Step back in time


There are six Unesco World Heritage Sites dotted around the country showcasing Saudi’s fascinating history. Hegra Archaeological Site: This is one of the best-known sites in Saudi. It’s recognisable from the intricate decorations carved into huge rocky outcrops. Hegra is deep in the desert in the northwest region of AlUla and is formed of more than 110 tombs. Though there is evidence that the Romans once occupied the area, much of what’s left in Hegra dates back to the Nabataean era. Al-Turaif District in Diriyah: Set in the town of Diriyah, just outside Riyadh, it was founded in the 15th century and is the birthplace of the modern Saudi state. The area is currently undergoing redevelopment to allow visitors to explore its winding alleys for themselves. It was also once a convergence of different trading and pilgrimage routes, and was where travellers and merchants from Europe, Asia and Africa met. Historical Jeddah: Jeddah has a remarkable historic centre. It’s home to the Gate of Makkah, a landmark on an important Muslim


pilgrimage route. The city’s oldest district, Al-Balad, is best roamed on foot, and visitors can explore the winding streets and admire the hundreds of traditional multi-storey buildings made from coral stone. Rock art in the Hail region: Added as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2015 and split across two separate locations, the Hail region is home to some of the most impressive examples of Neolithic rock art. The inscriptions date back thousands of years and offer an insight into the lives of people who lived here long ago. Al-Ahsa Oasis: This vast expanse of greenery, interspersed with caves, mountains and springs, makes up the largest oasis in the country. The fertile land of Al-Ahsa Oasis offers respite from the desert environments, and its natural landscape is dotted with millions of palm trees. The Al-Qarah

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