Jewels for Tourists

1. Madain Salih

In 2008, the archaeological site of Al-Hijr (Madain Salih) was added to UNESCO's list of world cultural heritage as the first UNESCO's World Heritage property to be inscribed in Saudi Arabia.

Formerly known as ``Hegra,'' it is the largest conserved site of the Nabataean civilization, south of Petra in Jordan.

It features well-preserved monumental tombs with decorated facades dating from the 1st century B.C. to the first century A.D.

The site also features some 50 inscriptions of the pre-Nabataean period and some cave drawings.

Al-Hijr bears a unique testimony to Nabataean civilization.

With its 111 monumental tombs, 94 of which are decorated, and water wells, the site is an outstanding example of the Nabataeans' architectural accomplishment and hydraulic expertise.

2. National Museum

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is a modern museum set in the sweeping grounds of the King Abdul Aziz historical area.

It provides an extraordinary introduction to all aspects of the kingdom's natural, religious, historical and social heritages.

The museums' vast displays draw on various national resources, the most impressive of which is the Riyadh Museum for History and Archaeology.

It occupies 28,000 square meters of floor space and consists of eight main display halls which provide an epochal sweep of Arabian history, from the creation of the universe to the unification of Saudi Arabia and the Hajj.

There are reconstructions of antiquities, and models of the old town of Dirayah, as well as the famous holy mosques of Makkah and Madinah.

The museum uses state of the art interactive technology, small screen cinemas and audio commentary in Arabic and English.

It is highly recommended for children and adults alike.

3. Al-Masmak Palace

Al-Masmak was the starting point for King Abdulaziz to recover the capital of his grandfathers. The palace was renovated and transformed to a public museum. The word ``Masmak" means thick, high inaccessible building, and this is applicable to Al-Masmak, which is a strong square fortress with high towers of thick walls.

Al Masmak was used for a long time as arsenal before being transformed into a museum.

The gate is on the western side of the palace and made of palm date and tamarisk wood. At the middle of the gate there is small door, which passes only two persons at a time.

The door till now bears the scratch of the broken spear of King Abdulaziz when the palace was attacked.

The mosque is to the left side when entering the palace. The mosque is a multi pillar big room with wall racks for Quran, Miharab and ventilation openings in ceiling and walls.

The court is on the opposite side when entering the palace. It is a rectangular hall with a kitchen for coffee making.

The well is in the northeastern side of the palace. Water was withdrawn with a special mechanism installed at the well opening.

At each corner of the palace, there is one 18-meter-high cylindrical tower with stairs and wooden ladders for climbing. The walls of the towers are 1.25 meter thick.

Also there is a square tower at the center of the palace called ``Al Morabaa" with upper terrace overlooking the main courtyard. The courtyard is surrounded by rooms, which connect with each other from inside and have stairs leading to the first floor and roof.

The museum consists of one hall, which contains pictures, maps, marquette and other old tools. Also shown in this hall is a map of Riyadh wall with its gates, a map of King Abdulaziz military campaigns and some of the old weapons.