Saudi Arabia opened up tourist visas in 2019 and piqued the interest of visitors from across the world. The buzz highlighted the many historical sites in Saudi Arabia, its rich cultural tapestry, ancient archaeologic wonders and its incredible natural beauty.

However, Saudi Arabia isn’t worth visiting just for tourists. Residents and citizens will be surprised to know just how much there is to see in the Kingdom.

Here are 5 historical sites in Saudi Arabia you must visit at least once in your life:

5. Madain Saleh, Al Ula

Also known as Hegra or Al Hijr, is one of the top attractions that draws visitors to Al Ula in the western part of the nation. Al Hijr was the first UNESCO world heritage historical site in Saudi Arabia. It’s believed to date back thousands of years as a settlement for the Nabatean Civilization. Located along an important trade route, it contains around over 100 tombs carved entirely out of rock. It’s the largest historic preserved settlement of the Nabateans, south of Jordan’s Petra.

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4. Jubbah Rock Art, Hail

The mysterious rock inscriptions and large petroglyphs on the sides of large mountains in the Hail region date back as far as 10,000 years! Images featuring camels, hunters and warriors can provide clues to historians and archaeologists about the civilizations that used to inhabit the area. The art is particularly stunning considering the simplistic tools the people of the time must have used to create the works — likely believed to be a simple hammer and chisel.

 

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3. Ad Diriyah, Riyadh

The first capital of the Saudi ruling Al Saud family, the Turaif district in Ad-Diriyah, located in the outskirts of Riyadh was founded in the 15th century. The sprawling city contains key examples of traditional Najd architecture design, mud brick walls, and ancient residential homes, recreational, cultural and religious facilities.

 

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2. Al Bad’, Tabuk

In Saudi’s northwest corner, not far from Jordan’s border and the Gulf of Aqaba lies a historic site that is somewhat shrouded in mystery. Magha’er Shuaib also called Madyan are in the area believed to be where Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) lived for around a decade under agreement with Prophet Shuaib (peace be upon him). Many historians and archaeologists believe this to be the historical site, though more research needs to be done. Much of the settlement is carved from stone, reminiscent of the Nabatean civilizations, and contains tombs, caves and even what’s believed to be the well Moses (pbuh) drew water from.

 

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1. Historic Old Jeddah

Also known as “Al Balad,” Jeddah’s historic district is home to some of the most beautiful, colorful architecture in Saudi Arabia. Close to the Red Sea, Jeddah has always played a significant role in trade and for pilgrims to Makkah. Al Balad is known for its tower houses, stacked high, with beautiful balconies and intricately detailed wooden facades. There are old homes you can tour, museums and even a traditional old souk.

 

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