Latest news with #Nabateans
CairoScene
27-03-2025
- CairoScene
Into the Valley: Exploring Saudi Arabia's Hidden Oasis
In Saudi Arabia's Tabuk region, Wadi Disah is an oasis of red cliffs, freshwater streams, and towering palms—an untouched wonder that remains one of the Kingdom's most spectacular landscapes. Few places in Saudi Arabia feel as improbable as Wadi Disah. Deep in the Tabuk region, hidden between sheer rock walls and a desert that stretches endlessly in all directions, this valley is an outlier—a world of flowing water, dense palm groves, and towering sandstone cliffs. For centuries, it was known mostly to locals and the occasional traveler who ventured into its depths. Now, it is gaining recognition as one of the Kingdom's most spectacular natural wonders. The journey into Wadi Disah is an experience in itself. Leaving Tabuk, the road stretches south for nearly three hours, cutting through a landscape that shifts from barren plains to rugged mountains, the horizon broken only by the occasional camel or a dust trail left behind by a passing truck. Eventually, the tarmac disappears altogether, replaced by a winding dirt track that leads toward Al Disah village, the last point of civilization before the valley swallows the road whole. Wadi Disah does not announce itself with dramatic arrival points. Instead, the transition is gradual—the desert gives way to narrow canyons, where the light softens, the air cools, and the silence deepens. The only way forward is on foot, tracing the path of a slow-moving stream, its waters running clear and shallow. The rock formations here are monumental, some smooth and curved, others jagged and angular, shaped by centuries of wind and water. At times, the canyon narrows to a corridor so tight that sunlight barely filters through; in others, it widens into vast groves where palms and acacia trees stretch toward the sky. Deeper into the valley, the past lingers in the rock. The Nabateans, the same civilization behind Petra, once passed through here, leaving their mark in the form of ancient carvings and unfinished tomb facades still etched into the cliffs. Even older inscriptions, some in Thamudic script, suggest that Wadi Disah was a place of movement, a passage through an otherwise unforgiving land. Unlike much of Saudi Arabia, where seasonal rains evaporate within days, Wadi Disah remains green year-round. Underground springs feed natural pools and flowing streams, creating a microclimate unlike anything else in the region. Wildlife thrives here—ibex, gazelles, and migratory birds all find refuge in the valley's shade. Despite its remoteness, Wadi Disah is changing. As Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 brings attention to the country's hidden natural wonders, the valley has been identified as a future eco-tourism destination. For now, there are no visitor centers, no paved roads, no signs pointing the way. It is still a place where the desert meets water, where history is carved into the cliffs, and where a traveler can stand in absolute silence, surrounded by a landscape that feels ancient, untouched, and entirely its own. How to Get There Fly into Tabuk – The closest major city, with direct flights from Riyadh and Jeddah (~1.5 hours). Drive to Al Disah village – 260 km, approx. 2.5-3 hours from Tabuk. The last stretch requires a 4x4 for deeper exploration. Where to Stay Al Reem Luxury Camp (Disah) – A boutique desert camp offering private tents with panoramic views. Juman Hotel & Waves Hotel (Tabuk) – Modern city hotels, ideal as a base before or after your trip. Guided Tours & Local Operators TourHQ – Full-day guided hikes and off-road exploration. GetYourGuide – Tailored experiences through the valley's natural and archaeological sites.
Trade Arabia
17-03-2025
- Trade Arabia
Jordan invites GCC to explore its Uneso sites
The Jordan Tourism Board is welcoming visitors to experience the marvels of seven Uneso World Heritage Sites, which offer enriching experiences of Jordan's magnificent past and vibrant present. From the remnants of ancient civilisations, defined by Petra - one of the world's richest and largest archaeological sites set in a dominating red sandstone landscape - to the breathtaking landscapes of Wadi Rum, visitors can explore timeless wonders, all of them preserved with authenticity. They can also marvel at the ingenuity of people who once walked the land, their rich cultural and artistic legacy, and the mesmerising flourishes that nature has carved for itself. Dr Abdelrazzak Arabiyat, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board, said: 'Our seven Uneso World Heritage Sites are a powerful testament to the diverse civilisational influences that shaped Jordan over hundreds of thousands of years. Each of the sites has something unique to offer to visitors, transporting them to the marvels of the past, and opening their hearts and minds to the wonders of nature as well as the rich cultural, trade and architectural legacy of our ancient communities.' A WORLD OF WONDERS IN EASY ACCESS Just a short flight from all major GCC cities, Jordan's Uneso sites serve as perfect getaways for short haul visits – offering all members of the family fascinating cultural experiences. For those who love to connect with the pristine soul of nature, there are few other places that offer such a diversity of attractions – all accessible effortlessly. The journey can start with Petra, situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea and inhabited since prehistoric times. The rock-cut capital city of the Nabateans, became a major caravan centre for the incense of Arabia, the silks of China and the spices of India, during Hellenistic and Roman times. Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. In the south of Jordan is the Wadi Rum Protected Area (WRPA) sprawling over an area of 74,200 hectares. Wadi Rum is defined by fascinating natural aspects such as desert landforms developed within continental sandstones. These landforms represent over a million years of ongoing landscape evolution. Take another trip down history lane at As-Salt, built on three closely-spaced hills in the Balqa highland of west-central Jordan. It was a vital trade link and a thriving town with a distinctive layout and an architecture marked by large public buildings and family residences constructed of local yellow limestone. During the last 60 years of the Ottoman period, the region prospered from the arrival and settlement of merchants from Nablus, Syria, and Lebanon who made their fortunes in trade, banking, and farming. Quseir Amra is another fascinating Uneso World Heritage Site, which was built in the early 8th century beside the Wadi Butum, a seasonal watercourse. It served both as a fortress with a garrison and a pleasure palace of the Umayyad caliphate. The fresco paintings of the bath building and reception hall are unique for Islamic architecture of the Umayyad period – and will delight all cultural and art aficionados. EXPLORE THE HIDDEN GEMS AND TREASURES In its strictest terms, the archeological site of Um Er-Rasas is still not fully excavated. Its origins were as a Roman military camp before evolving as a town in the 5th century. Today, it invites visitors to explore the course of history, covering the Roman, Byzantine and Early Muslim periods (end of 3rd to 9th centuries AD). The site also has 16 churches, some with well-preserved mosaic floors. The most recent addition to the Uneso World Heritage Sites, Umm Al-Jimal rises out of Jordan's northern basalt plain. It is both a modern town and an ancient archaeological site, home to almost 2000 years of fascinating history and culture - Nabataean, Roman, Byzantine, Umayyad, Mamluk, Ottoman and Modern. Visitors can explore over 150 well preserved ancient structures. For the spiritual and for every history lover, the Baptism Site is a must-visit. Situated on the eastern bank of the River Jordan, nine kilometres north of the Dead Sea, the archaeological site consists of two distinct areas: Tell Al-Kharrar, also known as Jabal Mar-Elias (Elijah's Hill) and the area of the churches of Saint John the Baptist near the river. The remains include churches and chapels, a monastery, and caves that have been used by hermits and pools in which baptisms were celebrated. "Our Uneso sites take visitors to eras that have defined not only the region but also shaped religions and cultures, added Dr. Arabiyat. "For visitors, each of these locations have modern amenities that will make their trips memorable, in addition to the rich insights they gain from expert guides. From luxury hotels to desert camps, and an astonishing variety of authentic culinary delights, tours to the sites will be perfect for visitors from the GCC to gain enriching experiences." -TradeArabia News Service
