Places to visit in Najran
Najran Region is a land between two worlds. On one side, as with the neighboring Aseer Province, it is located along the green Sarawat mountains where the monsoon still brings rain twice a year, but on the other side, it hosts the southwestern part of one of the aridest deserts in the world, the Rub' Al-Khali.
Here are some of the most remarkable places to visit in Najran:
Al Ukhdood Archaeological Site
The large archeological site of Al-Ukhdood on the south of the modern city testifies of this rich past. The name of Al-Ukhdood, which means the ditch (or trench) in Arabic, comes from the Surah Al-Burooj of the Quran which praises a group of believers who were burnt alive by the "People of the Ditch" because they refuse to renounce to their belief in God.
Najran valley dam
The beautiful and fertile land also possesses a water dam. The dam, known as Najran Valley Dam is the Kingdom’s largest dam. It is an arch dam on Wadi Najran about 15 km (9.3 mi) southwest of Najran. It has several purposes to include water supply, flood control, and groundwater recharge.
Abu As-Su’ud traditional village
Abu As-Su'ud is a delightful experience that brings back in time. You'll see the mud-bricks buildings are made up of several stories, sometimes over six, and as you go up from floor to floor, the windows get larger to let in more light and air. Also, there are elegant crenellations on top of walls that give the silhouette of these rectangular buildings a sensation of lightness.
Emarah Palace
Emarah Palace is located in the center of the city of Najran. It was built on the site of an ancient well in 1944 (1363 H), few years after the Province joined the Saudi Kingdom. Its first purpose was to host the new governor and its companions, but also the telegraph post and the police. It is surely the most sizeable historical building of the Province with its 625 square meters and 65 rooms. It is open to the public and comprises as well a museum telling the story of the Palace.
Al-Aan Palace
Al-Aan Palace, also known as Se'dan Palace, was built in 1688 (1100 H). It comprises four storeys, a court, and several secondary buildings. Its location on a peak on the northern side of the Wadi Najran is not only strategical as it dominates the oasis, but it also offers a stunning view point on the valley and the surrounding mountains.
As-Safa park and Ra'um Castle
Najran has several parks like the As-Safa one to the west of the city which covers an area of about 5 square kilometers and is surrounded on the east by the Najran valley and on the south by granite mount on top of which was built the Ra'um Castle.
