In the south of the Kingdom, on the fertile banks of Wadi Najran, lies one of the oldest archaeological sites in Arabia — the Akhdu Archaeological Site. An ancient city that has witnessed civilizations thousands of years old, and its name is linked to an eternal Quranic story. If you are a fan of history and archaeology, this is a destination not to be missed.
Who is it for: history and archaeology enthusiasts, tourists, families, knowledge seekers
Where is it: south of Najran city — 14 kilometers from the city center
How much does it cost: free
When: daily from 9 am to 5 pm
💡 Tip: it is recommended to visit the visitor center first to learn about the site’s history before exploring the ruins
Akhdu Archaeological Site — a window into 7,000 years of history
Akhdu (formerly known as “Ragmat”) is an archaeological site located on an area of 5 square kilometers south of Wadi Najran. The site dates back thousands of years, with the oldest discovered artifacts dating back to the Stone Age, and extending to the Islamic era (Umayyad and Abbasid). The site is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, reflecting its global historical significance.
The city was famous for its strategic location on the Incense Road, an ancient trade route that connected southern Arabia to the Levant and Egypt, making it a major stop for trade caravans.
The story of the people of Akhdu — an eternal event in the Quran
The site’s name is linked to the story of the people of Akhdu mentioned in Surat Al-Burooj. The narratives indicate that Dhu Nuwas — the last king of Himyar — burned thousands of Christians in a ditch (a pit) of fire when they refused to adopt Judaism. Allah says: “qutila ashab al-ukhdud * al-nar dhat al-waqud”. This story has made the site a unique religious and historical destination.
The most important landmarks of the archaeological site
- The Old Castle: dates back to the period from 500 BC to the middle of the first millennium AD — built with carved stones
- The Surrounding Wall: 235 meters long and 220 meters wide, surrounding the old city
- Stone Buildings: more than 25 buildings made of stone and mud, built thousands of years ago
- Rock Inscriptions and Drawings: inscriptions in the Musnad script — the ancient South Arabian script — and animal drawings
- The Old Millstone: a large grinding stone used to grind grains
- The Old Mosque: discovered in the excavations, dating back to the first century AH (seventh century AD)
- Hammat Wells: a nearby site featuring ancient rock inscriptions
Najran’s treasure — the most prominent archaeological discoveries
Since the start of excavation work in 1981, stunning archaeological finds have been discovered at the site. The most notable of which is the “Najran Treasure” discovered in 2018 — a pottery jar containing over 2,850 silver coins belonging to the kings of Qataban and Himyar, in addition to metal seals and inscribed stones in the Musnad script. This treasure had been buried underground for about two thousand years!
In 2023, the longest Musnad inscription in the region was discovered — an inscription on a granite stone
Al-Ukhdud Archaeological Site Visitor Center
The Heritage Authority has opened a comprehensive visitor center at the site, covering an area of 300 square meters, which includes:
- An introductory hall on the history of Najran from its inception to the modern era
- A special hall on the story of the owners of Al-Ukhdud and the excavation efforts
- A hall “Najran Present and Future” — industries, handicrafts, and arts
- A children’s hall with attractive colors and pictures overlooking the archaeological site
- Information about travelers and historians who visited Najran
The center received around 39,781 visitors in 2023, reflecting the growing interest in heritage tourism in the Kingdom.
Visit Information — All You Need to Know
| Information | Details |
| Location | South of Najran city — 14 km on the Qabil road |
| Visit Hours | Daily 9 am — 5 pm |
| Admission Fees | Free |
| Visitor Center | Equipped with air conditioning and educational halls |
| Best Visit Times | Winter and spring seasons (October — March) |
| Parking | Available |
| Suitable for Families | Yes — there are sections for children |
How to Visit Al-Ukhdud Archaeological Site
Access to the site is easy:
- Head to Najran city (you can fly to Najran Regional Airport)
- Take the Qabil road south for 15 minutes by car
- You will find the Visitor Center on the right side of the road before reaching the village
- Start with a tour of the center to learn about the site’s history
- Walk through the exposed archaeological site — the castle, the wall, and the rock inscriptions
- Don’t forget to visit the nearby Najran Regional Museum
Frequently Asked Questions
Is entry to Al-Ukhdud site free?
Yes, entry is free — there are no fees to enter the archaeological site or the visitor center.
What is the story of the owners of Al-Ukhdud?
The story mentioned in Surah Al-Burooj — the burning of Christian believers in Najran in a ditch of fire by order of the Himyarite king Dhu Nuwas because they refused to adopt Judaism. It is one of the most famous stories of religious persecution in ancient Arab history.
Is the site suitable for children?
Yes, the visitor center has a hall dedicated to children with attractive colors and pictures, and the site itself is an open space where children can explore safely.
—
For more information, visit the site’s official page on https://www.visitsaudi.com/ar/najran/attractions/alukhdud-archaeological-site/
