidah (the wife of the 

Abbasid Caliph, Harun al-Rashid) to serve 

pilgrims heading from Baghdad to Makkah.

Mashar Natural Park 

Only a seven-minute-drive away from Hail, 

and you will reach the fantastic Mashar Park, 

where you will spend a great time with your 

family, it’s a perfect place for your children to 

enjoy their hobbies. Also, don’t forget to pass 

by Safat Al Bazakha, and explore its stunningly 

smooth rock formations. Hiking in this park is a 

great experience with its special path for hiking 

experts, that you should defiantly give a try. 

Nufud Qana 

If you are looking for excitement, adventure and 

challenge, all you have to do is drive a 4x4 vehicle 

30 kilometers north of Hail where Qana Nufud 

and its towering sand dunes are. The challenge 

of climbing sand dunes is a very popular hobby 

in Hail, and Qana Nufud is a perfect place to try 

such an exciting experience It is also ideal for 

sand boarding and many competitions take place 

there in accordance with tour organizers. 

Barzan Market 

This unique traditional market is filled with 

shoppers and browsers every morning, 

especially before Duhr prayer. It offers a variety 

of handicraft collection as well as Hail’s most 

famous products, such as kulaijah, Hail’s Sirar 

(ground red peppers), mint and other unique 

products and fresh produce. 

51

Al Jouf 

Jouf is the home of the original olive oil, with 

an estimated 13 million olive trees and 16 

olive oil presses. It is a very special oasis as it 

encompasses hundreds of famous historical 

sites, such as the Shuwait’hiyah district, 

which is considered the oldest settlement 

inhabited by humans,1.4 million years ago. 

The location of Jouf has always been of 

great importance as it lies in the trade route 

between the Arabian Peninsula, Sham and 

Egypt, and the pilgrims land route to Makkah. 

It still occupies a very strategic importance 

since it is located at the border of the 

Kingdom. It also contains Hudaithah Port; 

the largest land port and the northern gate 

of the Kingdom. Consequently, it is a stop 

station for those wishing to cross into Sham, 

Iraq, and Turkey. Moreover, it is the starting 

point for the longest railway in the Kingdom. 

One of the most popular handicrafts the 

people of Jouf are famous for is weaving 

Sadu. This handicraft relies on special 

materials and tools, such as camel’s hair, 

goat and sheep wool. Another handicraft 

that is perfected by the locals is the making 

of olive oil soap as well as frond products. 

Jouf Province includes two natural reserves, 

Herrah and Tabiq, both of which are home to 

very rare animals such as Reem deer, wild 

cat, Houbara, hares, porcupine, wolves, foxes 

and hyenas. 

Rajajeel Site 

These are stone pillars located on a flat sandy 

plain on an approximate area of 120,000 

square meters. It is a semi-circular shaped, 

22 kilometers to the south of Skaka near Al- 

Qarra village. This site is known for its Sawan 

stones that are used to manufacture stone 

tools. It is believed that these pillars date 

back to the 4th century B.C., which makes the 

historical drawing and inscriptions on them 

truly ancient. And since all the pillars are 

perpendicular to the sun rise and the sunset, 

it is assumed that they were once a place of 

worship or a means to detect time. 

52

Zaabal Citadel 

A citadel constructed from sandstone and 

mud on an approximate area of 5,600 meters 

square, Zaabal Citadel, or castle, is built 

on a highland overlooking the northwest of 

the Sakaka region. It consists of a high wall 

surrounded by four watchtowers and a water 

reservoir. 

Omar Ibn Al Khattab 

Mosque 

It is located in Dawmat Al-Jandal and named 

after the Caliph Omar ibn Al-Khattab, may 

Allah be pleased with him. It was built in 17 

AH during his return from the conquest of 

Quds, and has been restored several times. It 

was built of stone and mud with a roof made 

of wood and palm fronds, and has a unique 

rectangular shape built on an area of about 

600 square meters.. It is distinguished by its 

famous minaret that is considered the oldest 

existing minaret. 

Marid Citadel 

An archeological citadel that was built with stone 

on a highland overlooking the city of Dawmat Al- 

Jandal on an approximate area of 2,500 square 

meters with a height of 600 meters. It is believed 

that the citadel was built in the first century. It 

consists of a high wall with several openings for 

surveillance purposes. It also has four towers 

with an average height of 12 meters and two 

deep wells. The main building of the citadel 

consists of two floors that include different 

rooms for guards, shooting and surveillance. The 

Queen of Palmyra mentioned this citadel in the 

third century within her famous quote, ‹Marid is 

a rebellion and the Al-Ablaq is dear› 

53

Al Jouf 

Al-Matal 

It is located in the western part of Sakaka and 

has many seating areas for families. Visitors 

will enjoy a beautiful, panoramic view of the 

city. 

Kaf 

Kaf holds a great historical and archaeological 

value, as it was the heart beat of so many 

villages, the main center and the border 

point between Saudi Arabia and Jordan. It 

is famous for its beautiful water springs and 

farms, distinctive gardens and palm trees. 

The popularity of Kaf started with its famous 

Wal’ah Al-Sa’eedi palace that was built with 

stones and located right next to the city. 

Hawwas Hot Water 

Spring 

Magnificent scenery is guaranteed for all the 

visitors of Hawwas sulfur water spring. Located 

in the village of Ain Hawwas, the water is 

collected in a beautiful natural pond forming a 

stunning oasis that is used to irrigate the nearby 

farms. The water is clean and pure, as its source 

is covered with a huge rock to keep it warm and 

clear. 

Jouf Museum for 

Antiques and Heritage 

A modern one floor building with an approximate 

area of 3,600 meters square, this museum is 

located in the center of Dawmat Al Jandal next 

to the archaeological area. It encompasses 

numerous historical antiques and holdings that 

reflect the civilization of Jouf. Visitors will also 

find in this district many other special museums, 

such as Al-Rashed museum, Al-Nuwaysar and 

Sheikh Fahd Al-Blaihed. 

The Lake 

This artificial lake is located about 4 

kilometers north of Dawmat Al-Jandal on an 

approximate area of 500,000 square meters. 

It is bordered by a mountain range to the 

north, and it acts as a collection area for the 

surplus water from irrigation of agricultural 

lands. This uniquely shaped lake in the middle 

of the desert is quite scenic and creates an 

interesting view. Many annual activities are 

held in this lake, such as jet-ski shows and 

water races and other events within the 

activities of the summer festival. 

54

Festivals and Events 

Jouf organizes many festivals and events 

throughout the year, including: 

Olive Festival 

Held annually in December; the season 

for harvesting and pressing olives. Enjoy 

watching the whole process from harvesting 

and until these fresh olives are pressed. Don’t 

forget to get the finest olive oil for yourself 

from this festival’s bazaars, where all oil 

producers; whether large companies or even 

small-scale farmers, gather to offer you the 

best olive oil you will ever have. 

Spring Festival 

Held annually in February, it’s an open 

invitation for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy 

and experience nature and wildlife. Many 

activities and events are organized for all 

members of the family to enjoy a spectacular 

day and appreciate the beautiful nature 

offered there. 

Horse Riding Race 

Horse riding has always been a part of Jouf’s 

culture. This popular hobby has continued among 

the people of Jouf where competitions between 

horse owners are often held on Thursdays in the 

equestrian race courses of Skaka and Dawmay 

Al- Jandal. 

Camel Race 

It is often held on Fridays at the camel race 

course located on Kho’aa road, 15 kilometers 

away from the city of Skaka. It is the kind of race 

that you can only witness in Saudi Arabia, where 

camel owners compete against each other to win 

the highest ranks in different rounds. The race 

also attracts a number of camel owners from 

neighboring areas. 

Sadu Festival 

This festival supports many of the local families 

who are famous for making the finest quality of 

rugs and carpets and other Sadu products. In this 

special festival, you will get a great opportunity 

to customize any logo or design of your choice 

and you can even get your name tailor-made 

just for you on a unique Sadu piece. 

Summer Festival 

The festival is called “Jouf Hilwah.” It is usually 

held during summer vacation when the weather 

in Jouf is more moderate and comfortable. 

55

Al Qassim 

Festivals of Qassim 

Qassim is a city with a great ancient history 

as well as a bright, energetic present that is 

crowned with achievements and continuous 

development. It’s this kind of unique 

combination that grants the province the 

diversity of both authenticity and modernity. 

In Qassim, there is a very short distance that 

separates palm trees, traditional markets and 

urban heritage sites from factories, learning 

and knowledge centers and modern shopping 

malls. This is a reflection of how this city 

continues to in its progress of development 

and evolution in different fields. 

Qassim is different than any other region due to 

its various festivals that might vary according to 

the event and goal. However, all these festival 

have one thing in common, and that is, to spread 

joy and happiness to all corners of the region. 

Such events and festivals offer distinctive 

cultural and entertaining activities, in addition 

to the economic and social value they hold as a 

source of development in the region. 

Date Festival 

which is held in different regions throughout 

the month of August and the beginning of 

September. The Barridah Festival is one of 

the most popular date festivals that take 

place in the city of dates and its neighboring 

Sabbakh farms. Date markets in Unaizah, 

Badaya and Bukayriyah also host these date 

festivals with various events and activities. 

56

Summer Festivals 

held during the summer vacation and lasting 

for almost a month. Various activities and 

events take place in these festivals, such as 

entertainment, cultural and sporting events that 

are suitable for all family members. The festival 

spirit is everywhere during this time, whether in 

museums, traditional markets, parks, theaters 

and other sites. The most famous festivals 

hosted in Qassim are the Buraidah entertaining 

Festival, Unaizah Tourism Festival and Al- 

Mithnib Summer Festival. 

Qassim’s Heritage 

Festivals 

are organized in various places during different 

periods, and they are a wonderful opportunity 

for all visitors and tourists to get a glimpse of 

Qassim’s heritage.The most prominent festivals 

include Khelija and Traditional Products Festival 

in Buraidah, held usually in December or January 

every year; Entajee Festival in Unaizah, held 

usually in April; Al-Musawkaf Traditional Festival 

in Unaizah, held usually during spring break; Eid 

Al-Khabra Festival, held usually during Eid Fitr 

break; Reef Al-Awshaziyah Festival, held usually 

during Adh’ha Eid break; and Russ Heritage 

Festival, held usually in spring break. 

other festivals 

in Qassim in addition to the previously mentioned 

festivals which satisfy the diverse needs of both 

residents and visitors of Qassim including the 

shopping festivals of Buraydah and Unaizah, 

Food and Environment Exhibition in Buraidah and 

Ramadan Amanah Nights. 

The people of Qassim are also known for other 

handicrafts, such as making their unique colorful 

traditional doors. These doors are made of 

tamarisk wood and are decorated with multiplecolored 

drawings and inscriptions. You can 

observe the making of these crafts and watch 

closely how artisans perfect them in major 

traditional markets in Qassim, such as: 

- Crafts and Handicrafts Center in Buraydah: 

located in the center of the city of Buraydah and 

distinguished by its unique architectural heritage. 

It includes a number of shops of artisans as well 

as “Hirfah,” the craft market of women. 

- Al-Msowkif Traditional Souq in Unaizah: it 

reflects the traditional architectural style of the 

old market and holds several heritage events and 

activities annually. 

- Majlis Souq in Mithnab: it is located in the 

heritage village of Mithnab and hosts several 

annual events, such as the summer festival, the 

monthly auction held every last Wednesday of 

each month, and also the weekly auction. 

Industries and 

Handicrafts of Qassim 

Qassim is blessed with a unique collection 

of handicrafts that still exist despite all the 

modern occupations and current technology. 

The most important crafts in Qassim are shoe 

and leather products mending, copper pot 

industry, carpentry, wicking ropes, textile, 

construction using mud, and wicker products. 

Such artisans also produce the traditional 

stock of horses and camels. 

Spring Festivalis 

usually held during the mid-year vacation in a 

number of different wild parks in Qassim. The 

most prominent of these festivals are the Spring 

Festival of Buraydah, Ghadha Festival in Unaizah 

and Wild Mane’iyah Festival. 

57

Al Qassim 

Qassim is blessed with towering palm trees 

that produce the finest kind of dates which 

are impossible to find anywhere else. 

Fortunately for the visitor to Qassim, these 

special dates are available in Qassim’s date 

markets. 

Qassim’s Date Farms 

Breathtaking sceneries fill the rural area 

of Qassim, where beautiful farms and 

magnificent gardens are everywhere. An 

example of these beautiful farms are Sabbakh 

farms; South Buraydah, Falayeh Unaizah, 

Zunaidi farm in Unaizah, which contains the 

rural lodges project; the famous Sheikh Saleh 

Al-Rajhi farm, which exceeded all records 

and earned a place in the Guinness Book of 

Records as the largest palm tree plantation in 

the world, along with Malfa resort in Unaizah, 

which encompasses a marvelous hotel 

project right in the middle of the farm. 

58

Urban Heritage in Qassim 

The people of Qassim are known for their 

continuous initiatives to protect and look 

after their urban heritage. This has led to a 

distinctive urban heritage site and a number of 

annual events that attract visitors and tourists. 

Prominent urban heritage in Qassim includes: 

• Heritage Village of Mithnab: the winner of 

two awards in preserving urban heritage, which 

contains more than 384 beautiful houses built 

of pure mud. It also sponsors one of the Mithnab 

summer festival activities along with several 

events and traditional auctions throughout the 

year. 

• Khabra Heritage Village: the winner of the 

Prince Sultan bin Salman award in preserving 

urban heritage. This ancient village was built 

200 years ago. It features the activities of Eid 

al-Fitr festival each year. 

• Al-Bassam Heritage House in Onaizah: 

distinguished by a unique architectural style that 

represents a model for traditional architecture 

of Najd. It dates back to the year 1374 AH (1955 

A.D.), and has an area of 3,500 square meters. 

• Oyoon Al-Jawa Heritage Village: it is located 

in Oyoon Al-Jawa governorate, northwest of 

Qassim Province. It holds a historical significance 

as it was settled by ancient Arab tribes. The 

village represents a model for the traditional 

architecture of Qassim. It has an area of 6,000 

square meters. 

• Rajhi and Suwailem Maqsurahs in Bukayriyah: 

Two ancient palaces that are among the first 

buildings constructed in Bukayriyah and yet still 

standing for more than two centuries now. 

• Mashqooq Palace: located in Qusaiba, northern 

Qassim province, it dates back to the year 1250 

AH (1834), and is owned by the Al-Radhi family. 

• There are a number of other urban heritage 

sites that readily welcome tourists and visitors 

anytime. These sites have been restored 

or newly built to reflect a distinctive urban 

heritage pattern (such as Dubaikhi heritage 

palace in Buraydah, Al-Hamdan Heritage House 

in Onaizah, Al-Msawkaf Traditional Market in 

Unaziah and Jad’iyah Heritage Castle in Rass). 

59

Al Qassim 

Archaeological sites in 

Qassim 

Qassim encompasses many significant 

archaeological landmarks, such as the following: 

• Marid Palace in Asyah: Experts estimated that 

it is historically dated back to the era of the 

Abbasid state. 

• Hasat Antarah (Naslah): Believed to be place 

where Antarah bin Shaddad, the pre-Islamic 

Arabian hero and poet, used to meet with his 

lover, Ablah. Several interesting animal and 

human drawings with different inscriptions 

appear on this rock. 

• Shinanah Historical Tower in Rass: It is located in 

the old town of Shinanah near Rass, and it dates 

back to the year 1233 AH (1818). It is almost the 

tallest mud building in Najd, up to 24 meters high. 

It was used for surveillance and reconnaissance, 

especially in wars. 

• Dhariyah inscriptions and antiques: It is believed 

to date back to the Abbasid State. 

• Ibrahim Pasha Tunnel in Rass: This is the perfect 

narrator for the story of the resistance of the 

people of Rass to the invasion of the Turkish army. 

• Antariyat Castle in Qusaiba: Stone installations 

and forts located on the top of the Qusaibaa 

Mountains. 

Museums of Qassim 

The museums of Qassim encompass a large 

collection of archaeological pieces that were 

passed down from one generation to another. 

They provide the visitor with a historical picture 

of the ancient lifestyle of the people of Qassim. 

Some of the most important museums are: 

- Buraydah Museum: It encompasses numerous 

heritage collections and includes historic, 

scientific and cultural halls. A must see in this 

museum is the pavilion that includes a collection 

for the late King Abdul-Aziz belongings, such as 

his personal car. Don’t forget to visit the Oqailat 

Pavilion, which tells the historic story of the men 

of Oqailat in Qassim. 

- Al-Hamdan Heritage House in Unaizah: It 

takes you through history to discover the daily 

life necessities for the ancient people of the area 

60

- Dubakhi Heritage Palace in Buraydah: 

A private museum, owned by Ali Al-Dubaikhi, 

who established the museum in his family’s 

old residence. The museum displays different 

cultural and heritage collections and it is 

distinguished by its cultural documentaries. 

- Husayani Heritage Museum in Mithnab: 

It includes a number of distinctive heritage 

collections. Enjoy a ride and tour around its 

very special section for classic cars. This unique 

museum has received the Award of Excellence 

as the best tourism tribute to a private museum 

in the Kingdom. 

- Dar Al-Ajdad Museum in Rass: It features a 

wide selection of heritage antiques and artifacts. 

- Ebri Museum for Heritage and Classical Cars: 

it displays a number of heritage collections and 

features a range of distinctive classical cars. 

The province includes various numbers of other 

outstanding museums, such as: Nuaim Museum 

in Unaizah, Yahya museum in Buraydah, Al-Salhi 

museum in Unaizah and the Historical Museum of 

Rass. 

Desert and Natural 

Parks of Qassim 

The vast areas of sand dunes in the Qassim 

Province are perfect for a number of desert 

sports and entertaining activities. These 

areas include the Mithnab Oases; the 

National Park of Tarafiyah east of Buraidah; 

Ghadha desert Park, at the south of Unaizah; 

the western part of Asyah; Qutun Mountain 

near Oqlat Asuqoor; Salasel Park; Nufud 

Man’iyah in Mithnab; Qashea Park in Rass 

and Abanat mountains on the old pilgrimage 

route. These sites, along with other sites in 

Qassim, are perfect destinations for you to 

participate in a number of different desert 

sports, such as sand boarding, hiking and 

other challenging and adventurous sports in 

winter and spring. 

61

Northen Borders 

A trip to the Northern Borders is a journey 

back into history. Explore the home of 

hawks and the national history of falconry 

and hunting with birds of prey. Visit 

archaeological and historical landmarks, 

and enjoy and experience the beauty of the 

natural parks and the attractive suburbs that 

occupy 7 percent of the Kingdom along 900 

kilometers, reaching the borders with Iraq 

and Jordan. 

Tourism Sites and Parks 

The Northern Borders is a distinguished province 

for its stunning nature in spring. Defined 

by terrains and desert lands, the scenery 

transforms into a wide area of greenery after a 

fine round of rain. It›s scented with the bouquet 

of growing aromatic plants such as lavender and 

many others. 

This is a place that is truly special and unique 

from other reserves in the Kingdom. Here, you 

can also test your skills in a variety of desert 

sports and have a camping experience in the 

golden sand dunes. You›re guaranteed to reach 

outside of your daily routine and experience a lot 

more in such a distinctive environment 

The Northern Border is a highly convenient 

site for falconry. All falconers gather in certain 

spots to have hunting journeys, specifically in a 

time they call «Shabk-El-Toyoor.» The site also 

attracts other kinds of birds, such as the Qatra 

and Qumri, which are also targeted hunters. 

The strategic location of the province has made 

it the perfect station for travelers who don’t 

want their rest to be boring, so many tourists 

choose this area as a place for an enjoyable 

yet interesting break. The area overlooks 

the international road that links the rest of 

the Kingdom and Gulf States to neighboring 

countries including Jordan, Syria, and Iraq. 

Travelers have a variety of other natural parks to 

rest in and enjoy as well. The parks are primarily 

prepared to welcome travelers, visitors, tourists 

and local residents, and the services are 

available on the international road and within 

the city. They can visit Prince Abdulluh Bin 

Abdul Aziz bin Musaed Recreational Park, and 

others implemented by the municipalities, such 

as the National Park, Nakheel Avenue in Arar, 

and the Olive Garden in Rafha. 

62

Historical and 

Archaeological Sites and 

Museums 

The Northern Borders Province has many 

archaeological and historical sites distributed 

over a large area of its territory. You can explore 

some pre-Islamic history in its archaeological 

sites in Arar including Budainah, Badnah Valley 

and Shadhi Valley, among other historical sites 

in the Amarah Palace, which was built during the 

rule of King Saud. 

Museums in Arar are home to antiques that tell 

the story of the region through the ages and 

present its diverse heritage. 

In Rafha on the ancient Abbasi pilgrimage 

route (known as Darb Zubaydah) there are many 

stations on the route along with the remains of 

the villages Zabala and Leenah. Leenah village 

was built in 1355 AH next to the historical market 

and is considered the home of the historical 

places in Amarah. Rafha also includes private 

museums displaying the varied heritage of the 

region. 

In Turaif, visitors will find the wall bases of 

Doukarah Palace, which date back to the pre- 

Islamic era and are considered the most famous 

antiquities.The Saudi Commission for Tourism 

& Antiquities and its partners are working on 

developing these monuments as well as tourism 

sites and destinations, to meet the desires and 

needs of visitors, and to be a valuable economic 

component for tourism. 

Handicrafts and 

Traditional Industries 

There are many traditional handicrafts and 

industries, most notably: grazing tools, 

the Sadu industry, Sadu house tools, and 

livestock products, such as diary, ghee and 

Iqt (a traditional dish made with dried butter 

milk). 

63

USEFUL 

TIPS FOR 

TOURISTS 

Electrical current 

outlets 

The electrical current outlets in Saudi Arabia 

are 110 and 220 volt. There are different 

types of AC power plugs and sockets used 

in Saudi Arabia. We recommend using an AC 

adaptor and a voltage converter/regulator 

to protect your devices and appliances from 

voltage variation. 

Calendar 

Gregorian and Hijri calendars are 

simultaneously widely used in business and 

public. The Hijri calendar starts on the day 

that the Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon 

him, migrated from Makkah to Madinah and it 

is the official calendar in Saudi Arabia. 

The Hijri year has 354 days divided into 12 

lunar months. 

Time zone 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is located within one 

time zone, which is + 3 GMT. 

Transportation 

The Kingdom has four international airports, 

which are: King Khaled Airport in Riyadh, 

King Abdel Aziz Airport in Jeddah, King 

Fahd Airport in Damam, King Muhammed Ibn 

Abdel Aziz Airport in Madinah, and 22 other 

local airports. 

The only railroad in the Kingdom (480km) 

connects Riyadh to Damam. 

The Kingdom is linked by modern highways 

and road networks, making it easy to get 

from one place to another. Companies such 

as Saudi Public Transport Company (www. 

saptco.com) provide excellent public bus 

service, and several taxi companies operate 

in major cities, especially at airports and 

shopping malls. Taxi fares are based on the 

distance driven and should be agreed upon 

prior to services. 

Many international car rental companies 

provide services at airports and hotels. 

Car rental procedures can be initiated and 

completed abroad. A male visitor holding a 

valid driving license from another country, or 

an international driving license, may rent and 

drive a car in the kingdom. The Kingdom uses 

the left driving system in which the driver’s 

seat is on the left side of the vehicle 

64

Traditional Costumes 

Official Holidays and 

Weekends 

Advance knowledge of official holidays in 

the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provides an 

opportunity for better planning for a wonderful 

holiday. The official weekend for the public 

sector and some private sectors is on Friday 

and Saturday. 

- Eid al-Fitr: Eid al-Fitr comes at the end of the 

holy month of Ramadan (the first of Shawal). 

The holiday extends for 10 days for the public 

sector while the private sector ranges from 3 

to 7 days. 

- Eid al-Adha: Eid al-Adha comes at the tenth 

of Dhu al-Hijjah. The official holiday lasts for 

10 days while ranging from 3 to 7 days for the 

private sectors. 

- Saudi National Day: The day of the unification 

of the Kingdom, on September 23. It is a oneday 

holiday for both public and private sectors. 

- The annual vacation for schools: During the 

months of July, August and September. 

- Working hours for the public sectors: From 

7:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. 

- Working hours for some of the private sectors: 

From 8:30 a.m. till 4 p.m. 

- Commercial markets work on two shifts, the 

first starts at 10 a.m. till 12 p.m. (noon) and 

from 4 p.m. till 11 p.m. 

Measures and Weights 

The metric system and kilogram are used for 

measurement in Saudi Arabia. 

The formal male uniform consists of head cover 

called Shamagh topped by a headband called 

Eqal; the dress wear is called Thobe and it comes 

in different kinds and colors. Men usually wear 

either sandals or shoes. In formal occasions, 

men wear a Besht (cloak). On the other hand, 

women’s clothing differs from men›s in that there 

is no certain dress code throughout the Kingdom. 

Females shall fully cover their bodies by wearing 

an Abayah (cloak) which reflects the identity of 

Saudi women. 

Currency 

Health Care 

Public and private hospitals along with 

The official currency in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi 

different health centers can be easily found 

Riyal, which is gold-plated, convertible and 

in every corner of the Kingdom, and offer the 

divided into 100 Halalas. The denominations of 

best curative, preventive and rehabilitation 

the Saudi Riyal are Banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 100, 

services. They are staffed with highly 

200 and 500 and Coins, 5, 10, 25 and 50. It has 

experienced physicians and specialists. 

fixed value at SR 3.75 = US $ 1. 

Commonly used medicines and drugs are all 

For further information and exchange rate, please 

available. 

visit the official website of the Saudi Arabian 

Visiting the Kingdom does not require 

Monetary Agency at www.sama.gov.sa 

compulsory vaccination or inoculation, but 

In all the commercial centers of the Kingdom, 

it may be preferable for visitors, especially 

credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and 

those coming for the purpose of Hajj or Umra, 

American Express are accepted; besides 

to get the vaccinations announced by the 

Automatic Teller Machines that are available 

Saudi Ministry of Health. 

everywhere in the cities of the Kingdom. 

There are also many medical insurance 

companies providing medical coverage for 

individuals and businesses inside and outside 

the Kingdom. 

65

USEFUL 

TIPS FOR 

TOURISTS 

Photography in Public 

Areas 

Photography in public areas is permitted under 

the Public Areas and Tourism Sites Photography 

System. The System allows photography 

everywhere except where a «Photography 

Prohibited» sign is displayed. 

Customs 

There are many materials that are prohibited 

in the Kingdom for religious purposes or 

local systems. Such prohibited materials are: 

alcoholic drinks, pork products, illegal drugs, 

narcotics, firearms, explosives, sharp weapons 

and pornographic materials. All personal 

belongings, such as luggage, bags and others, 

are subject to inspections at airports and 

ports for those visitors coming from abroad. 

Magazines, newspapers, books, videos and CDs 

are also subject to examination, and they will 

be confiscated if they contain any offensive or 

pornographic information. Men and women must 

be separated in swimming pools and sports 

clubs. 

Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings, 

including airports, governmental organizations, 

and in some restaurants. 

Communication 

The Saudi communication network covers almost 

all populated areas in the Kingdom allowing 

you to enjoy internet, long distance calls, fax, 

mobile, telex and telegraph. High speed internet 

is available by mobile phone service providers. 

There is also a unified number for directory 

inquiries, which can be accessed by dialing 905 

to request any number within the Kingdom. 

66

The country code 

(+966). 

Main cities codes: 

Riyadh (011). 

Makkah, Jeddah, Taif (012) 

Bqaiq, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Hofuf, 

Jubail, Hassa, Ras Tanura (013) 

Madinah, Tabuk, Yanbou, Jouf, Northern 

Borders (014) 

Qassim, Hail (016) 

Aseer, Najran, Jazan (017) 

There are three mobile network operators 

(saudi telecom, mobily, zain). 

Find all the places you 

want 

If you want to search through the Internet from 

any location within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 

whether it is a hotel, resort, hospital, museum or 

restaurant, and all what is important to you as a 

tourist. You can find out on these places through 

communication via the website of Saudi Tourism 

www.sauditourism.sa 

also you can visit: 

www.saudievents.sa 

Or you can download the applications for tablets 

and smartphones (Saudi Finder) from the 

Internet. 

خارج اململكة هو 

فهي كالتايل:‏ 

ف )012(. 

ران،‏ الهفوف،‏ اجلبيل،‏ 

.)01 

ع،‏ اجلوف،‏ واحلدود 

.)0 

ت لالتصاالت اخللوية 

بايلي،‏ زين(.‏ 

You can contact also 

Tourism Call Center 

From Saudi Arabia: 19988 

67

Saudi Tourism

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