AlUkhdud Archaeological Site

Must visit if interested in Islamic and Qurranic explorations. Complete facilitation provided by Saudi government public services.

my experience is really nice the staff is really helpful and friendly.. I just complete my visit here and to my amaze I was only the alone and they allow me to visit the place. It is historical and drage us in that time. Must visit recommended.

timing starts from 10AM

Such an amazing place to visit. However, if you’re coming during the summer days you might have to consider coming at like 3:30 P.M or afterwards to avoid the heat.The best time to visit would be in the winter time, since that it doesn’t get very cold during the day or extremely hot. ( btw it’s for free ) opening time is from 10:00 A.M

Well maintained historical place, long walk if you want to do the walk or buggy is also available.

Al Ukhdood Archaeological site offers a unique perspective on its history and culture. Very thankful to the Managment of the site for their support and for sharing the useful and impressive information.
A great marvelous to visit.

nice place for ibrat .... i visited this June 2019... Islamic historical place...about 20000 people died in a drill by a cruel king yajeed ... the incident is known as hadsate khudud... at this place you can see the fossil of human bone ...all the people died because they accept the existence of Allah and the message of Allah ...
we should always offer namaj at any condition.ALLAH will reward us many thing in duniya as well as day of judgement and akhirah.

If you happen to visit Najran city, don't forget to see al-okhdood. This place is very historical. It talks about the past. You will find there the old structures and carvings which i believe was there already since the ancient times. This place was also mentioned in the Holy Quran making it more significant and a must to visit. If you're planning to visit there alone, be sure to not go there during friday 'coz that is alloted only for family. Consider also the time of prayer. Overall, i like this place and i hope to visit it again soon!
You can check my youtube channel "Shamenkingz at the kingdom" i have one video there about al-okhdood.

a must see sight and great reception with rick info. The place is full of heritage and should be a UNESCO site

Mr Hadi center Manager very supportive

400 years bc nice experience

This place is about Ashabul Ukhdud (Ditch) which mentioned in Al Quran in Surah AlBuruj.(can google for details). The arkeological details in this site is amazing. There is evidence of bones, clay items etc..

This was breathtaking: I praise the authorities to be able to preserve this place which to me, qualifies for a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. I recorded 5 kilometers on my pedometer and still didn’t fully explore the facility. Please visit here if you are in Najran or environment

They will open new museum within couple months , and it is worth to visit

Wonderful site, If u know the history of Ashab ul ukhdood u will feel wonderful, will freshen your Eemaan, Must resite sura al Burooj and try to get full information, then u will feel real freshness

Very informative

This site made my hair stand on ends. Very eerie. The site needs to be more developed. It doesn't make sense as to why it's not developed. In other countries, people understand heritage and history, this, protect historical and educational sites.

You have to go early just at 3 pm or a little pit after, if u r going to see the whole area,
This place speaks about a king that burn down 20000 people of his own kingdom because difference in religion. sourat AlBroug, and one hadeath of profit Mohamed peace aboun him, spoke about that nation.

Al-Ukhdud Archaeological Site in Saudi Arabia

Al-Okhdood Archaeological Site in Najran in the south of Saudi Arabia, lie in the village carrying the same name and is considered an archaeological treasure dating back more than 2,000 years.

The site is rich with artifacts and remnants of ancient drawings and engravings on stones, such as a human hand, a horse, a camel and snakes carved, in addition to remnants of a Mosque.

Al-Okhdood which is mentioned in the Quran, witnessed historical events and wars 2,000 years ago, and consequently led to its burning with its residents leaving it in ruin and ashes, when the last king of that era wanted to take revenge of Najran Christian residents who refused to convert to Judaism.

Considered a touristic attraction, travelers and enthusiasts can visit al-Okhdood's many ancient sites dating to the Byzantine , Umayyad and Abbasid period, proving that it was once a crucial area for trade and agriculture, along with a cultural touch.

Al-Okhood, which is built over 5sq. km south of Najran, tells the story of the people who lived there, referred to as “People of the Groove” and were mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Burooj.

Najran’s history witnessed important historical events and was subjected to many military campaigns at different times in history, leading to its siege and occupation and once to its complete destruction. One of these incidents is the incident of “al-Okhdood” which is mentioned in the Quran, when Judaic King of Himyar Dhu Nuwas chose to seek revenge on Nejran Christians for refusing to convert to Judaism.

*Development and exploration*

Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) have conducted many archeological works in this area. The excavations uncovered the remnants of a mosque northeast of the site that dates back to the first century AH.

Also uncovered inscriptions show that it goes back to 7000 BC to 1000 BC, portraying the way the residents of that era how they hunted dogs, camels and other animals, using various weapons including spears, sticks, arches and double-headed arrows.

*The importance of al-Okhood*

The director of SCTH in Najran Saleh al-Marih said that it is considered a historical site not only in the region but also in the Arabian Peninsula because it tells one of the greatest stories of our time.

“This site has made Najran a touristic attraction, for both Arab and foreign tourists”, said al-Marih.

The site is protected by a fence while indoor seating areas have been provided, as well as a walkway and a traditional café, he added.

The director confirmed that research work and excavations are still on going in the area and that it might takes them years to unveil the many treasures and secrets underneath the surface.

He also said that since the excavations began in 1997, archaeologists have discovered many Islamic monuments, and many tombs dating back to BC.

*Historical museum*

Najran is viewed as a living historical museum, especially after the discovery of various artifacts. It includes calligraphy, ancient hieroglyphs, and Egyptian inscriptions as well as Kufic ones dating back to the Early Islamic period.

They have also unearthed drawings of horses, camels, ostriches and otters, as well as handicraft, which show the presence of humans in the region, during the Stone Age.

The most recent discoveries reveal that several ancient civilizations existed in the region.

Researchers also discovered traces of ancient lakes.

Historical site to visit. This place was found during uncovering the land which was laid upside down before 2000 years ago. The bones and remaining of the walls are still witnessed.

Informative historical sight.