Najran: Archaeology, Markets and Regional Cuisine

Al-Okhdood, Raoum Castle and the dishes Hamisa and Raqsh give the Najran region its archaeological and culinary character. They are joined by museums, traditional markets and crafts whose details range from iron to silver and gold. For planning your trip, these themes are easy to distinguish: archaeological history, places in the city, regional cuisine and getting your bearings in Najran City.

Archaeological Sites and Museums

Al-Okhdood City, also known as Raqamat or Rijmat, is an archaeological city and a tourist destination in the Najran region. The citadel is believed to have existed from 500 BC to the middle of the 1st century AD. During an excavation at Al-Okhdood in 2018, the so-called Najran Treasure was discovered: an earthenware vessel containing more than 2,850 silver coins that had lain underground for around two millennia. The find’s name, the number of coins and the length of time they spent underground make it a distinctive part of the site’s archaeological history.

The Najran Regional Museum was built in 1983 and opened to visitors in 1987. It is located in Najran City near the Al-Okhdood archaeological site and has five exhibition halls. The prehistoric wing covers the period from after the Stone Age to the end of the pre-Islamic era, with a particular focus on Al-Okhdood and its artifacts. The Najran Regional Museum thus offers both the citadel’s historical context and a museum perspective on the site and its finds.

The Fortress, City Landmarks and Markets

Raoum Castle is a historic fortress on Raoum Mountain, in the center of the village of Al-Hudn in Najran City and near Prince Sultan Road. A staircase leads up to the fortress. It is visited by people interested in archaeology and by climbers. Najran Dam is a prominent urban landmark and a major tourist attraction in the region. Together, the two sites add other notable destinations in Najran to the archaeological perspective, though they need not offer the same kind of visitor experience.

The historic Aba al-Saud district is home to traditional and historic markets. Goods sold there include daggers and janbiya typical of Najran, as well as leather goods, textiles and items made of stone and ceramics. The traditional women’s market is exclusively for women; popular products, household items and women’s clothing are sold there. Take this access restriction into account when planning your visit.

Regional Dishes and Crafts

Hamisa is a popular dish in the Najran region. It consists of finely diced meat and fat, simmered in oil for about an hour while being stirred continuously. Hamisa is served with rice or baked goods. Raqsh is a main course made from pieces of whole-grain bread covered with broth and meat. It is also served at public occasions, particularly during Ramadan. The two dishes therefore differ both in their stated ingredients and in how and when they are served.

The making of janbiya daggers is also a traditional craft in the region. The daggers are made of iron; their handles are fashioned from the horns of certain animals and are often decorated with silver or gold elements. This combination of materials makes janbiya a distinct cultural topic alongside Najran’s food and markets.

Landscape and Getting There

The Najran Valley runs through the region and divides the administrative capital, Najran, into northern and southern parts. Najran Regional Airport is located in the administrative capital and serves all the region’s governorates. From Najran City, the airport is about 30 minutes away; direct access is via King Abdulaziz Road. Check road conditions before setting out. The valley and the airport thus offer two different points of reference: one describes how the capital is divided, while the other provides a link to the region.

Discover more destinations: Najran, Sharorah, Quassim, Mecca, Al-Bahah, Tabuk, Al Madinah Province, Hail Province.

For the main travel overview: Saudi Arabia.