Najran

Overview :

Najran lays in the South-West of the Kingdom. It is bounded by Yemen to the South; Al-Silayel and Wadi Al-Dawasir to the North; Dhahran Al-Janoub and the Asir region to the west; and Oman in the East.

Although Najran has a desert climate, the heavy monsoon rains that fall in the spring, combined with its underground water reserves, produce fertile agricultural land.

Originally Najran was a small trading town known as Abul Saud. In 1965, New Najran was established. The new town was provided by the Government with educational, health and civil defence facilities.

Of particular note, it has been the large scale tree-planting program, creating parks in Najran itself and in the surrounding villages.

Najran also boasts the largest water dam in the Kingdom, the Najran Valley Dam, with a storage capacity of 85 million cubic meters (3,000 million cubic feet). Najran can be counted as one of the most developed cities of Saudi Arabia. The city is also the capital of Najran province, and is the administrative center of the region. The city is situated amidst Rocky Mountains, and has vast plantations of orchards. Najran is an important tourist centre of Saudi Arabia, and the location of these landmarks amidst the vast natural treasures of the region gives it a heavenly charm. Najran's economy centers round agriculture. Tourists may find several public parks and beautiful gardens in the area. The most popular fruits grown in the area include peaches, grapes, lemons, apricots and oranges. The high Najran dam has also transformed into an attractive tourist landmark of the city. A popular sightseeing package from Najran also includes the heritage city of Al Okhdood. The city abounds in numerous historical artifacts and sculptures, which have doubly added to the charm of the city. Tourists also prefer to visit Najran in order to learn about authentic Arabian culture and tradition that are still preserved in the city. Saudi Arabian culture and traditions are reflected through the festivals celebrated in the city and some folk cultural programs

 

Major Attractions :

Al- Okhdood: it is a trench called by that name which is a hole drilled by Humairi King where wood and fuel are placed to burn people who converted to "Christianity" which was a new religion at that time, so the effects of fire are still visible in parts of the city and on the wall.

The Buildings of Najran: Traditional adobe and brick architectural styles in Najran are called midmakh buildings. They are very distinctive and reflect the influence of Yemeni design in the Province.

Old Najran: Najran city is famous for its archeological significance. Old Najran was surrounded by a circular wall, 220 by 230 meters, built of square stone with defensive balconies. It contained several unique buildings. Excavations of this site have uncovered glass, metals, pottery, and bronze artifacts.

Najran Valley Dam: Najran boasts the largest water dam in the Kingdom, the Najran Valley Dam, with a storage capacity of 85 million cubic meters (3,000 million cubic feet).

Governorates historic palace: The palace is an example of traditional architecture in the region of Najran, and is one of the most prominent heritage buildings were traditional. It was built in 1933 on his unique architectural style and many other sites such as King Abdul Aziz Park, Parks at Rijla, and Nahougah.

The Najran Museum of Antiquities and Heritage, which is located next to the ancient city of Al- Okhdood an important museum in Saudi Arabia, which is rich historical and cultural evidences and a tourist destination and cultural province of Najran, where a visitor through the museum can keep up with the history and civilization of the region since ancient times to the present time.

Struck by visitors to the museum and the mud house at the entrance of the museum, which gives a clear explanation of the old traditional houses and beautiful antiquate.

 

Things To Do:

 

 Discover Al- Okhdood: The name Al- Okhdood means 'the ditch' (sometimes 'the trench', sometimes 'the groove') and is mentioned in the Holy Qur'an as the site of a massacre of Christians.

Off Road trips in the Sands: tourism in the desert of the Empty Quarter and land trips, especially in the spring season is not matched by any pleasure fun. In addition to fun skiing and nightlife on the red sands, the desert community and ordinary people with the Arab tradition of the original stories, anecdotes, and tales of the desert and myths, and generosity of Arab heritage.

 Pre Islamic sites: the church (of Najran Cathedral of the Black Ansi or Ka'aba of Najran), and the remains of dam (Aad), and many others.

 Stone engravings and drawings In Bir Hima: there are some 300 different locations including prehistoric depictions of animals. You'll find engravings of human figures and giraffes which date from around 5500 BC the area are a little difficult to reach, but the journey is worth it. Once there you'll see evidence of Neolithic settlements in the Bir Hima area at Wadi Tathlith, and Jebel Sawdh.

 

Famous Meals :

   Najran is famous with asidah, Hareikah and Al-marthofah

 

What To Buy:

The town of Najran was already an important centre of arms manufacture like swords and daggers during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h). However, it was more famous for leather rather than iron.

 

Best Time to Visit:

 

Najran has Moderate climate in summer and winter so people can visit Najran around the year.

 

Travel Tips :

Of course, Alcohol is strictly PROHIBITED. DON"T BRING ALCOHOL TO SAUDI ARABIA.