NORTHERN REGION
The Northern Region: a blend of history, culture, and nature
The Northern Region of Saudi Arabia stands out for its vast Nafud Desert and rugged plateaus, offering a unique and authentic Arabian experience. Although less densely populated and developed, this region is rich in cultural and natural treasures.
Hail: motorsport, agriculture, and tradition
Hail, known for its traditional architecture and agricultural prowess, particularly in dates and grains, is a vibrant city with a dynamic blend of old and new:
– Traditional architecture: Characterised by traditional mud-brick houses, castles, and fortresses, providing a glimpse into the region’s past.
– Agricultural prowess: One of the kingdom’s leading producers of dates and grains, it hosts a thriving agricultural sector.
– Cultural festivals: Annual festivals celebrating the region’s heritage and cuisine.
– Hail rally: A highlight for motorsport enthusiasts, this annual rally attracts competitors and fans from around the world.
Buraydah: dates, modernity, and mud-brick architecture
Buraydah, the capital of the Qassim Province, enhances the region’s appeal with its blend of modern development and traditional charm:
– World’s largest date festival: A magnet for date enthusiasts and traders, the festival showcases the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
– Traditional mud-brick architecture: Offers a window into the historical craftsmanship of the region.
– Modern developments: Incorporating contemporary amenities and infrastructure while maintaining historical identity.
Extraordinary rock art
The Hail Region in Saudi Arabia is home to some of the most remarkable ancient rock art, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015. Known collectively as the “Rock Art in the Hail Region of Saudi Arabia,” the site comprises two main locations: Jabal Umm Sinman at Jubbah and Jabal al-Manjor and Raat at Shuwaymis.
Jabal Umm Sinman, located approximately 90 kilometres northwest of Hail, was once an island surrounded by a lake in ancient times. The rock art here includes a series of petroglyphs depicting human and animal figures, along with symbols and inscriptions that offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient life. The carvings, dating back over 10,000 years, reflect the lifestyles of the region’s early inhabitants. Particularly notable are the petroglyphs showing humans hunting, dancing, and interacting with domesticated animals such as dogs, as well as wild creatures like ibexes, camels, and oryxes.
At Jabal al-Manjor and Raat, in the Shuwaymis area southwest of Hail, the rock art provides further insights into the ancient societies that once thrived in this region. The petroglyphs here depict similar scenes to those at Jubbah but with distinctive variations. These carvings also date back thousands of years, showcasing the evolution of rock art styles and social developments. Scenes include humans herding camels and horses, as well as detailed depictions of lions, ostriches, and other native wildlife.
The rock art sites of Hail offer invaluable insights into the prehistoric cultures of the Arabian Peninsula. The ancient artists used various engraving techniques such as pecking, scratching, and chiselling to create detailed and expressive imagery. This unique collection of petroglyphs serves as a visual record of changing environmental conditions, human adaptation, and evolving social structures over thousands of years.
These sites were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list due to their “outstanding universal value,” and efforts are underway to protect and preserve them. The Saudi government, through the Ministry of Culture and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, is working diligently to safeguard these invaluable historical assets.
Al-Jouf: Olive Groves and Ancient Stones
Al-Jouf, famous for its olive groves producing premium Middle Eastern olive oil, and its capital Sakaka, enrich the region further:
– Olive groves: Known as the ‘Olive Basket of Saudi Arabia,’ it contributes significantly to the kingdom’s olive oil production.
– Sakaka: The provincial capital, a city with a rich archaeological heritage.
– Rajajil standing stones: Often called the “Stonehenge of Saudi Arabia,” these enigmatic ancient monoliths date back thousands of years, revealing historical depth and mystery.
– Za’abal castle: An ancient fortress that overlooks Sakaka, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes.