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Afterward, visit The House of Islamic Arts, a museum specialised in Islamic arts from the far countries of China and India to the farthest countries of the Maghreb and Andalusia. The museum contains more than a thousand pieces of art, representing 15 centuries of the history of Islamic art from all countries of the Islamic world.

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While wandering around the narrow streets, we will see the old mosques, some were founded over 300 years ago and are still functional as a mosque, and understand how merchants used to sell their goods and how pilgrims used to get their supplies of cloth and food before they head to Makkah through the Makkah Gate in Al Balad.

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Visit the Dar Al Madinah Museum, located in the Knowledge Economic City. It has many exhibits that show how the city expanded from the time of Prophet Muhammed to the present time. It also contains rare manuscripts and a variety of religious model representations that link the story of Islam and the prophet’s biography.

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We will visit the most famous oasis of the 1^st millennium BCE, the Oasis of Dedan, where excavations on extensive archeological sites have revealed the existence of large fortified cities of the ancient Dadanite and Lihyanite civilisations. These kingdoms developed their own culture including a specific language and alphabet, that resulted in a mix of Arabian traditions and strong influences from the surrounding empires.  See the two exceptional tombs located some 50 metres above the wadi where the ancient oasis was centred. Those are the only tombs that are decorated with two carved lions, each showing the importance of their owners such as governors or influential people. These sculptures of lions are an outstanding example of the Mesopotamian influence and are the proud iconic figures of this ancient oasis.

Visit Jabal Ikmah, a mountain near the ancient city of Dadan, AlUla’s Jabal Ikmah, widely known as the ‘open library’ for its diverse array of inscriptions, has been added to the Memory of the World International Register on 23 May 2023.  This documentary heritage collection titled ‘Arabian Chronicles in Stone: Jabal Ikmah’ comprises approximately 300 inscriptions engraved into the mountain’s walls during the ancient Dadanite and Lihyanite civilisations, dating back to the second half of the first millennium BCE.

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Proceed to AlUla Old Town

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Visit Elephant Rock, a spectacular rock formation that resembles an elephant with its trunk touching the ground, is one of AlUla’s geomorphological wonders and has become one of AlUla’s iconic landmarks. Elephant Rock, also known as Jabal AlFil, is one of AlUla’s many geological marvels.

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Proceed to Hail, the capital and largest city of Hail Region in north-western Saudi Arabia. Hail is largely agricultural, with significant grain, date, and fruit production.

We will pass through the famous desert of Nefud Al Kabir which is literally translated as the “vast expanse of sand dunes”. It is 290 kilometres long and 225 kilometres wide, with an area of 103,600 square kilometres.

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Visit the Al-Samraa Park which extends over an area of about 90,000 square metres and is distinguished by its proximity. It is one of the most famous and most beautiful parks in Hail, where it is frequented by many visitors. The mountain has breathtaking views where you can see the entire city, and the park has fountains and places for fishing.

Visit Aja Salma Cafe and Museum which is one of the most prominent tourist places in Hail. It is a museum that displays archaeological, heritage pieces, and collectibles of the region’s culture for visitors and tourists. There is also a wonderful cafe with outdoor seating so that we can rest and enjoy a cup of coffee.

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Visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia which was established in 1419 and is a significant part of the King Abdulaziz historical centre in Riyadh. Artifacts from all periods are exhibited with explanations about their historical significance.

Then visit Murabba Historical Palace, situated within the premises of the museum. The palace was built in the form of a square surrounded by walls, highlighting the nature of the local society that values the privacy of their homes. Divided into 2 floors, the palace has 32 rooms which consist of receptions for the king’s guests, and administrative offices for the king’s aides and guards.

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Visit At-Turaif district in Diriyah, the birthplace of the first Saudi State, a historical crossroads of pilgrims and traders. This historical district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its well-preserved adobe structures that showcase the Najdi architectural style. It was the first capital of the Saudi dynasty and holds great cultural and historical importance in the country’s history. Explore the traditional mud-brick buildings, and historical mosques, and learn about the rich history of the region.

The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary.