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Al
wedjh:The Gateway of Al-Ula
The
natural sea port of AlWEDJH is considered as one of the most historical
ports in the northern part of Saudi Arabia.
The Gulf
of wedjh is situated west of Al Ula (attitude 130-260 north and
longitude 270-36 east). In 1909, the population of Wedjh was around 500
people. Today it is still a small town with over 15000 people. The old
city contains many old stone building with beautiful carved wooden doors
and windows.
Al Wedjh
is very famous for its beautiful virgin beaches. These beaches are
considered as one of the best in the world particularly for sport
activities like diving. You'll see the fishermen on the Gulf of Al Wedjh
bringing their fresh catches which includes the very famous Wedjh
Lobster. On your visit, you might decide to buy some to take home. You
can fly to Alwedjh from any city in the Kingdom via Jeddah or Riyadh.
AL
WEDJH / ALULA ROAD (230 KM)
This
220km road was completed in july 2004. The opening of this road means a
lot to Al Ula because for the first time in the long history if Al Ula,
it is now linked to the Red Sea. It also reduced the distance between Al
Ula and the nearest Airport by Half. As a result if this link, the most
touristic Area in the entire Arabian peninsula, Al Ula, has now an
additional natural attraction which is the virgin beaches of Wedjh.
Thus, when you visit Al Ula you have the world Heritage sites, plus the
variety of natural attractions ranging from Lava and Assur mountains,
The Oasis, the desert, and the Red Sea.
MADINAH / ALULA ROAD
The
distance between Madinah and Al Ula, now, is around 400km i.e. double
the distance of Wedjh/ Al Ula. However, if you decide to take this road,
you can see many natural and historical attractions including the
ancient Khaybar Dam and some Hijaz railway forts. The New Road is around
330 km which is shorten by around 70 km. you can fly to Madinah via any
direct or via Jeddah or Riyadh.
HAIL –
A City Of Generosity
It is
located in the north western part of Saudi Arabia on a gently slopping
plain on the west side of wadi al-ldairi between Aja and Salma
mountains.
Human
occupation in Hail goes back to prehistoric times. Thamudic
inscriptions could be seen on its mountains. In the past Hail maintained
cultural relations with many ancient civilizations including Assyrian,
Babylonia and Levantine. The tour of Hail will include Qul'at l'ayrif,
Qushala Palace and the Modern City. You can fly to Hail via Jeddah or
Riyadh.
HAIL /
ALULA ROAD
The trip
from Hail to Al Ula is nearly the same distance of Madinah / Ula (i.e.
400km). This road passes through many villages, and you have a good
chance to see camel herds. The traffic on this road is very light. A
comfort stop at Shamli half way along this road.
AL ULA
– The City Of Lions
Al Ula
had the Biblical name "Dedan" as mentioned in the Old Testament and in
the Assyrian and ancient Arabic writings.
The
Liyanite people were its original settlers. Their kingdom lies near
Madain Saleh Hotel in Al Khuraibah. There you'll see many oven type
tombs including the world famous "Lion tombs". The city of Al Ula
occupied a strategic position along the ancient trade routes carrying
incenses and spices and connection civilizations of the old world.
During
the Islamic period, Al Ula appeared in the scene of events when Prophet
Mohammed (PBUH) spent 4 days in Al Ula on his way to Tabuk in the year
630 A.D.
Go and
visit the old city, it is considered as a rare example of an Islamic
city which goes back to the 11th century A.D. You can see how
the houses were lined side by side to form an outer enclosure wall to
protect the city against enemy attacks. While you are in Al Ula Area,
enjoy the natural beauty and see the Oasis, the sand dunes and Harrat
Uwairdh. Enjoy Madain Saleh Hotel desert camp in the middle of all Al
Ula attraction.
Al
HIJER: A City Of An Open Museum
Al Hijer,
known as Madain Saleh was the southern capital of the Nabataen Kingdom,
While Petra was its northern capital. Al Ula was a center for trade
caravanson the trade route from southern Arabia to Mesopotamia, Levant,
Anatolia, Egypt and other countries.
In Al
Hijer area, see the 113 tombs dated to the period from the first century
B.C. to the year 75 A.D. You'll see how the Nabataens were keen to care
for the outer of the tombs when you stand in front of Qasr Al Ajooz,
Qast Al Bent, and the Magnificent Qasr Al Fareed. Also, when you sit in
Ad – Diwan, the religious center for the Nabataens, where they used to
worship deities like thu-Shara, Manat and Allat yiu see the deniuses of
Nabataee in water technology when you inspect the cave (water tank) and
see how they used to preserve rain water. Go to the Islamic Castle built
during the Abbasids date. Finally, and before leaving Madain Saleh, a
stop at the Hijaz Railway station is an absolute must. There you'll see
14 buildings including two workshops housing a 100 years old Locomotive.
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