The 6 UNESCO Sites in Saudi
Experience a land where the past comes to life. From the labyrinthine streets of ancient cities, to the intricate rock carvings of early civilizations, the kingdom’s rich history is written large across the landscape.
When you explore the ancient ruins and rock-carven tombs of Nabatean Hegra or walk the narrow winding streets of Al-Turaif, surrounded by beautiful Najd architecture, you are opening a doorway into Saudi’s rich and fascinating history.
Since the days of antiquity, Saudi has occupied a pivotal position at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe.
Today, there are more than 11,000 archaeological sites throughout the Kingdom, telling the story of the civilizations that lived over the years. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is proud to have five UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Al Ahsa Oasis
A desert oasis of shady palm groves and crystal clear springs, Al Ahsa Oasis stands as a dazzling haven against the untamed plains of the Rub› Al Khali (Empty Quarter). For millennia, this region’s fertile land made it a hub for traders and caravans crossing the region’s ancient trade routes, forging links across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond, and providing a stopping place for early pilgrims en route to Makkah. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a nod to the city’s many archaeological landmarks, which show traces of human settlement all the way back to the Neolithic period – Al Ahsa Oasis is rapidly gaining appeal as one of Saudi Arabia’s most captivating tourist destinations.
Al-Hijr Archaeological Site (Hegra)
Positioned in the northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a stunning example of the country’s wonderful heritage. A place of extraordinary human endeavour, visitors to AlUla are immersed in a land of ancient civilizations spanning more than 200,000 years of human history. Centred around its famed oasis and framed by sandstone mountains, AlUla’s geography, geology and climate have enabled successive civilisations to flourish here. Today, AlUla is rich in both human heritage and natural beauty, acting as a home for a wide range of flora, fauna and a living museum of human societies spanning thousands of years.
Historic Jeddah
Jeddah’s unofficial motto is Jeddah ghair, or ‘Jeddah’s different’. No Saudi city has been more open to outside influences over the years than this ancient port, whether traders, international artists or Makkah-bound pilgrims.
Today, Jeddah is Saudi’s buzzing cosmopolitan hub, home to gleaming hotels and big-ticket events like the Red Sea International Film Festival.
Jeddah’s UNESCO-listed old town is one of the Kingdom’s most evocative quarters, with narrow alleyways between ancient merchant’s houses leading to spice-scented souqs and glowing traditional bakeries. Many buildings have been restored in recent years, including the grand Nasseef House where Abdulaziz Ibn Saud stayed in 1925, before becoming king of a unified Saudi Arabia.
Al-Turaif District Diriyah
Diriyah is the birthplace of the Kingdom and a symbol of the beauty, generosity and resilience of the Saudi nation and its people. The source of hundreds of stories, Diriyah is a vibrant destination filled with wonder and discovery for explorers traveling from near and far.
Within Diriyah lies the UNESCO World Heritage Site Al-Turaif. The city of Al-Turaif, built in 1744 and recognized as one of the world’s largest mud-brick cities, has been carefully restored to offer visitors a chance to walk in the footsteps of kings and heroes and explore Saudi history and culture in an authentic environment
Rock art in the Hail region
Nestled between Mount Shammer to the north and Mount Salma to the south, the city of Hail was once the capital of all the Arabian Desert and home to legends like Hatim Al Tai, the Arabian poet whose altruism earned him spots in stories like “One Thousand and One Nights” (also known as “Arabian Nights”).
The city of Hail is also known for hosting international events, including a Desert Festival celebrating the area’s culture and the Hail International Rally, where rally cars, quads and motorcycles race through the Nafud Desert and through Hail, Baqaa, Al Ghazalah and the village of Umm Al Qulban.
Hima Nature Region
The oldest customs station on a historic caravan route in southwest Saudi Arabia now holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Over a hundred distinct cultural sites, adorned with impressive rock engravings, reveal the marks left by ancient travelers and pilgrims who journeyed through the desert long before Islam's emergence. These depictions, including inscriptions and artwork, form a unique chronicle spanning 7,000 years of human culture in the region known as the "Empty Quarter".