Glimpses of Saudi history: Past times in the northern region have left footprints on the landscape

Often overlooked by tourists, Saudi Arabia’s northern region is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes and a past waiting to be explored. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 14 January 2025
Follow

Glimpses of Saudi history: Past times in the northern region have left footprints on the landscape

  • On the northeast side of Sakaka is the Camel Site where one can see carved images of animals — mostly camels — said to be about 7,000-7,200 years old

RIYADH: When one thinks of Saudi Arabia, the first things that spring to mind might be the bustling metropolises of Riyadh and Jeddah, or sacred Islamic sites like the Holy Kaaba in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

But by venturing further, one can uncover a land rich with history and mystery, particularly in the country’s northern expanses. Often overlooked by tourists, the region is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes and a past waiting to be explored.




Hail city is located in the northern of Najed and is famous for its monuments, especially in cities such as Jubbah and As Shwimes. (Supplied)

Among them is the Hail province, located in the north of Najd and famous for its monuments, especially in Jubbah and Shuwaymis.

Hussain Al-Khalifah, a Saudi archeologist with more than 30 years of experience, spoke to Arab News about some of the area’s hidden gems.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Al-Shuwaihatiya, 45 km from Sakaka, is one of the oldest archeological sites in the world and considered the oldest human settlement site in the Arabian Peninsula and Asia.

• On the northeast side of Sakaka is the Camel Site where one can see carved images of animals — mostly camels — said to be about 7,000-7,200 years old.

“There are mountains called Al-Raat and Al-Manjor. These two sites contain the oldest rock art ever immortalized on rocks … wonderful images of animals and lions (carved),” he said.




AlShuwaihatiyah is unique in the world with its Oldowan tools, which are stone tools used by humans millions of years ago. (Supplied)

“These two mountains are registered by UNESCO as a rock art site. It is somehow a form of continuous rock art, starting from Shuwaymis moving to Jubbah and ending at Al-Tawil mountain in Jouf.”

Al-Khalifah explained this art form spread to two other cities through migration thousands of years ago. In ancient times, he suggested, people migrated from Hail to Dumat Al-Jandal and Tayma.




AlShuwaihatiyah is the second oldest archaeological site in the world and is the oldest human settlement site in the Arabian Peninsula and Asia. (Supplied)

Another area near Hail worth discovering is Fayd. This city is at the center of the Hajj road known by locals as Darb Zubaidah, along which people used to travel from Kufa in Iraq to Madinah.

“Fayd is considered one of the important points in the area. It is one of the prettiest destinations, known for its rich Islamic history,” Al-Khalifah said. “It is worth it for me to get in my car and take a trip from Riyadh to explore this place.”




Hail city is located in the northern of Najed and is famous for its monuments, especially in cities such as Jubbah and As Shwimes. (Supplied)

Jouf Province is also ripe for exploration, with Al-Shuwaihatiya, 45 km from Sakaka, among the recommended areas for visitors.

It is one of the oldest archeological sites in the world and considered the oldest human settlement site in the Arabian Peninsula and Asia. According to Al-Khalifah, its history dates back 1.3 million years.

This city is unique, he said, with its Oldowan tools — stone tools used by humans millions of years ago. He recommends making the most of the experience by visiting with an expert who knows the area’s history.

On the northeast side of Sakaka is the Camel Site where one can see carved images of animals — mostly camels — said to be about 7,000-7,200 years old.

“This spot is one of my discoveries, but to visit this location it requires a permit from the Heritage Commission because it is being monitored by environmental security,” explained Al-Khalifah.

Whether you are an adventurer, history buff or cultural enthusiastic, Saudi Arabia’s northern region is the place to go to go.

 


Riyadh Municipality to host cultural tent event

Riyadh Municipality will host a cultural tent event with family-friendly activities on Tuesday and Wednesday in Tahlia Oasis.
Updated 59 min 3 sec ago
Follow

Riyadh Municipality to host cultural tent event

  • Cultural tent celebrates the diversity of the cultural and artistic scene in the Kingdom, allowing visitors to interact with literature, arts and heritage

RIYADH: Riyadh Municipality will host a cultural tent event with family-friendly activities on Tuesday and Wednesday in Tahlia Oasis, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event will include activities for families, including a children’s face-painting corner, and attendees will be able to join PlayStation League competitions that offer challenges suitable for different age groups.

Live cooking shows will allow visitors to learn about the diversity of Saudi cuisine, and local entrepreneurs will be given the opportunity to display their products in local stores.

Additionally, the cultural tent will exhibit books, pictures and manuscripts about Riyadh’s heritage.

The cultural tent celebrates the diversity of the cultural and artistic scene in the Kingdom, allowing visitors to interact with literature, arts and heritage.

The event is part of efforts by Riyadh Municipality to improve quality of life for residents in the Saudi capital, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Everyone is welcome to attend the events, which run from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.


Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli strikes on Gaza

Palestinians react at the site of an Israeli strike on a residential building in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip March 18, 25
Updated 18 March 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli strikes on Gaza

  • Kingdom stressed the importance of an immediate halt to Israeli killing, violence, and destruction, and the protection of Palestinian civilians

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Tuesday condemned and denounced renewed violence in Gaza after Israel unleashed its most intense strikes overnight since a ceasefire was established two months ago.

The health ministry in Gaza said more than 400 people were killed after the strikes that took place during the fasting month of Ramadan.

The Kingdom stressed the importance of an immediate halt to Israeli killing, violence, and destruction, and the protection of Palestinian civilians.

Saudi Arabia also said it was important that the international community fulfilled its responsibilities by intervening immediately to put an end to Israeli crimes and stop the severe humanitarian suffering endured by the Palestinian people.

Gaza’s health ministry said the bodies of 413 people had been received by the territory’s hospitals, adding “a number of victims are still under the rubble.”


Saudi cabinet urges immediate international action to end Gaza humanitarian crisis

Updated 18 March 2025
Follow

Saudi cabinet urges immediate international action to end Gaza humanitarian crisis

  • This cabinet also strong condemned the resumption of Israeli occupation forces' attacks on the Gaza

The Saudi Council of Ministers on Tuesday, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasized the urgent need for the international community to take immediate action to halt these atrocities and put an end to the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people.

This came following the strong condemnation of the resumption of Israeli occupation forces' attacks on the Gaza Strip.

The cabinet continued to follow up on developments in the Arab, regional, and international arenas, reiterating the Kingdom’s firm positions on these matters and affirming its ongoing support for efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in the region and globally.

During the session, the crown prince briefed the cabinet on the contents of two phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.


Saudi-Chinese team discovers ancient treasures at Al-Sirrain

Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has completed the third season of the archaeological excavation at the Al-Sirrain site.
Updated 18 March 2025
Follow

Saudi-Chinese team discovers ancient treasures at Al-Sirrain

  • Excavation uncovers artifacts, city layout from historic port city on Maritime Silk Road

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has completed the third season of the archaeological excavation at the Al-Sirrain site in Al-Lith governorate, Makkah region.

The project was carried out in collaboration with China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration as part of a bilateral agreement to exchange expertise in archaeological excavation, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

It coincides with the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025, which features joint cultural initiatives. The goal is to strengthen cultural exchange and highlight historical ties between the two civilizations through the Silk Road.

The collaboration reflects Saudi Arabia and China’s commitment to supporting historical research and documenting shared heritage, the SPA reported.

The excavation aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the site by studying residential areas, city planning and connections to other urban centers. It also sought to document structural features, including parts of the city wall, towers and gates.

Researchers uncovered various artifacts, including pottery, stone vessels, decorative items, a gold dinar from the mid-second Hijri century and Chinese porcelain. Gravestones with unique carvings were also found.

The survey identified key architectural features, including wall foundations and gravestones, highlighting the site’s significance along the Maritime Silk Road.

The port city thrived until the late third Hijri century, reaching its peak in the fifth and sixth Hijri centuries. It remains one of the largest archaeological sites on the Red Sea coast, according to the SPA.

The Heritage Commission is committed to preserving antiquities and advancing archaeological research across the Kingdom, the SPA added.

It also aims to expand cooperation with local and international partners in line with Vision 2030, promoting culture and ensuring the sustainability of heritage for future generations.


Inauguration held for Riyadh center for homeless women

Updated 18 March 2025
Follow

Inauguration held for Riyadh center for homeless women

RIYADH: An inauguration ceremony was held for a center in Riyadh that will provide support for homeless women to reintegrate into society, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The center will offer a range of medical, psychological and rehabilitation services, and will be run by the National Society for Community Services (Ajwad).

It is being developed in partnership with the Sulaiman Al-Rajhi Charitable Foundation.

Speaking at the ceremony, Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Ajlan, vice chairman of the board of directors of Ajwad, emphasized the association’s commitment to providing integrated care for the Kingdom’s neediest groups.

He also praised the support provided by the organization’s strategic partners.

Ajwad was founded in 2017 with its board of directors headed by Saudi Arabia’s minister of health.

The association’s main focus is to provide services to the homeless and mentally ill in the Kingdom.