Saudi Arabia famous for its breathtaking landscapes and skyscrapers, is also home to a hidden treasure trove of enriching cultural and historical landmarks that UNESCO has included in its World Heritage Sites. Besides skyscrapers, beautiful beaches, and rugged mountains, the Kingdom has various historical sites unfolding stories of historical civilizations, Islamic art, and customs.

Saudi Arabia UNESCO World Heritage Sites date back thousands of years. There are numerous marvels present at different sites across the Kingdom. It's time to find out the enriching historical sites. This blog unveils the beauty of Saudi Arabia's UNESCO World Heritage sites so that you can add them to your travel itinerary if you plan to visit Saudi Arabia in the near future.

Vibrant Jeddah - The Gateway to Makkah and Madinah

Pack your bags and explore historical Jeddah, a city that rests along the Red Sea. The city was included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2014. The bustling city served as the main trade route along the Indian Ocean. The trade route was also responsible for transporting goods to Makkah.

The old Jeddah Wall is the most distinctive landmark listed on the UNESCO site. With well-preserved homes and historical sites that date back approximately 1,400 years, Jeddah has now grown into a multicultural city. Visit old Jeddah mosques such as Al-Shafe'i Mosque and the Al-Basha Mosque, explore bustling markets, and enjoy delicious cuisines before exploring historical houses, Bait Nassif and Bait Nour Wali.

Jeddah is also called the 'Gate Way to Makkah' as an entry to Makkah through Jeddah; as Makkah does not have its own airport, most of the pilgrims travelling to Makkah for pilgrimages choose to arrive at Jeddah airport - the nearest airport to Makkah.

At-Turaif District - Diriyah

Al-Turaif District in Diriyah is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site that transports visitors to the birthplace of the Saudi Kingdom. Al-Turaif District is home to various mud-brick castles, historical mosques, and old streets stretching back to Saudi Arabia's initial days. The Najdi architectural style unfolds the spirit of Saudi Arabia's rich history. Al-Tauraif was a prominent political and religious hub in the 15th century, which played a crucial role in the rise of the House of Saud and the propagation of Salafiyya reform. Today, the remains of this historic site serve as a testament to its rich past and offer valuable insights into the socio-political dynamics of that era.

The Turaif became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010; visitors can now easily explore the site with a guided tour and gain insight into the old historic way of life once Saudi Arabia host. The ancient Najdi architectural site consists of two-storey houses with a central courtyard.

Rack Art - Hail Region

Mesmerizing historical site for a history buff consisting of millennia-old sculptures and paintings raising curtains from the rich history of the Kingdom's past civilization. The region is home to the largest collection of rock art. The engravings on the rocks display lifestyle throughout the decades, with clear engravings of camels and humans visible, along with ancient handwriting. The rock art in the Hail region is divided into two regions Jabel Umm Sinman at Jubbah and the Jabal Al Manjor and Raat at Shuwaymis. Witness the mesmerizing beauty of these desert vistas displaying petroglyphs and inscriptions. A beautiful lake in the region enhances its beauty by linking the past and providing a glimpse into the ancient times of the Kingdom. Rock art in the Hail region is located 124 km from Riyadh in the southwest direction.

Al-Hijr Archeological Site

The first cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site with 111 tombs having intricate details unfolding the Nabataen's skills in architecture. The ancient site stands as a testament to the Nabataen civilization. The tomb facades are beautifully carved and one of a kind. The site is located at the ancient trade route, highlighting the importance of the city. Before becoming part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the region was known as Hegra. The historical site is located in Madinah Al Hejaz region. Tourists can book a private cab from Al Ula Airport or from Madinah to reach Al-Hijr, Hegra. Al-Hijr, formerly known as Hegra, became the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

Al-Ahsa Oasis - Hofuf

Beautiful springs, a wide network of canals, gardens, historical buildings, wells and a captivating 2.3 million date palms make this region the world's largest oasis. This Saudi Arabia UNESCO World Heritage Site traces back to the Neolithic period. Al Ahsa's historic castles, mosques, wells and canals symbolize that the site is still progressing. Al-Ahsa marked its entry into the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2018.   The region is divided into twelve areas making Al Ahsa the largest oasis in the world.

Hima Cultural Area

Nestled in the heart of Saudi Arabia, the Hima Cultural Area is the name of a wonderful land. Hima Cultural Area is home to various Middle Eastern attractions that attract history buffs to explore the area. This UNESCO World Heritage Site awaits to be explored with its huge collection of rock art, the engravings which unfold the lives of our forefathers from 7,000 years ago. As you walk through these historical sites, you will be transported through time. Najran's rocky landscapes, sculptures, hunting tactics and inscriptions in languages such as Musnad, South Arabian, Thamudic, Greek, and Arabic are treasure troves of historical significance, providing a peek into the centuries-old centuries-old history.

Final Thoughts

Book your flight and get a glimpse of Saudi Arabia's rich historical sites and heritage. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia serve as a crucial warehouse of the Kingdom's rich ancient culture and centuries-long history. These sites present an opportunity to explore and understand the region's storied past, offering a unique perspective on the customs, traditions, and way of life of the people who once inhabited this land. Embarking on this journey offers one a golden opportunity to witness the golden past of the Kingdom.  As travellers seek to immerse themselves in this rich heritage, Umrah Packages 2024 offers a unique opportunity to not only experience the kingdom's cultural gems but also embark on a spiritual journey to the holy sites.