The historical monument of Bin Raqoush Palace in Al-Baha

 Al-Baha region contains many historical castles and forts built of mud and rocks that attracts tourists and visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom, especially because of its stunning nature overlooking Hijaz mountains and mild climate throughout the year. One of the most prominent palaces that tells the historical legacy of Al Baha is Bin Raqoush Palace, which was built in 1833.

The historical palace received a visit from King Saud bin Abdulaziz in 1954. Being an architectural masterpiece, its walls, floors, and roofs were restored and rehabilitated while preserving its local identity and cultural heritage. Because of its historical significance, many heritage activities are held on the palace during national and social occasions.

The palace was built by the Bin Raqoush family, one of the families of the region. It consists of five large houses of varying floor levels, including up to three floors. It is described as an integrated housing compound, where there is a small school, living areas, horse stables, a mosque, and orchards. In addition, the palace contains many bedrooms, a large living area for the tribe, a water well, an inner courtyard, and two outside courtyards around the palace.

Traversing the fertile Al-Faqrah Mountains

 In Madinah lies the picturesque Al-Faqrah Mountains, combining charming views with a crisp atmosphere. 

Foggy weather, perpetual rain that cuts through the sunlight, rocky fields punctuated by lush green pockets and constant fresh breezes all contribute to making the mountain range a wonderful tourist destination.

Spinal shape

The Arabic name “Al-Faqrah” literally translates as “vertebrae”, and it was named so as the mountains form a straight line resembling a human spine from the air. Famous peaks include Al-Ashaar Mountain known for its dense trees, and Al-Ajrad Mountain characterized by its distinctively brown rocks and lack of foliage.

A fertile mountain range

The summits of the mountains reach the clouds and the location enjoys a moderate climate in the summer that attracts many tourists and local residents. 

At its highest point, the range stands at about 1,800 meters above sea level.

The mountains are also known for their fertile lands and so trees growing oranges, pomegranates, figs and various types of dates can be found scattered throughout. The region is also famous for producing mountain honey, with locals practicing the beekeeping profession for generations.

Accessing Al-Faqrah

The Al-Faqrah mountains can be accessed via three main routes, but visitors are advised to use a four-wheel-drive vehicle when travelling to the area due to the rugged nature of the roads.

 The first is the Madinah-Al-Fraish dual carriageway, with a length of approximately 82 kilometers. 

The second is the Al-Musayjid Arhaqan Al-Aneeq road, which is around 50 kilometers long. 

The third is Yanbu Al-Nakhl road, partly a dirt trail and partly an asphalted road that ascends Dumdum Mountain, about five kilometers from Al-Faqrah mountains.

Mount Shathath: Guardian of Dhahran Al-Janoub

 

If you are travelling through the southern Asir province, do make time to visit the Dhahran Al-Janoub area, especially as you are likely to be greeted by the majestic Mount Shathath. Standing 2,800 meters above sea level, this impressive mountain is characterized by its blue-black color that resembles that of the sky.

The local municipality erected a luminous sign bearing Dhahran Al-Janoub’s name on the northern side of Mount Shathath. So highly regarded is the mountain, locals call it the “Guardian of Dhahran Al-Janoub”.

Mountain features

Mount Shathath’s topography consists of cliffs, trees, and fragrant plants such as basil and chrysanthemum. Many inscriptions from ancient eras can be found on its rocks, highlighting Dhahran Al-Janoub’s historical importance; the governorate contains many landmarks such as the Elephant Road, archaeological villages and tombs dating back to prehistoric times.

A climb to the top

Visitors will enjoy climbing up to the mountain’s summit, where they will be amazed by the surrounding landscapes, natural cave formations and abundance of water springs.

Al-Qahr Mountains: A world of myth and legend

 In the northeast of Jazan province lies the mysterious Al-Qahr Mountains  which have had many myths, legends and stories written about them. Characterized by their rugged nature and diverse terrain, the mountains are located in Al-Raith governorate, about 130 kilometres away from Jazan city.

Name

The mountains’ Arabic name translates as “conquer” and was probably given in tribute to their high altitude, impregnable and steep peaks as well as the long and deep ravines that extend to the Lajab Valley. These features make them some of the most difficult to climb in the Kingdom. Some historians believe they were named after the Qahr war, while the locals call them the Zahwan Mountains.

Scenic terrain 

The Qahr Mountains are surrounded by many valleys, including Beesh Valley. They stretch side by side in a cylindrical and picturesque formation, from which narrow valleys branch. They are also covered with dense forests and green coffee trees interspersed with brown rock.

Historic landmarks

Many historical sites dating back more than 3,000 years can be found among the mountains. Researchers have discovered many remains of bodies preserved in rocky tombs built about 20 meters above ground level. Excavators also uncovered many footprints, some of which belonged to dinosaurs.

Petroglyphs depicting folk dances, plants and animals have been found in the mountain caves, while old houses and mosques can be seen dotted around the location.

Al-Riwaq Museum: Highlighting trailblazing Saudi women

 Noted female poet Al-Khathlan wanted to highlight the role of Saudi women in society since the unification of the Kingdom, so she set up Al-Riwaq Heritage Museum in Riyadh.

 Located in the Al-Suwaidi district, this museum is a one-of-a-kind institution that attracts visitors of all ages and regularly holds various activities over national holidays and social occasions.

Spanning an area of 1,000 square meters, the museum features hundreds of diverse historic pieces and heritage collections from different Saudi eras. 

It displays cooking tools, old decorative items, handicrafts, old TVs and radios, sewing tools, traditional clothes, and other interesting collectibles.

Al-Khathlan enlisted researchers to help her highlight the cultural and social role of women in the Kingdom by setting up a bridal corner and other similar sections to introduce future generations and students to women’s important role in Saudi Arabia.

The museum also features a heritage café suitable for friends and family to get together. There is also an event hall with a heritage theme in which small parties, weddings, National Day celebrations, and other cultural events can be held.

This museum is among 50 other private museums licensed and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, which promotes these institutions in popular tourist destinations and sets up signage guiding visitors to them on public roads. 

These institutions play an important role in educating the community about the Kingdom's cultural identity and preservation of heritage.

Al-Sayegh House: Yanbu’s premier art hub

 Yanbu is a wonderful historical and industrial city that dates back around 2,500 years. Located on the Spices and Incense Road that offered caravans a route from Yemen to the Mediterranean region, the area is home to many great heritage houses that were the residences of Yanbu merchants. Below, we cover one of the most iconic of these great properties – AlSaaegh House of the Arts.

Architecture

Al-Sayegh House is located in Yanbu’s historical area at the southern end of the Red Sea coast. Like other buildings in the area, it incorporates a traditional coastal architectural style. The house features intricately decorated wooden doors and windows while its walls were built from stone sourced from the coast and the ceilings constructed from palm tree trunks.

Art center         

Al-Sayegh House is a prime destination for art lovers and features several sections focusing on painting, photography, sculpting, Arabic calligraphy and development of artistic programs.

This historic building also offers many training courses aimed at improving local artists’ skills and hosts exhibitions for those interested in art and craftsmanship.

Al Aishi Fort: The illustrious trading history of Bariq

 

During the pre-Islamic era, the Asir province featured a prominent and ancient trade route that stretched from Yemen to Makkah and then to the Levant. Along the route was the governorate of Bariq, home to one of the greatest Arab markets known as Habasha, which took place over the first eight days of the Islamic month of Rajab. During the Islamic era, Bariq played an important strategic role during the Islamic conquests.

Bariq

Bariq is distinguished by its amazing historical landmarks that date back more than 4,000 years. The area was settled by successive civilizations in the southern Arabian Peninsula since the Amalik era. Therefore, it is commonplace to see villages and ancient stone houses spread along Bariq’s mountains and hills, also where picturesque green plantations extend up to scenic valleys. The governorate is known for its moderate climate in winter and heavy rain.

Al-Aishi Fort

Al-Aishi Fort, built from carved stone and mud, is one of the oldest archaeological fortresses in Bariq. Consisting of three stories, this centuries-old castle was designed in a distinctive architectural style similar to many other historic buildings in the governorate. Although some of the fort’s stones and floors were destroyed, the Ministry of Tourism restored it so that the building continues to stand as testament to Bariq’s beautiful history

The old treasures of Salloum House in Historical Jeddah

 In the famous historical Jeddah neighborhood of Al-Mathloum lies Salloum House, which continues to stand as a testament to the beauty of Hijaz culture.

Built by Abdullah bin Obaid Salloum in 1301 AH, the building was recently restored.

 And it is a popular attraction for visiting delegations and tourists from around the world.

This four-story house covers an area of 497 square meters and is designed in traditional Hijazi style.

 All of its old furniture has been remarkably preserved, including Hijazi-style seats, an old iron, a kerosene-powered fridge, grandmother’s room and a women’s living area dedicated to hosting neighbors.

 An old custom of Jeddah’s people, neighbors used to gather in the afternoon exchanging friendly talk while drinking tea.

To preserve historical Jeddah after it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, many restoration projects have taken place in the area under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, Jeddah Municipality and Ministry of Tourism. 

Notably, 400 historical homes including Salloum House were developed into tourist attractions and museums.

 These restorations aim to preserve the authenticity of these houses, which date back 100 years to 1,400 years, and truly showcase Jeddah’s deep history.