UNESCO Heritage Sites
Saudi Arabia is crisscrossed by trading routes that date back to the Nabatean civilization, reflecting the history of the region.
Saudi Arabia’s six UNESCO sites tell the story ranging from archaeological treasures to historic cities, and from traditional markets to ancient villages, Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer visitors;
Here's a more in-depth look at each of these UNESCO locations
Al Ahsa Oasis
Al Ahsa Oasis stands as a dazzling haven against the harsh and untamed plains of the Rub' Al Khali (Empty Quarter), it's a combined works of nature and man.
The Cultural Landscape contains the Natural Heritage Components, Such as Al-Hasa Lagoons, the only large freshwater system in the Eastern Province, Judas Cave, also called Jebel Al-Qarra, is located at Hofuf. It is a beautiful mountain rock formation where there is a limestone cave. The rock formation outside the cave is so stunningly beautiful, and it was formed millions of years ago.
Its Cultural Heritage Components: Al-Hasa runs back deep in history.
The economic history of Al-Ahsa’a is associated with agriculture. Al Hasa is the biggest palm plantation in the kingdom.
Date of Inscription:
Category:
Location:
2018
Cultural
Al Hofuf, KSA
At-Turaif District
At-Turaif District is a gateway into the past. The architecture, the alleyways, and the artifacts give you an insight into what the capital of the first Saudi state looked like.
It includes the remains of many palaces and an urban ensemble symbol of the country's rich past; it was built on the edge of the ad-Dir’iyah oasis.
The city of At-Turaif, was constructed in the 1700s using adobe mud and other natural resources.
There are also a number of historical sites in At-Turaif including the Salwa Palace, Saad bin Saud Palace, At Turaif Bath House, and the Imam Mohammad bin Saud Mosque.
Date of Inscription:
Category:
Location:
2010
Cultural
Diriyah, KSA
The Hegra Archaeological Site
(al-Hijr / Madā ͐ in Ṣāliḥ) Located in the area of Al-'Ula within Medina Province of Saudi Arabia.
Hegra has enigmatic, striking architecture. It contains a number of historically significant landmarks.
Also, there are up to 50 pre-Nabataean inscriptions at the location, along with some cave paintings.
The Hegra presents a unique window into Nabataean culture. The site is a beautiful example of Nabataean hydraulic know-how and architectural achievement with its 111 massive tombs, 94 of which are adorned.
Date of Inscription:
Category:
Location:
2008
Cultural
Al-Ula area, KSA
Ḥimā
Ḥimā Cultural Area Located in Najran province, in the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia, Ḥimā is home to a large collection of rock art depictions showing hunting, animals, flora, and lifestyles across a 7,000-year cultural continuity.
According to Jasir Alherbish, the director of the Heritage Commission, the region has exceptional global significance and can teach us a lot about the development of human culture and existence in the past.
Date of Inscription:
Category:
Location:
2021
Cultural
Najran Province, KSA
Historic Jeddah
refers to the “Historical District” in Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah, known as AL Balad, which attracted people from various backgrounds and spheres of society. This region of the world reveals a human legacy whose walls faced many historical challenges with eight gates, each with a storied past. Additionally, it is home to around 10 antique homes that are renowned for their unique architectural features and the names of their ancient families.
Date of Inscription:
Category:
Location:
2014
Cultural
Jeddah, KSA
Rock Art in the Hail Region
Jabel Umm Sinman (Jubbah), and the Jabal al-Manjor and Raat (Shuwaymis) are two components within this property.
First "Jabel Umm Sinman" in Jubbah, which is located 90 kilometers northwest of Ha'il. It is here the ancient Arabs, who are the ancestors of today's Arabs, carved various drawings and sentences into the rocks.
Second Jabal al-Manjor" which is located 250 km south of the city of Ha'il, contains a significant number of rock carvings that have been dated to 10,000 years ago. However, this site is located within a valley where there is still running water, unlike the site at Jubbah where a dried-up lake is now present.
Date of Inscription:
Category:
Location:
2015
Natural
Hail Region, KSA
In Addition to the above six UNESCO sites there are also the following tentative sites:
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Hejaz Railway
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Syrian Hajj Road
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Egyptian Hajj Road
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Rijal Almaa Heritage Village in Assir Region
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Zee Ain Heritage Village in Al-Baha Region
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‘Uruq Bani Mu’arid Protected Area
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Farasan Islands Protected Area
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The Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area
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The Ancient Walled Oases of Northern Arabia
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The Hajj Pilgrimage Routes: The Darb Zubaydah
