Hugging the border with Jordan, Al Jawf Province lies in the far north of Saudi Arabia. It has been inhabited since the Stone Age and is one of the kingdom’s most fertile regions, with olive oil and dates among its most famous products.
Things to do in Al Jawf
As one of the oldest inhabited parts of modern-day Saudi Arabia, Al Jawf Province is a history lover’s dream.
Explore King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve. Encompassing 130,000 square kilometres of mountains, plains and plateaus, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve is one of the largest protected areas in Saudi Arabia. It provides a habitat for Arabian wolves, goitered gazelles and rare species of deer, as well as a diverse array of migratory bird species. In addition to the remains of ancient palaces and hilltop forts, the reserve is dotted with rock art sites carved into the sandstone cliffs.
Visit Marid Castle. Overlooking the city of Dumat Al-Jandal is one of Saudi Arabia’s most impressive castles, which dates back to the 1st century AD. It is named after a phrase coined by Queen Zenobia after she was unable to storm the castle: “Madrid has rebelled and Ablaq has glorified”. Climb the 1,000+ steps that lead up to Marid Castle to admire its four conical towers and imposing stone wall.
Relax on the shores of Dumat Al-Jandal Lake. Surrounded by desert, Dumat Al-Jandal Lake is a popular recreational destination, with everything from jet skiing to hiking on offer. It’s one of the only lakes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is fringed by a park with picnic facilities and restaurants. Jump aboard a speed boat for a thrilling adventure around the lake or enjoy the serene atmosphere from one of the waterfront walking trails.
Getting around Al Jawf
Al-Jawf Regional Airport is the main aviation gateway to Al Jawf Province and has flights to destinations across the Middle East. Long-distance buses connect south-east to Riyadh while regional services travel between towns and cities throughout the province. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around Al Jawf.