Mahajah
Hidden treasures of Tabuk Province
Mahajah is a rocky desert located on the southeast of Tabuk Province where erosion of sandstone formations created out-of-this-world landscapes. It lays on the southwest of the large sand dune desert, the Nefud Al-Kebir, an ancient area known for having hosted early humans for several millenia, leading to the rich rock art found in Mahajah.
Mahajah is not well known because of its remoteness and difficult terrain that dictates slow progress when travelling, even to the mightiest of four-wheel drive cars. That means that this part of the Saudi desert remains relatively untouched. As a result it hosts many incredible pristine sites, and it should remain that way.
The Land of Natural Arches
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is full of amazing but little known sites. Among its unknown features are natural arches that are found in many parts of the country, even in Riyadh Province. Mahajah hosts the most spectacular ones, however, especially around Jebel 'Uwayqir. There, the erosion from wind and rain sculpted a sandstone formation into three arches, the tallest reaching as high as 40 meters.
Natural arch with Jens and Kerstin Niemann from Beautiful Saudi Arabia (photo: Florent Egal)
Seen from the distance the arches look tiny, but when arriving from the western side of the rock formation an impressive diamond-shape arch reveals itself. The size is striking and the symmetry of this natural sculpture is incredible.
When looking through the incredibly regular arch, the top of a second one - even higher - appears. If the first arch requires a bit of climbing to reach, this second one can be crossed by several cars simultaneously! Its elegant, slender silhouette is a beauty.
Natural arch at Mahajah (photo: Florent Egal)
Ancient Rock Art
The stunning natural arches of the Jebel 'Uwayqir have attracted humans for millennia, as attested to by the numerous drawings and texts carved on its sides. The truly amazing rock art in Mahajah is found at Hafirat Laqat. There, a natural rock wall, more than 160 meters long, is covered with thousands of carvings showing life-size camels, horsemen, goats, buffaloes, abstract shapes, and even a boat!
Rock art of Hafirat Laqat (photo: Florent Egal)
There is an incredible concentration of so-called Thamudic inscriptions. Thamudic describes the script used by Bedouins some 2 000 years ago. There are also few Nabatean texts, proving that this place, which even today is very remote, was once regularly crossed by travellers and caravans.
A Land of early European explorers
In 1883, Charles Huber, a French explorer, led his second expedition into Arabia, up to Hail Province, and went through Mahajah several times.
Possibly as a revival of an ancient tradition - also seen from explorers in sites as diverse as Giza and Persepolis - he carved his name at places he visited. At least two of them are in Mahajah, one at Hafirat Laqat and another at the natural arches, where his fellow traveler the German scholar, Julius Euting, also engraved his name.
Carving of Charles Huber (photo: Florent Egal)
How to visit Mahajah
By yourself
Mahajah is a very remote area because of its tough, rocky terrain, with fields of soft sand that dictates slow progress. Also, it is full of dead-ends, so it is only for experienced and fully equipped drivers! We strongly advise to go with one of our tour guides that know the way, and the great spots!
With our guides
Horizons organizes trips in the steps of Charles Huber, including the magnificent Mahajah.