A clay vessel containing more than 2,850 silver coins came to light during an excavation at Al-Okhdood in 2018. The so-called Najran Treasure had lain underground for about two millennia. The find offers a glimpse into a region where archaeological remains, museums and living traditions invite all kinds of discovery.
Al-Okhdood and its history
Al-Okhdood City, also known as Raqamat or Rijmat, is an archaeological city and a tourist destination in the Najran Region. The citadel is believed to have existed from 500 BCE until the middle of the 1st century CE. The coin hoard adds a concrete insight into the site’s long history: the clay vessel contained silver coins that had spent about two millennia underground.
The Najran Regional Museum was built in 1983 and opened to visitors in 1987. It is located in Najran City near the Al-Okhdood archaeological site and has five exhibition halls. Its prehistoric wing covers the period from after the Stone Age to the end of the pre-Islamic era. Al-Okhdood and the site’s artifacts are its main focus.
The Najran Museum of Heritage and Antiquities has six exhibition halls. These include a hall called “Live Saudi” and a hall for visual presentations. The two museum descriptions therefore offer different points of reference for exploring Najran’s history and exhibitions.
City, valley and fortress
The Najran Valley runs through the Najran Region and divides the administrative capital, Najran, into northern and southern parts. The Najran Dam is a prominent urban landmark and an important tourist attraction in the region. The valley defines the capital’s layout, while the dam is a distinctive attraction in its own right.
Another historic fortress is Raoum Castle on Raoum Mountain. It lies in the center of Al-Hudn village in Najran City, near Prince Sultan Road, and can be reached by a staircase. Visitors include archaeology enthusiasts and mountaineers. The site thus combines a specific historic attraction with a climb up steps.
Markets and traditional crafts
The historic Aba al-Saud quarter is home to traditional and historic markets. The goods on sale include daggers and janbiya typical of Najran, as well as leather goods, textiles, and items made of stone and ceramic. Najran’s traditional women’s market is reserved exclusively for women; popular products, household items and women’s clothing are sold there.
Making janbiya daggers is a traditional craft in the region. The daggers are made of iron; their handles are made from the horns of certain animals and are often decorated with silver or gold elements. This craft tradition can be encountered both in the goods sold at the Aba al-Saud markets and in the descriptions of the materials and design.
Hamisa and Raqsh: two dishes from Najran
Hamisa is a popular dish in the Najran Region made with finely diced meat and fat. The ingredients simmer in oil for about an hour, with constant stirring; Hamisa is served with rice or baked goods. Raqsh pairs bread with meat in a different way: pieces of whole-wheat bread are covered with broth and meat. The dish is also served at public gatherings, especially during Ramadan. The comparison shows two different ways of preparing the dishes: Hamisa is defined by its long simmering time and accompaniments, while Raqsh consists of layers of bread, broth and meat.
Getting there and finding your way
Najran Regional Airport is located in the administrative capital, Najran, and serves all the governorates in the region. It can be reached directly via King Abdulaziz Road. The airport is about a 30-minute drive from Najran city; check road conditions before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Najran, Sharorah, Jizan, Asir, Al Jowf, Al-Hudud Ash-Shamaliyya, Northern Borders Province, Al Madinah Province.
For the main travel overview: Saudi Arabia.
