RIYADH: The Northern Border of the Kingdom, covering an area of more than 133,000 square kilometers, is dotted with more than 285 archaeological sites, that are indicative of the region’s rich history.
These are all registered with the National Archaeological Register. There are 61 in Arar, 50 in Rafha, 119 in Al-Turaif, 55 in Al-Uwayqilah, with others in several cities and towns.
Rafha also houses the King Abdulaziz Historical Palace in the small town of Linah, which has the Linah Heritage Village with its popular market and ancient mosques.
King Abdulaziz commissioned the palace in this town soon after the country’s unification, to serve as the headquarters of the region’s emirate, with building taking place from 1354 to 1355 A.H. (1934 to 1935). The restoration of the palace began in June last year, and it is expected to be completed this year.
Al-Turaif has the Dawqara palace, and the Agran Mountain which is home to several archaeological sites.
Arar has the Umm Khansar Heritage Village, and Al-Uwaiqilah houses the Old Market building and mosque in Ad-Duwaid.
The Northern Border region has several traditions, poetry and social practices listed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is also known for its Arabic calligraphers, traditional handicrafts, hunting and the generosity of its residents.
The Northern Border region also had the country’s longest oil pipeline, known as Tapline, extending 1,648 km, which was built to connect the oilfields of eastern Saudi Arabia to the Mediterranean Sea.
