by Alexandra Mansilla
From 2.5 Million Palms To Forgotten Sites. Hidden Gems Of Saudi Arabia, Part 1
23 Jun 2024
When we started putting this article together, we realised we had to split it into several parts because there are just too many amazing places in Saudi Arabia to cover in one go. So, here is the first part. Check out these incredible spots scattered across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that you absolutely must see with your own eyes.
Photo: Richard Mortel
Wadi Lajab
Wadi Lajab, located in the Jazan region of southwestern Saudi Arabia, is a natural gem nestled between two high rocky mountains. The canyon, resembling a hanging garden due to its thick green moss, features streams that have carved a narrow path between the mountains. It stretches about five kilometres in length and is perfect for hiking and walking.
Al-Hasa
An oasis home to over 2.5 million date palms, it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds a Guinness World Record as the largest self-contained oasis in the world. By the way, just a short distance from Al-Hasa, you will find another remarkable sight — Al-Asfar Lake (the Yellow Lake), surrounded by towering sand dunes.
Al Wahbah Crater
Al Wahbah Crater is about 250 kilometres from Taif. It is the largest and deepest volcanic crater in Saudi Arabia, featuring a diameter of 3,000 meters and a depth of 380 meters. The crater's bottom is covered with white sodium phosphate crystals, creating a stunning visual contrast.
The Floating Mosque
The Al Rahma Mosque in Jeddah, often referred to as the "Floating Mosque," stands on supports directly in the sea. During high tide, the stilts are submerged, creating the illusion that the building is floating above the waves.
AlUla
It was inevitable that AlUla, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, would be included on the list. This ancient oasis is where culture, heritage, and art come together in a stunning blend.
One of the standout natural wonders here is Elephant Rock, a massive formation shaped by wind and sand that towers 52 meters high. Then there is Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building, whose name fittingly means "mirror" in Arabic. This multi-purpose venue for concerts, events, and conferences rises from the sands like a mirage, making it a true piece of art. AlUla also hosts the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra (Mada'in Saleh), featuring ancient Nabatean tombs and monuments.
Jabal Ikmah
The rock formations around Jabal Ikmah, a mountain five kilometres north of Al-Ula, are stunning, but what truly sets it apart are the thousands of ancient inscriptions carved into its cliffs, earning it the nickname "Open Library." These engravings, dating back to 644 B.C., include languages like Aramaic, Dadanitic, Safaitic, Thamudic, Minaic, and Nabataean. They cover topics from personal names to detailed descriptions of religious rituals, commercial transactions, and local laws, highlighting the region's historical significance. You can also find drawings of human figures, animals, and everyday tools.
Hadiyah Railway Station
Hadiyah Railway Station is an intriguing spot, now lying abandoned in the middle of nowhere. It features three main structures: a larger building for up to 25 workers, a smaller one for 15, and a double-tank water tower. Close by, you'll see four freight wagons and a Krauss 0-6-0T steam locomotive tipped on its side. This setup is part of the Hejaz Railway, which was constructed between 1900 and 1908 to connect Damascus to Medina for pilgrims. Although it was supposed to extend to Mecca, World War I put a stop to that plan.
The railway also had a strategic purpose, helping the Ottoman Empire exert control over the Arabian Peninsula. Towards the end of the Ottoman era, Arab rebels attacked the railway to weaken the empire. Trains ran on this line until the Ottoman Empire fell in 1920. Since then, the trains never got back on track.
Ushaiqer
Another abandoned spot in Saudi Arabia, Ushaiqer, is located about 200 kilometres northwest of Riyadh and is one of the oldest settlements in the region. It used to be a crucial stop for pilgrims travelling from Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran to the holy sites further west.
With the advent of modern transport, Ushaiqer lost its significance. What was once a bustling centre has become a quaint cluster of mud houses and deserted narrow alleys. Today, Ushaiqer is known as a heritage village where visitors can admire traditional architecture and visit a museum.
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