Discover These Stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia Worth Visiting

Saudi Arabia, the largest country of the Middle East, is well known not only for its extensive deserts and holy cities but also for the gorgeous variety of UNESCO World Heritage sites across the country. These historical and cultural sites give an interesting insight into the rich past and heritage of this region. 

Saudi Arabia is a fast-growing nation in terms of becoming a major destination for cultural tourism, and its UNESCO World Heritage sites witness its historical depth and diversity. And, with the kingdom already open to foreign tourists, now is the best time to visit these hidden treasures that blend history, beauty, and heritage in an unforgettable way. 

Check out this list of sites that are perfect for you if you want to explore the world heritage sites of the kingdom – 

1. Al-Hjir (Madâin Sâlih)

Al-Hjir, also known as Madâin Sâlih, was the first to be depicted as a UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia in 2008. This ancient Nabatean city seems to be very similar to the well-preserved rock-cut tombs in Petra, dating back to the 1st century CE. Nestled in the Al-Ula region, it was once a major stop on the incense trade route. These sandstone buildings and complex carvings show the architectural genius of the Nabatean civilization. A visit to this great necropolis feels like entering a lost land etched in the desert. 

2. At-Turaif District in ad-Dir’iyah

The mud-brick city of At-Tarif, located just outside Riyadh, was an area that played an important role in the establishment of the first state in Saudi Arabia in the 18th century. It is a UNESCO site which displays a unique Najdi architecture with its beautiful towers and intricate decorations. At-Turaif used to be the center of the powerful Al Saud dynasty and was a political and religious center. The restoration has made the district a cultural center of the city, with its museums, galleries, and guided tours that allow experiencing its historical story.

3. Historic Jeddah

The historical center of Jeddah, which is commonly called “Jeddah Al-Balad,” was added to the UNESCO list in 2014. This town was the main port for pilgrims who went to Makkah by sea. Far more interesting, its narrow alleys, coral-stone houses, and ancient wooden balconies (rawasheen) offer a window on how the Arabian urban population used to live centuries ago. The region includes lively markets or souka, hundreds of years-old mosques, and renovated trade-houses that reflect the cultures of Africa, the Middle East, and other regions, all put together in one place. 

4. Rock Art of the Hail Region

If you’re looking for prehistoric art, rock carvings of the Hail Region are a must a must-visit. Its inscription in 2015, the petroglyphs include thousands of petroglyphs scored onto the sandstone outcrops of Jubbah and Shuwaymis. These engravings are more than 10,000 years old, explaining hunting, animals, as well as a human figure. They are not just a work of art but also records of beliefs and practices of ancient people of the Arabian Peninsula and their environment. The scale and detail of these carvings are impressive and provide a deep connection to the region’s ancient past.

5. The Cultural Area

The Cultural Area, listed at UNESCO in 2021, is located in the southwest of Saudi Arabia, around Najran. This huge open-air museum consists of an extraordinary collection of rock inscriptions, petroglyphs, and ancient wells along a trade route that was in use over 7,000 years ago. The writings, which are inscribed in many languages, such as Aramaic, Nabatean, and Arabic, indicate the importance of the region as a cultural intersection. This place is also rich in biodiversity and offers visitors a unique mix of heritage and nature.