ThePlace: Zaabal Castle, Nabatean era fortress in Sakaka, northwest Saudi Arabia

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Photo/Saudi Press Agency
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Photo/Saudi Press Agency
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Updated 29 August 2022
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ThePlace: Zaabal Castle, Nabatean era fortress in Sakaka, northwest Saudi Arabia

  • The current building dates back about 200 years and is surrounded by a wall of stone and mud

The Jouf region is distinguished by its castles and forts that reflect various historical periods.

Zaabal Castle is on top of a mountain to the north of Sakaka city in a distinctive location, rising out of the rocks as if it were a natural extension of them.

It dates back to the Nabatean era extending from the 1st century B.C. to the 1st century A.D. The current building dates back about 200 years and is surrounded by a wall of stone and mud. It has four conical towers that are several meters high and there are two rooms inside the castle.

The castle was one of the strongest forts of its time and was used to protect the people of Sakaka during wars and aggressions. It is used to secure the commercial road that passes through the region and links Iraq and Syria.

In the castle yard, there is a carved basin to preserve water. The area surrounding the castle is being developed through restoration and building works compatible with the urban and archeological identity of the castle to increase its appeal to tourists and visitors as it is considered an important historical and touristic landmark.

 


King Abdulaziz Camel Festival draws 3,000 foreign visitors

The event, which runs until Jan. 3, is a key feature of the country's cultural tourism offering. (SPA)
Updated 27 December 2025
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King Abdulaziz Camel Festival draws 3,000 foreign visitors

  • Through interactive exhibits and educational presentations, people can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural value camels hold in the Kingdom

RIYADH: The 10th King Abdulaziz Camel Festival is drawing record numbers of international tourists, solidifying its reputation as a premier cultural and heritage event in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event, which runs until Jan. 3, is a key feature of the country's cultural tourism offering. According to its organizers, more than 3,000 people from over 50 countries have already visited.

The festival combines a rich array of cultural and entertainment programs that introduce visitors to the world of camels, from their various breeds to their significance in Saudi heritage.

Through interactive exhibits and educational presentations, people can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural value camels hold in the Kingdom.

Many visitors have expressed admiration for the quality of the festival’s organization and the hospitality they received, with some describing it as a “living museum,” the report said.