Formerly known as Hegra it is the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan. It features well-preserved monumental tombs with decorated facades dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD. The site also features some 50 inscriptions of the pre-Nabataean period and some cave drawings.
Founded in the 15th century, this was the first capital of the Saudi Dynasty. It shows the Najdi architectural style, which is specific to the center of the Arabian peninsula. The property includes the remains of many palaces and an urban ensemble built on the edge of the ad-Dir'iyah oasis.
On the eastern shore of the Red Sea, it was the gateway for Muslim pilgrims to Mecca who arrived by sea and a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes from the 7th century AD.
Two components situated in desert landscapes: Jabel Umm Sinman at Jubbah and the Jabal al-Manjor and Raat at Shuwaymis. The rock art shows numerous representations of human and animal figures covering 10,000 years of history.
With its 2.5 million date palms, Al-Ahsa is the largest oasis in the world. It shows traces of continued human settlement in the Gulf region from the Neolithic to the present, as can be seen from remaining historic fortresses, mosques, wells, canals and other water management systems.
Located in an arid, mountainous area of southwest Saudi Arabia, on one of the Arabian Peninsula's ancient caravan routes, Ḥia ̄ Cultural Area contains a substantial collection of rock art images depicting hunting, fauna, flora and lifestyles in a cultural continuity of 7,000 years.
One of earth's most spectacular desert landscapes.
Last Updated: July 27, 2024