Discover Jabal Ithlib - Archeological Site - Al Ula

Located to the east of Al Ula, in the heart of Hegra, an archaeological site in Hejaz, Jabal Ithlib is a glorious, natural mountain and a cultural site. Historically, it was a place of worship for Nabateans who were ancient Arabian nomads from the Negev Desert.

Main attractions

The biggest attraction of Jabal Ithlib is the ‘Diwan’ which is a large room carved into the rocks of the mountain that looks like a dining area or a triclinium. It is historically believed to have been an important room for gatherings such as royal banquets and political meetings and also has an open front, which was probably designed for outside or public observers. Apart from that, the cultural roots and mind-blowing landscape of the mountains is what attracts tourists from all over the world.

The mountain can be accessed from a passage through the Siq canal which lies to the left of Diwan. Past this canal is the central area of the mountain that has many carvings and inscriptions that may have had something to do with ancient religious practices. There is also a water channel that flows through the center of the mountain range and leads into a natural water basin and eventually  into a cistern. It is another site from which we can learn the lessons of the past.