Do you want to visit the capital of Tabuk region in north-western Saudi Arabia?
It is located close to the Jordanian-Saudi Arabia border and has been a gateway to North Arabia for decades. It has a storied past and historic architectural treasures that attracts visitors from all over the globe to the lovely city of Tabuk.
The most touristy destinations to visit in Tabuk are a treat for the history enthusiast as well as for architecture lovers. The city has a sprinkling of several attractions for tourists and no lack of exciting activities to indulge in. The climate in the city is also very amiable, thereby making it an all-year round destination for travelers.
Tabuk has long and hot summers with dry winds passing over the area. The winters are quite short and cold. The frequency of average rainfall is approximately 0.1 inches all year round. Summer average Tabuk temperature is approximately 39°C (maximum) and 25°C (minimum), whereas the winter average temperature is between 18°C (maximum) and 4°C (minimum).
The most suitable months to travel to Tabuk for a comfortable and easy tour are March, April, October, and November. Temperature during these months is moderately cooler and suitable to move around the city.
Tabuk Sightseeing
Tabuk is a popular holiday spot filled with infinite sightseeing points. Holidaymakers can visit mountains in Tabuk to witness the beautiful valley view or can enjoy a day in desert involving various desert sports. In addition, one may also explore the many tourist points within the majestic Tabuk city.
Tabuk Mountains
Tabuk boasts a chain of mountains with excellent spot for camping and trekking. These mountains possess virgin beauty over huge land with sandstone cliffs and ancient rock paintings. Tabuk possesses one of the tallest mountains in Saudi Arabia by the name Jabal al Lawz. The mountain has another name of ‘Mountain of Almonds’. Another mountainous giant in Tabuk is Jabal Maqla standing tall at approximately 2,326 meters. Other prominent mountains include Jabal al Qalom, Jabal Ferwa, Jabal Shar, and Jabal Ad-dhahr.
Tabuk Desert
Tabuk desert in Saudi Arabia spread over a vast tract and encompasses a large number of historical and ancient buildings such as Maghaer Shuaib. Sand provides good scope for participating in desert sports such as camel safari and dune buggy bashing. A 4×4 vehicle may also be rented to drive around the desert. In addition, the desert provides some camping spots to pass a night amidst starlight.
Tourist Destinations
With a long historic and cultural heritage, Tabuk has plenty of tourist places worth visiting. From towering castles to rose gardens in full bloom, travelers have plenty of choices for sightseeing in Tabuk. On a trip to Tabuk, one can enjoy visiting different magnificent mosques, ancient museums, and lovely nature parks.
Top Tourist Places To Visit In Tabuk
Tabuk is filled with antiquities and ancient archaeological sites such as petroglyphs, forts, palaces, inscriptions, walls and Syrian-Egyptian pilgrimage paths. Below is a list of some of the major tourist attractions in Tabuk:
- Tabuk Castle – Rich in the history of the city
This grand castle is one of the oldest fortresses in the city. Dating back to the year 1559, this ancient wonder boasts two stunning mosques that are bridged by serene courtyards, imposing watchtowers and grand staircases. Tabuk castle was for years a place of rest for the pilgrims traveling to Makkah and Madinah. Today, it is used as a museum that exhibits a lot of intriguing historical artifacts of the Ottoman era. The museum also highlights the history of Tabuk and the city’s association with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and some well-known explorers such as Evliya Celebi and Ibn Battuta.
- Al Tawba Mosque – The most important religious destination of the city
Also referred to as ‘The Prophet’s Mosque’, Al Tawba Mosque is included among the Tabuk region’s most sought-after and significant landmarks. Initially constructed from mud, bricks, and palm tree trunks, it was reconstructed by the Ottomans in 1652 and subsequently yet again during the early 20th century. Included in the world’s oldest mosques, it is of extreme religious importance since the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offered his prayers here in 630 AD on visiting for the Battle of Tabuk.
- Wadi Al Disah – One of the most picturesque spots to explore in Tabuk
Located within the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Natural Reserve, Wadi Al Disah boasts dramatic wind-sculpted sandstone pillars and resembles an expansive desert with oases of pools, palm trees and high grasses. It is also referred to as the Valley of the Palms. The expansive valley boasts beautiful landscapes perfect for photography. With its impossibly stunning sunsets, it is a great place for trekkers. Also, it has many ancient structures and ruins that date back to the Nabatean period.
- Souq Twaheen – A local pick market
This old small market is a typical Saudi market and is a great example of the heritage of the area. Most popular among the local Bedouins, the lively market has old-fashioned stores that sell anything from vegetables and groceries to apparel and gas camping stoves. Additionally, it is among the best places to visit in Tabuk for one interested in shopping for souvenirs such as multi-colored rugs, camel saddles and pillows. It can be found within Tabuk’s old quarter.
- Maghaer Shuaib – Historical arid sandstone structures
Maghaer Shuaib is located in the reddish desert stretched out in the western side of Tabuk. This wonder has tombs and facades tastefully cut into the sandstone rocks. This marvel of history was the dwelling place of Moses for ten years after his flight from Egypt. Moses stayed at Maghaer Shuaib as the guest of Prophet Shuaib before he went back to Egypt.
- Prince Fahd Bin Sultan’s Park – A tranquil haven
Prince Fahd Bin Sultan’s Park is one of the most gorgeous areas in the city and provides breathtaking views of the Red Sea. With moderate weather and greenery all around, it has a peaceful ambiance and is an ideal location for relaxation. It is a wonderful place for a walk and jog and also a good destination for a family picnic. The picturesque park consists of various sports courts, a running track and numerous restaurants.
- Hijaz Railway – A significant slice of history
Being another great place for history enthusiasts, Hijaz Railway was built during Ottoman times and lay in ruins only two decades later.
Designed to accelerate the travel of Muslim pilgrims making a journey from Damascus to cities Makkah and Madinah, it was destroyed in the First World War when it was bombarded by T.E. Lawrence and his Arab comrades. Now, the location is occupied by deserted stations, sand-coated tracks and rusty trains. Also, the Edwardian ex-station accommodates a museum that displays an unusual range of artefacts, photographs and manuscripts.
- Al-Zareeb Castle – Another one of significant historical sites in Tabuk
Originally built in 1617, Al-Zareeb Castle was built to offer protection to pilgrims coming to Makkah. Documented among Tabuk’s most monumental historical landmarks and archaeological sites, it is engulfed by mountains and bombed during the Great Arab Revolt in 1916. The stunningly built rectangular castle has a series of regal towers that encircle the charming courtyards. It also has residential spaces and a prayer space surrounded by water wells.
11.Tabuk Rose Farm – One of the biggest spring season attractions
In spring, approximately 18 million pink and red-hued roses flower in Tabuk annually. The splendor stretching across the rose farms in the area draws flocks of visitors from around the globe. Visitors may visit any farm to take photos and inhale the fragrance of roses spread around. One may also request the locals nicely for more personal rose farm tours. They use these roses to produce different products made from rose, including aroma, rose water, and cosmetics, which they export to several other countries worldwide.
12.Tayma or Haddaj well – Saudi Arabia’s oldest well
The wells in Tayma are believed to be Saudi Arabia’s oldest wells. The people constructed these around 2500 years ago, and the fantastic thing about these wells is that they remain in use till this day. These wells are also referred to in the Bible, making them a favorite among Jewish tourists too. One of the oldest settlements of Saudi Arabia was the Tayma settlement. It was governed by Pharaoh rims 3 between 1192 and 1160 BC. It is one of the major Tabuk historical sites.
Bottom Line
With so many lovely sites to see in Tabuk, it is one of the most satisfactory places for the eyes and soul as well. And because there is a massive tourist inflow, there are numerous eating and shopping spots too. There are malls and souks to shop for the best of traditional goods. And the food at the restaurants in Tabuk ranges from international menus to mouth-watering local cuisine.