What's the Hook of Tabuk? - Destination KSA

A visit to one of Saudi’s most culturally rich cities.

Located in northern Saudi Arabia, Tabuk’s position on the map made it an important stopover for Muslims who are performing the Hajj pilgrimage from Egypt and Syria. The influence of these pilgrims, as well as the Ottomans who controlled this route, is deeply ingrained in the city’s rich culture today. Tabuk can easily be reached by air via the Tabuk Airport. It is a must-visit destination for any history enthusiast.

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1. Wadi Disah

Wadi Disah is a 180km drive that is worth taking to reach one of the western region’s untouched oases. This spectacular site is filled with greenery, palm trees, and streams surrounded by rouge, orange, and deep-toned mountains. It’s complex and intertwining wadis (valleys), as well as hidden springs.

2. Tabuk Castle

Located in the city’s center, Tabuk Castle dates back to the 1500s and was built during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The castle has two floors filled with interesting artifacts from the Ottoman empire, as well as displays that educate visitors on important figures and events from Tabuk’s history. Outside, the castle’s courtyard has a well that holds water from a spring, known as “Ain Al Sukkar.”

3. Hejaz Railway Station

The Hejaz Railway Station in Tabuk was one of the few stations located between Syria, Makkah, and Madina. Built-in the 1900s, the station was destroyed during the Second World War. Now restored, the station houses an old train and artifacts that belong to pilgrims of centuries past. Make sure to read the information boards on the walls, which chronicle the detailed history of the Hejaz Railway.

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Photo by @niklaskal — Photo by @niklaska

1. Road-Tripping to the Georgios G. Shipwreck

If you can spare the time, a trip to see the Georgios G. Shipwreck is well worth it. Located in Al Haql, a seaside town that borders Jordan, the shipwreck is clearly visible from the shore. The trip these consists of a two-hour drive by highway, and you’ll be able to take in views of untouched beaches as well as beautifully eroded rock formations on your way.

DID YOU KNOW?
Georgios G. is known to locals as the Saudi Titanic. It was a cargo vessel carrying flour back in 1978 when it got stuck on a narrow mountain edge rising from the sea and caught fire.

2. Prophet Shuaib’s Ancient Town

For those in the mood to experience history, the town of Prophet Shuaib, home to the Midianites, is the perfect destination. Situated within Al Bad, 170km from the city, the ancient dwelling is a striking site of hand-carved pink sandstone and elaborate ornamentation.

3. Visiting Tabuk Museum

To get a good insight into the extensive history of Tabuk, a trip to the Tabuk Museum is a must. Located in the same place as the Hejaz Railway Station, the museum highlights Tabuk’s heritage, showcasing displays of artifacts from the Stone Age and the Nabatean Kingdom, to the Ottoman Empire and the founding of Saudi Arabia.

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If you want a taste of Tabuk’s local cuisine, visit Al Qariah Al Turathiah. This is the place to go to if you want to enjoy authentic food in authentic food in an authentic environment. The restaurant offers a wide array of local dishes, all served the traditional way: on the ground, in separate traditionally-decorated rooms per group.

Location: King Khalid Road, Al Faisaliyah Ashamaliyah, Al Salihiyyah, Tabuk 47913

WONDER PITSTOPS

SIGHTS TO SEE IN DUBA

THE OLD CITY: This section of the city overlooks the Duba Gulf, and is filled with old brick-and-plaster buildings adorned with beautiful wooden windows.
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KING ABDUL AZIZ CASTLE: Built following King Abdul Aziz’s conquest of the city, the limestone castle is situated on top of a plateau.

THINGS TO DO IN AL WAJH

VISIT NEARBY ISLANDS: Take a boat from the port and visit the nearby Brim, Umm Rawmah, and the Marikhah Islands to wonder at their unique natural features.
GO SWIMMING: Al Hashrah Beach is a great place for visitors wanting a swim.
RELAX AT THE PARK: Al Wajh’s Corniche Park stretches along the coast, offering visitors great views of the Red Sea as well as benches and spots for picnics.
Sourced Photo