Historic Saudi Arabia: AlUla, Diriyah and Old Jeddah

Saudi Arabia has a rich history that goes back thousands of years, and several of its most important sites are listed by UNESCO. For pilgrims who want to learn more about the land beyond Makkah and Madinah, three places stand out: the ancient tombs of Hegra near AlUla, the mud brick district of At-Turaif in Diriyah on the edge of Riyadh, and the coral stone houses of Historic Jeddah, known as Al-Balad. This guide explains what makes each one special and how to visit.

Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad)

For most UK pilgrims, Al-Balad is the easiest historic district to visit, because it is in the heart of Jeddah, the city you fly into. For centuries Jeddah was the gateway for pilgrims arriving by sea on their way to Makkah, and the old town grew as a busy trading port.

The district is known for its tall houses built from coral stone, with carved wooden balconies and window screens called rawasheen that let the sea breeze in while keeping the rooms private. Walk through its narrow lanes and old souqs, visit the historic mosques, and stop for Arabic coffee. Historic Jeddah is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tips for Al-Balad

• Visit in the late afternoon and evening, when it is cooler and the souqs are lively
• Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven streets
• Some buildings are being restored, so access can change

At-Turaif, Diriyah

On the northwestern edge of Riyadh, At-Turaif in Diriyah was the seat of the first Saudi state in the eighteenth century. Its palaces and houses are built from mud brick in the traditional Najdi style, with thick walls and decorated doors designed for the desert climate. At-Turaif is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today the area has been carefully restored, with museums and walking routes that explain the history of the region, as well as restaurants and cafes overlooking the Wadi Hanifah valley.

Tips for Diriyah

• Go in the evening, when the buildings are lit up
• Check opening hours and ticket arrangements before you visit
• Combine it with a trip to the Edge of the World if you have a day or two in Riyadh

Hegra (Al-Hijr), near AlUla

Hegra was the first site in Saudi Arabia to be listed by UNESCO. It is known for more than a hundred monumental tombs carved into sandstone outcrops by the Nabataeans, who also built Petra in Jordan. The carved facades stand alone in the desert and are an extraordinary sight.

The area is mentioned in the Quran as Al-Hijr, the land of the people of Thamud. Many Muslim visitors are mindful of the hadith in which the Prophet, peace be upon him, passed by this place with humility and reflection, and choose to visit in the same spirit, as a reminder rather than simply as a tourist attraction.

Tips for Hegra

• Visits are usually by organised tour with timed tickets, so book ahead
• Combine your visit with AlUla’s landscapes. See our guide to adventure in Saudi Arabia
• Go between October and March, when temperatures are milder

The three sites at a glance

Visiting with respect

• Dress modestly, as you would in Makkah and Madinah
• Follow the signs and do not touch or climb on carvings and historic walls
• Ask before photographing people
• Plan your visit around prayer times

How to fit history into your Umrah trip

Al-Balad is the easiest addition, as most pilgrims already pass through Jeddah. Diriyah and Hegra need a domestic flight, so they suit a longer trip of a few extra days after your Umrah. For more ideas closer to the Haram, read our guide to the places to visit in Makkah after Umrah.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit Al-Balad on the way home from Umrah?

Yes. If your flight leaves from Jeddah, a stay of one night gives you time to explore Al-Balad in the evening.

Do I need tickets for these sites?

Some areas are free to walk around, while museums and organised tours need tickets. Arrangements change, so check before you go.

Which site is best for children?

Al-Balad and Diriyah are easy to explore on foot and have places to rest and eat. Hegra involves more travel.

What is the best time of year to visit?

October to March, when the weather is cooler for walking outdoors.

Can you include these visits in my trip?

Yes. Tell us which places interest you and we will suggest how to fit them around your Umrah.