THE city of Al-Wajh is situated 325 kilometers south of Tabuk on the Red Sea coast. It geographic location makes it a favorite destination for those who are looking for a warm escape during the winter.
The city is witnessing an influx of tourists from all over the Kingdom. In addition to its warm climate, Al-Wajh’s archeological ruins are a testament to its ancient history and shed light on how previous civilizations thrived in the strategic city, Al-Riyadh daily reports.
According to Fatimah Al-Bilawee, an urban heritage researcher, Al-Wajh has always been of great historical significance due to its strategic location.
The city was on the historic silk route and was known to be a good place for finding certain kinds of oil, which locals extracted from the trees growing in the mountains of the region. Ancient inhabitants of the city were known for being successful traders and ship builders.
“Pilgrims used to pass by Al-Wajh by sea and on land on their way to the holy cities. The city still has inscriptions on the walls of its mountains that tell the stories of previous civilizations that inhabited it,” Al-Bilawee noted.
Al-Wajh is a beautiful and modern city with magnificent minarets and mosques. It hosts a branch of Tabuk University, a 200-bed hospital, schools, institutes and modern houses. Its beaches are breath-taking and surrounded by numerous islands. Al-Wajh Port reflects the most beautiful and purest part of the Red Sea, which is why it is the favorite destination of divers and fishermen.
One of its most notable archeological landmarks is the traditional market, which is located north of the old port. The market used to be popular with traders and pilgrims passing through the city.
