The archaeological area of Al-Faw becomes Saudi’s newest World Heritage Site

Nestled at a strategic point on the ancient trade routes of the Arabian Peninsula, Qaryat al-Faw is an archaeological gem that showcases human habitation from prehistoric times to the 5th century. Recent registration on UNESCO’s World Heritage List puts it in the rightly deserved spotlight.

Situated over 650km southwest of the capital Riyadh, in the Wadi al-Dawasir area, Qaryat al-Faw lies between the Empty Quarter desert and the Tuwaiq mountain range. Though hyper-arid today, evidence of sophisticated water management systems reveals a once-thriving city with lush agricultural areas.

On the escarpment, flint tools from the late Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods have been discovered alongside intriguing stone structures with tapered triangles. Although these avenues resemble Northern Arabian funerary avenues, excavations show no evidence of burials, adding to the site’s mystery. Nearby the 3rd millennium BCE cairns and tumuli are also impressive. These circular mounds, 10-25m wide, contain cross-shaped corridors with four burial chambers, suggesting a ‘ruling elite’. Artifacts like metal weapons and nearby rock art depicting warriors holding two spears support this theory.

As a key caravan city, al-Faw thrived on the incense and aromatics trade, bringing prosperity to its inhabitants. The city boasted official stamps, weights, and coinage, along with numerous temples, altars, and oratories, indicating an advanced society and organised religious community. Artifacts such as glass bowls and exquisite wall art highlights the sophistication of its people. As the capital of the Kindah Kingdom, Qaryat al-Faw succeeded in managing the lucrative caravan trade over many centuries until it was suddenly abandoned in the 5^th Century.

The ancient city featured north-south streets, a central courtyard, along with a religious and administrative sector. The souq, a monumental building with storage rooms, was aligned with temples and altars. The city’s vast irrigation network supported diverse agriculture, including dates, pomegranates, olives, grapes, wheat, and millet in what would of made a lush and colourful oasis.

The passing caravans were accommodated at the eastern edge of the palm grove in a caravanserai. Two massive buildings with thick walls over 1 metre wide and four towers managed the influx of visitors, creating an impressive sight for approaching caravans.

Khasham Qaryah, an open-air sanctuary at the edge of Jabal Tuwaiq, was dedicated to gods like Kahl. Surrounded by panels of Ancient Southern Arabian and Thamudic Himaitic scripts, they are considered graffiti engraved by local inhabitants and visitors to the area as they are more diverse compared to those found in the town.

Adjacent to Qaryat al-Faw, is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 7^th to be recognised in Saudi Arabia, the Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve. Known for the re-introduction of iconic desert animals such as the Oryx and Sand Gazelles and a range of desert ecosystems it greatly adds to the region’s allure.

Although currently off-limits to the public, Al-Faw Archaeological Area promises to be an intriguing cultural destination for the world to enjoy one day in the future.

See the full list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for 2024 here