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Al-Ukhdood Archaeological Site

Najran, Saudi Arabia

Al-Ukhdood Archaeological Site

The ruins of the ancient city of Najran on the incense trade route, with stone foundations, inscriptions and carvings. Linked to the Quranic story of the People of the Ditch.

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.

  • Mandi

    Najran, Saudi Arabia

    Lamb or chicken cooked slowly in a closed pit or oven over smoky heat and served on fragrant rice. Common across southern Saudi Arabia, with roots shared with neighbouring Yemen.

  • 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

  • Traditional souq

    Older part of Najran, near the Emirate Palace

    The old market area sells local honey, dates, spices, incense and crafts such as silver and traditional daggers, with small restaurants and tea stalls nearby.

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Where to stay

Culture

For many visitors the site matters both as archaeology and as the setting of a story from the Quran. The inscriptions also show how connected ancient Najran was to the wider world of trade.

History

Al-Ukhdood was the main city of the Najran oasis for many centuries, an important stop on the caravan routes that carried incense and other goods between southern Arabia and the north. Excavations have uncovered the foundations of stone buildings, a walled citadel, grinding stones, pottery and inscriptions in the ancient South Arabian script.

The site is associated with the “People of the Ditch” (Ashab al-Ukhdood) mentioned in Surah Al-Buruj of the Quran, generally linked to events in the early 6th century CE. It is now a protected archaeological site.

Tour plans

Ancient Najran

Half day

  1. Step 1: Al-Ukhdood

    Walk the citadel and look for inscriptions.

  2. Step 2: Najran Regional Museum

    See finds from the region and learn its history.

  3. Step 3: Lunch

    Mandi or haneeth in the city.

Travel information

Best time to visit

October to March, in the morning or late afternoon.

How to get there

  • From central Najran: on the south side of Wadi Najran, a short drive from the centre by taxi or car.

Getting around

  • On foot: walk the paths around the citadel and ruins; allow one to two hours.

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.
  • Shade: there is little shade — bring water and a hat.
  • Opening times: check locally before you go.
  • Protect the site: do not climb on walls or take any stones.

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