The desert of Hasma, with its red sand and mountains on the northwest side of the Tabuk region, boasts a natural beauty as well as deep historical and geological dimensions.
Hasma was a station on the ancient trade route to and from the Arabian Peninsula, with convoys and riders passing through it during successive civilizations. Its past explains the diversity and abundance of archaeological inscriptions that can be found on the rocks of its tall and dramatic mountains.
Hasma contains many writings and inscriptions, which indicate the importance of this area’s legacy for researchers in history and the development of the Arabic language.
The site was the first area where some Arabic inscriptions were discovered. These Arabic inscriptions were later known as the Hasma’i dialect, which is an Arabic dialect similar to the Nabataean dialect and is the first Arabic form of writing in which the letters are linked together as the Kufic script. The Hasma’i letter is similar to the Safaitic letter, but it has a different location and history.
These ancient pieces of evidence bear a legacy that reflect an aspect of the history of the Arabian Peninsula and its timeless language.
ThePlace: KSA’s Hasma desert holds clues to ancient trade route, development of Arabic language
https://arab.news/rhzhw
ThePlace: KSA’s Hasma desert holds clues to ancient trade route, development of Arabic language
- The site was the first area where some Arabic inscriptions were discovered
Makkah’s urban shift enhances the city’s quality of life
- By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future
MAKKAH: Islam’s holiest city is currently witnessing a qualitative urban shift, one that seamlessly blends its profound spiritual sanctity with a modern, vibrant lifestyle. By integrating cultural, educational, and entertainment initiatives, Makkah is redefining the visitor experience and significantly enhancing the quality of life for its residents, directly supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The city’s transformation was recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. The event attracted approximately 400,000 visitors — over 60% of whom were locals — demonstrating a strong domestic demand for high-quality public spaces.
The season revitalized community interaction, driving a 35% increase in visits to recreational sites and creating more than 1,200 temporary jobs for the local workforce.
Central to this urban renaissance is the Hira Cultural District. Since opening its doors in January 2023 near the historic Mount Hira, the district has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity.
Far from being a static monument, the district has cultivated a thriving creative economy. Its craftsmanship program, which features over 100 artisans, has generated up to SAR 3 million in sales and attracted 130,000 visitors to live workshops. These interactive spaces allow visitors to engage directly with the region’s heritage, moving beyond passive observation to active participation.
A living legacy
The shift extends to Makkah’s broader ecosystem of museums and cultural sites, which are now positioned as key pillars of cultural tourism. Facilities like the Revelation Exhibition use cutting-edge technology and multilingual content to narrate the story of the Holy Quran’s revelation, offering an immersive experience that complements the spiritual journey of pilgrims.
These efforts align with the “Makkah: A Living Legacy” campaign, which seeks to document the city’s historical narrative and preserve its collective memory. Recent months have seen a surge in educational workshops for university students and tour guides, ensuring that the human element of Makkah’s history is conveyed with accuracy and depth.
Economic and social impact
The results of this integrated approach are tangible. Specialized museums and restored historic sites now attract up to 1.6 million annual visitors. Crucially, this cultural enrichment is encouraging pilgrims to linger longer, increasing the average duration of stay by 18%.
By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes both the soul and the community.
