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Najran, Saudi Arabia

Al-Aan Palace

A tall mud-brick palace on a rocky hill above the palm groves of Wadi Najran, one of the most photographed buildings in the south of Saudi Arabia.

Favourite places

Local food

  • Areeka

    Najran, Saudi Arabia

    A southern speciality of whole-wheat dough kneaded with ghee and shaped into a mound with a hollow in the middle, filled with honey or date syrup. Eaten with the hands, usually at breakfast or for guests.

  • Local mountain honey

    Najran, Saudi Arabia

    The south-west of the Kingdom is known for its honey from sidr and wildflower blossom. It is sold in markets and eaten with bread, areeka or simply with coffee.

  • Saudi coffee (gahwa) and dates

    Najran, Saudi Arabia

    Lightly roasted coffee spiced with cardamom (sometimes saffron or cloves), poured in small cups from a dallah and always served with dates. Offering it is the first sign of welcome in any Saudi home, majlis or heritage site.Read more

Where to eat

  • Date and honey shops

    Across the city

    Najran’s palm groves and the honey of the south-west make good gifts to take home; buy from established shops in the souq or the main roads.

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Where to stay

Culture

Tower houses like this were built for families and defence, with storerooms below and living rooms above. The whitewash patterns are typical of Najran’s architecture.

History

Al-Aan Palace (also called Saadan Palace) stands on a hill above the village of Al-Aan, overlooking the palm groves of Wadi Najran. It is a classic example of the tall mud-brick tower houses of the region, several storeys high with whitewashed bands around its top and windows.

It is generally said to be a few centuries old and has been restored. Its setting above the green valley makes it one of the best-known images of Najran.

Tour plans

Palaces of the wadi

Half day

  1. Step 1: Al-Aan Palace

    Climb the hill for views over the palms.

  2. Step 2: Al Manjam Palace

    Continue to another mud-brick landmark of the valley.

  3. Step 3: Sunset in the wadi

    Coffee and dates as the light fades over the groves.

Map

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Travel information

Best time to visit

October to March, late afternoon for the light on the palace and the valley.

How to get there

  • From central Najran: a short drive to Al-Aan village along the wadi by taxi or car.

Getting around

  • On foot: a short climb leads up the hill; the best views of the palace are from below and from the valley road.

Travel tips

  • Travel advice: Najran is close to the border with Yemen. Before you go, check your own government's current travel advice for the area.
  • Dress: modest clothing is expected in public — shoulders and knees covered for everyone; loose, light fabrics are the most comfortable. Women do not need to cover their hair as visitors, but a scarf is useful for religious sites.
  • Prayer times: many shops and some sites close briefly for each of the five daily prayers; plan around them.
  • Friday: the weekly holy day. Mornings are quiet and many places open only after the midday prayer.
  • Access: check locally whether the interior is open on the day of your visit.
  • Respect the village: Al-Aan is a living village — ask before photographing people and homes.

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