Archaeology galleries
Inside the museum
Finds from Al-Ukhdood and other sites of the region.
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Najran, Saudi Arabia
Najran Regional Museum
The region’s museum of archaeology and heritage, close to Al-Ukhdood, with finds from the ancient city and displays on traditional life in Najran.
Favourite places
Inscriptions
Archaeology galleries
Stones carved in ancient South Arabian script.
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Inside the museum
Traditional dress, silverwork, daggers and household objects of the region.
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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
Main commercial roads
Central Najran
Local restaurants serving mandi, haneeth and kabsa, plus grills, bakeries and cafés. Most have family sections.
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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
Central Najran
Najran, Saudi Arabia
Hotels and furnished apartments near the main roads and the old market, a short drive from the Emirate Palace and Al-Ukhdood.
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Najran, Saudi Arabia
Quieter hotels and apartments near the palm groves of the wadi, closer to the mud-brick villages such as Al-Aan.
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Culture
The museum is the best introduction to Najran’s layered history, from the incense trade to its mud-brick villages and crafts.
History
The Najran Regional Museum presents the history of the region from prehistoric times to the modern era. Its collections include objects found at Al-Ukhdood and other sites — pottery, inscriptions, tools and jewellery — as well as displays on the incense trade and the region's later Islamic history.
Galleries on traditional life show the architecture, crafts, dress and farming of the Najran valley.
Tour plans
Museum and ruins
Half dayStep 1: Najran Regional Museum
Start with the history of the region.
Step 2: Al-Ukhdood
See the ancient city itself.
Step 3: Old souq
Shop for honey, dates and crafts.
Travel information
Best time to visit
All year, as a cool indoor stop in the heat of the day. Check opening times locally.
How to get there
- From central Najran: near Al-Ukhdood on the south side of the wadi; a short drive by taxi or car.
Getting around
- On foot: allow about an hour inside, then continue to Al-Ukhdood.
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.
- Check ahead: opening times can change, especially during Ramadan and holidays — confirm before you go.