Saudi Pocket Guide

Site from Saudi Arabia inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List

The new World Heritage sites, in order of inscription, are:

Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape (Saudi Arabia) – In the eastern Arabian Peninsula, the Al-Ahsa Oasis is a serial property comprising gardens, canals, springs, wells, a drainage lake, as well as historical buildings, urban fabric and archaeological sites. They represent traces of continued human settlement in the Gulf region from the Neolithic to the present, as can be seen from remaining historic fortresses, mosques, wells, canals and other water management systems. With its 2.5 million date palms, it is the largest oasis in the world. Al-Ahsa is also a unique geocultural landscape and an exceptional example of human interaction with the environment.
image via unesco website

Is Saudi Arabia the next big heritage tourism destination?

A massive survey in a remote part of the desert kingdom reveals archaeological wonders, including huge, mysterious structures that are baffling experts

Leaning out of a helicopter's open door, 500 feet above the ground, David Kennedy is treated to bird's eye views of immense sand dunes and lava fields strewn with giant black domes and boulders. Among these natural wonders are mysterious triangular constructions, a beautifully preserved ghost town and elaborate ancient tombs -- the archaeological treasures which Saudi Arabia hopes will earn it a place on the heritage tourism map. >>
https://tinyurl.com/y7kd4vsc

“The forts in the south of Taif are known to be the biggest buildings not only for residence. They were built by a group of skilled constructors to protect residents from any interior or exterior assault.” >>

Historic Taif fortresses were built to last JEDDAH: Taif city is rich with antique fortresses and castles that have withstood the test of time over many historical periods. These fortresses and castles, considered very interesting touristic landmarks, have always attracted visitors. The architecture of these castles and fortresses relied on d...

Al-Dir’iya portrays history in the heart of the capital

The historic city of Al-Dir’iya remains a center of attraction in Riyadh, where foreign VIPs, including US President Donald Trump and other heads of state, are taken to view this ancient capital of the Kingdom.
The founding of the present city began with the arrival of Mani Al-Meredi, an ancestor of the Saudi royal family, in 850 AH/1446 CE. In a short time, Al-Dir’iya became an important station along the trade roads linking the Arabian Peninsula from west to east, in addition to being a way station along the pilgrimage route to Makkah.
Al-Dir’iya emerged as the capital of the first Saudi State, constituting a turning point in the history of the Arabian Peninsula, when young Al-Imam Mohammed bin Saud supported the call of the religious scholar and reformer Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab in 1157 AH/1744CE. It remained the capital of the First Saudi State until Imam Turki bin Abdullah shifted the new headquarters of his government to Riyadh in 1240 AH/1824 CE. >>
https://tinyurl.com/y7uo9lby