6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia That Will Blow Your Mind
Saudi Arabia is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders of the world. UNESCO has officially recognised six of these sites as World Heritage Sites. These sites underscore Saudi’s cultural importance to the world.
Here are the six UNESCO World Heritage Sites that should be on your itinerary for Saudi.
1. Hima Cultural Area
One of the largest rock art complexes in the world, Hima is found in the southwest mountainous region of Saudi Arabia. Situated along an ancient trade route, Hima comprises 34 archaeological sites that feature inscriptions in a range of languages such as Arabic, Greek, Thamudic, and Musnad carved into the rock face. Get an insight into the diverse cultures and people who have lived in this region throughout history by exploring the carvings, which depict hunting, fauna, and fauna.
2. Hegra, AlUla
Sitting deep in the desert of Saudi Arabia's northwestern AlUla region, Hegra is home to the ancient tombs of the lost civilization of the Nabatean tribes, who settled in the area in the 1st century AD. Visit the four surviving burial sites that feature 131 rock-cut tombs and ornamental façades carved into sandstone outcrops. The tombs will take you to another era and are a lovely spot to spend an afternoon on your holiday.
3. Al Turaif, Diriyah
Diriyah is home to Al Turaif, the Al Saud family's original seat, which was founded in the 15th century. Check out the remnants of the mud-brick houses that were designed in the Najdi style architectural style, the history of the area dates back to thousands of years. Witness how an old trading route, pilgrimage route, and meeting point for travellers and merchants from Europe, Asia, and Africa looks today.
4. Al Ahsa Oasis
Al Ahsa is the archetype of a lush desert oasis that has been declared as the largest self-contained oasis in the world by the Guinness World Records! From hot and cold springs to historic mosques and sweeping panoramic vistas, this 6,000-year-old oasis is a microcosm of Saudi Arabia's archaeological and ecological features.
5. Old Town of Jeddah
The heart of Jeddah is the historic old town, Al-Balad, where 500-year-old houses built from coral can be found. Its unique history and architecture have recently started attracting tourists from all over the world. According to the local mythology, Al-Balad may even be the resting place of Eve.
6. Rock Art in the Al Hail Region
The northern Hail region of Saudi Arabia is surrounded by ancient rock art in the middle of the desert. Jabal Umm Sinman in Jubbah boasts rock inscriptions dating back at least 7,000 to 9,000 years to the Pottery Neolithic period! Do check out some of the most prominent Neolithic rock art in the Middle East, various inscriptions and petroglyphs that reveal human activities, clothing, animals, and weapons of the past.
This is just a glimpse of what’s in store for you in Saudi. To explore more such hidden gems, book a trip to Saudi today!
