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What are some important UNESCO-listed heritage sites in Saudi Arabia?


Shad Siddiqui

Answered On : 11, May 2023

Saudi Arabia is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. This heritage is reflected in the country's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which include ancient cities, oases, and rock art.

 

The Al-Ahsa Oasis is the largest oasis in the Arabian Peninsula.

It is located in the eastern part of the country and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life. The oasis is irrigated by a network of underground canals, and it is known for its date palms, citrus fruits, and wheat fields.

 

Al Ahsa Oasis UNESCO site

 

 

The Al-Hijr Archaeological Site is a Nabataean city that was once an important trading center.

Also called Hegra, you can see this in the northwest side of the country in AlUla (Madinah Province), and is known for its well-preserved tombs, temples, and other monuments. The city was founded in the 1st century BC and was abandoned in the 4th century AD.

 

Al-Hijr or Hegra in Alula

 

The At-Turaif District of ad-Dir'iyah is the original capital of the Saudi state.

You can find it in the central part of the country (northwest of Riyadh) and is known for its traditional mud-brick architecture. The district was founded in the 15th century and was the capital of the Saudi state until 1818.

 

At-Turaif District, a UNESCO World

 

Historic Jeddah (Al Balad) is a port city that has been a major center of trade and commerce for centuries.

The Al Balad district is located on the Red Sea coast and is known for its historic buildings, including its old city walls, gates, and souks. The city was founded in the 7th century and has been a major trading center since then.

It is also dubbed the Gate of Makkah as it also served as an entry point for Muslim pilgrims traveling on Umrah or Hajj and traveling towards the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

 

Al Balad in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

 

The Rock Art of the Hail Region is a collection of rock art that dates back to the Stone Age.

This is in the northern part of the country and is known for its depictions of animals, humans, and geometric shapes. The rock art was created by the region's earliest inhabitants, who lived there thousands of years ago.

 

Rock art of Hail in Saudi Arabia

 

The Ḥima Cultural Area is a protected area that is home to a variety of traditional Bedouin settlements.

You can see it in the southwestern part of the country and is known for its mountains, valleys, and desert landscapes. The area is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including gazelles, oryx, and Arabian leopards.

 

 

These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are important because they represent the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia. They are also important because they help to protect these sites from development and destruction. The Saudi government is committed to preserving these sites for future generations.

 

Additional Cultural Sites of Saudi Arabia

In addition to the six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Saudi Arabia also has a number of other important cultural sites.

These include the Mada'in Saleh, the Diriyah Gate, the Grand Mosque of Makkah, and the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah. These sites are all important for their religious, historical, and cultural significance.

The Saudi government is committed to preserving its cultural heritage. It has established a number of organizations and programs to protect these sites. These organizations include the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, the Saudi Commission for Antiquities and Museums, and the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.

 

Elephant Rock in Alula, Saudi Arabia