Also known as Jabal Ikmah, the site lies near the ancient city of Dadan and has long been regarded as one of AlUla’s most significant archaeological landmarks, preserving hundreds of inscriptions carved into sandstone canyon walls thousands of years ago.

Now activated as part of AlUla’s winter cultural season, Ikmah is being reimagined after sunset, allowing visitors to explore its heritage in an atmospheric setting illuminated by candlelight and guided narratives.

Often described as an open-air library, the mountain hosts inscriptions written primarily in Dadanitic and Lihyanite scripts, offering rare insight into the social, religious, and political life of early Arabian kingdoms.

These ancient carvings once recorded religious offerings, laws, names of rulers, and moments of daily life, reflecting AlUla’s role as a major crossroads for trade, belief, and culture long before the Nabataean era.

The nighttime experience introduces guests to the world of ancient scribes, welcoming them with traditional hospitality before guiding them through a carefully curated journey across the gorge.

Visitors are divided into small groups, allowing some to explore the canyon while others learn how ancient inscriptions were carved, using replicas of traditional tools on stone blocks they can take home.

The elevated gorge pathway is softly lit with candles, creating a contemplative atmosphere that encourages visitors to slow down and absorb the surroundings while learning about the people who once passed through this valley.

Guides dressed in historical attire narrate stories in poetic language, explaining how Ikmah once served as a resting point for travelers who brought their animals, shared stories, and found water along ancient routes.

Storytelling emerges as a central theme of the experience, reflecting how oral tradition and written expression worked together to preserve knowledge and identity over generations.

As the two groups reunite, guests are invited to gather, rest, and enjoy dates, tea, and light refreshments, echoing the communal traditions that once defined life in this region.

Though the format is modern, the essence of the experience is deeply rooted in ancient customs, emphasizing human connection, shared history, and cultural continuity.

Local guides play a vital role in bringing Ikmah’s past to life, bridging generations by sharing stories that were nearly forgotten until archaeological discoveries brought them back into public awareness.

For many guides, the project is also a personal journey of rediscovery, offering an opportunity to reconnect with ancestral heritage and pass that knowledge on to visitors from around the world.

Learning about the ancient history of AlUla has been transformative for those involved, revealing layers of identity and belonging that extend far beyond contemporary narratives.

The experience reflects a broader effort to preserve and present Saudi Arabia’s pre-Islamic history in ways that are respectful, immersive, and accessible to global audiences.

Ikmah After Dark demonstrates how heritage sites can be activated without disturbing their integrity, using light, storytelling, and education rather than heavy infrastructure.

As AlUla continues to position itself as a global cultural destination, initiatives like this highlight the region’s commitment to safeguarding history while inviting meaningful engagement.

The ancient scripts of Ikmah, once silent on canyon walls, are now speaking again, reminding visitors that history is not only something to observe, but something to experience.

For generations, these animals have symbolized endurance, adaptability, and harmony with nature, reflecting the rhythms of life in a land shaped by desert landscapes and ancient trade routes.

Local communities in Najran regard camels as living companions woven into family histories, oral traditions, and everyday practices passed down through centuries.

According to regional experts, Najran is home to several distinct camel breeds, each carrying unique physical traits and cultural significance tied closely to the environment.

Among the most prominent is the Awarik camel, an ancient Arabian lineage associated with areas where arak trees grow naturally across southern Arabia.

These camels are known for their light coloring, minimal hair, and exceptional ability to thrive under harsh climatic conditions, making them ideal for desert life.

Equally significant are the Majahim camels, recognizable by their deep black or brown hues and admired for their strength, stamina, and high milk production.

They have long supported pastoral families, offering sustenance and economic stability in remote areas where resilience is essential.

The Asayil camels hold a special place in Najran’s cultural landscape due to their sleek build, elegance, and remarkable speed.

Often associated with competitions and ceremonial events, they represent agility, refinement, and pride among camel owners.

Traditional water systems, locally known as Odood, have played a crucial role in sustaining camel herding across Najran and the surrounding Empty Quarter.

These permanent wells and artesian sources provided reliable access to water, allowing herders to traverse vast grazing lands with confidence and continuity.

Designed with dedicated drinking basins for camels, these wells stand as evidence of human ingenuity shaped by centuries of coexistence with nature.

Notable water points such as Al-Minkhali, Abu Shadid, Hamra Nathil, Tamani, Umm Al-Wahat, and Khujaima remain deeply embedded in regional memory.

Beyond their practical value, camels occupy a profound symbolic space within Arab culture, literature, and collective imagination.

Scholars explain that stories, poetry, and legends spanning thousands of years have portrayed camels as emblems of patience, loyalty, power, and grace.

In Najran, this symbolic connection is reinforced by archaeological sites that preserve ancient carvings and artwork depicting camels alongside human figures.

Locations such as Al-Ukhdood, Mount Al-Tharwa, and Hima reveal how deeply intertwined camels have been with daily life and belief systems since antiquity.

These visual records highlight not only economic reliance but also emotional and spiritual bonds formed between people and animals.

Saudi Arabia’s broader commitment to camel heritage has further strengthened Najran’s cultural narrative in recent years.

The designation of 2024 as the Year of the Camel underscored the animal’s role in national history, cultural identity, and sustainable development.

This initiative brought global attention to camels as valuable contributors to food security, heritage tourism, and ecological balance.

Annual celebrations and festivals dedicated to camels reinforce preservation efforts while educating younger generations about traditional knowledge.

In Najran, these efforts resonate deeply, ensuring that camels remain living symbols rather than fading relics of the past.

As modernization advances, the enduring presence of camels continues to connect Najran’s people to their roots, landscapes, and shared cultural soul.

Through heritage, resilience, and reverence, Najran’s camels remain central to a story that bridges ancient traditions with contemporary pride.

Rooted in centuries-old practice, the Tantora is a traditional sundial once used by AlUla’s residents to track seasonal changes and determine the beginning of the agricultural cycle, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of nature’s rhythms.

Its reappearance is more than a ceremonial event, as it represents the preservation of intangible heritage that shaped daily life, social organization, and farming practices across generations in this historic oasis region.

The ceremony highlights the arrival of Al-Marba’aniyah, an important winter period that historically guided planting schedules, water use, and preparation for colder months among farming communities.

By bringing the Tantora back into public life, AlUla reinforces the idea that heritage is not confined to museums but can remain active, shared, and relevant in contemporary society.

The event forms part of broader efforts to safeguard cultural identity while encouraging meaningful engagement between residents, visitors, and the stories embedded in AlUla’s landscape.

A carefully curated program accompanies the ceremony, offering traditional performances, artisan showcases, and immersive demonstrations that recreate scenes from everyday life in AlUla’s past.

These activities allow visitors to experience how earlier generations read shadows, observed the sun’s movement, and aligned their livelihoods with natural cycles rather than mechanical timekeeping.

Educational sessions explore the scientific and cultural dimensions of the Tantora, revealing how simple yet precise tools once played a central role in sustaining agricultural communities.

The celebration also strengthens intergenerational bonds, as elders share knowledge with younger audiences, ensuring that oral traditions and practical wisdom are passed forward.

Community participation lies at the heart of the revival, transforming the ceremony into a shared cultural moment rather than a static historical reenactment.

The event reflects a wider commitment to integrating heritage preservation with sustainable development, ensuring that cultural assets contribute to economic vitality and social well-being.

AlUla’s approach demonstrates how protecting heritage can coexist with innovation, tourism development, and global cultural exchange without losing authenticity.

The ceremony aligns with broader national goals that emphasize quality of life, balanced growth, and pride in local identity, positioning culture as a driver of sustainable progress.

As part of the wider Winter at Tantora celebrations, the revival adds depth to a season already rich in artistic, musical, and culinary experiences.

Visitors can explore Old Town Nights, street art tours, handicraft-focused events, and performances that collectively celebrate creativity rooted in history.

These offerings present AlUla as a living cultural landscape where past and present intersect, inviting global audiences to engage with heritage in meaningful ways.

The return of the Tantora Ceremony stands as a powerful reminder that cultural traditions remain relevant when they are lived, shared, and continually reinterpreted.

By honoring seasonal knowledge and community memory, AlUla reinforces its role as a guardian of heritage while confidently shaping a culturally rich future.

These newly revealed images offer a window into a formative period of King Abdulaziz’s life, when diplomacy, relationship-building, and strategic foresight played a central role in shaping his approach to leadership across the Arabian Peninsula and neighboring regions.

One striking photograph shows King Abdulaziz standing confidently with his companions in the Basra desert, reflecting a leader deeply engaged with his surroundings and committed to forging meaningful connections beyond traditional boundaries.

Captured by British photographer Gertrude Bell, the image is part of a broader historical collection that documents political, cultural, and social transformations across the region during the early twentieth century, a time of profound transition and opportunity.

The Basra visit holds lasting significance as it illustrates how King Abdulaziz prioritized dialogue and cooperation during an era often marked by instability, choosing engagement as a path toward long-term regional understanding.

Rather than seeking influence through confrontation, the visit reflected a forward-looking vision centered on mutual respect, stability, and shared prosperity, values that would later define his enduring legacy as a unifying leader.

Historians view this journey as an early example of King Abdulaziz’s diplomatic instincts, demonstrating how personal engagement and cultural awareness helped establish trust across diverse communities.

The photographs also underscore the importance of Basra as a regional crossroads, where political, economic, and cultural exchanges shaped the broader Middle Eastern landscape during the early 1900s.

By preserving and sharing these images, the King Abdulaziz Foundation continues its mission to safeguard Saudi Arabia’s historical memory while making it accessible to new generations and international audiences.

The archival material offers more than visual documentation, providing insight into leadership built on pragmatism, patience, and openness to collaboration in a rapidly changing world.

Scholars note that King Abdulaziz’s early movements beyond central Arabia played a crucial role in shaping his understanding of regional dynamics, helping him navigate complex political realities with balance and foresight.

The inclusion of Gertrude Bell’s work adds further historical depth, as her extensive documentation remains an invaluable record of the Arabian Peninsula’s evolution during a pivotal era.

Through these photographs, viewers gain a deeper appreciation of how individual encounters and journeys contributed to broader processes of unity, state-building, and regional cooperation.

The Basra images also resonate today, offering timeless lessons on diplomacy and leadership that remain relevant in contemporary discussions about regional dialogue and partnership.

Cultural institutions across the Kingdom increasingly emphasize such historical narratives to highlight Saudi Arabia’s longstanding engagement with its neighbors and its role in promoting stability.

The Foundation’s initiative reflects a growing global interest in archival heritage as a bridge between past and present, allowing history to inform modern perspectives.

As these photographs circulate, they reinforce King Abdulaziz’s image not only as a nation-builder but as a leader guided by wisdom, restraint, and strategic vision.

By shedding light on this early visit, the Foundation contributes to a richer understanding of the historical roots that shaped modern Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic and cultural outlook.

The festival, held in Al-Sayahid north of the Riyadh Region in cooperation with the Camel Club, runs until January 3, showcasing the Kingdom’s iconic camel culture, traditional equestrian practices, and the enduring significance of camels as a symbol of Saudi heritage.

Travelers arriving at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and at land ports in the Eastern Province will have the opportunity to receive the commemorative passport stamp, highlighting the festival’s role in welcoming visitors while promoting awareness of Saudi Arabia’s historic and cultural milestones.

This initiative is part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Interior to document major national events, celebrating the Kingdom’s traditions and achievements while introducing international visitors to the richness of Saudi culture and the historical importance of camels in the Arabian Peninsula.

The commemorative stamp emphasizes the Kingdom’s dedication to cultural preservation, strengthening national identity, and promoting pride in the authentic heritage that has shaped generations of Saudis across centuries.

In addition, the Ministry’s initiative aligns with previous cultural projects, such as the series of commemorative postage stamps issued by Saudi Post in collaboration with the General Entertainment Authority in September, which celebrated the Kingdom’s 95th National Day under the theme “Our Pride Is in Our Nature.”

These stamps, valued at SR3, and a special postcard at SR5, marked the unification of the Kingdom by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, transforming historical milestones into celebrations of national pride, loyalty, and identity, while highlighting the Kingdom’s continued commitment to commemorating significant cultural events.

The history of Saudi commemorative postage stamps dates back to the early 1930s, when the first stamp marked the appointment of Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as crown prince, establishing a long-standing tradition of celebrating royal and national achievements through philately.

Saudi postage stamps are equipped with advanced security features that ensure authenticity, prevent counterfeiting, and protect both institutional and intellectual property, reflecting the Kingdom’s careful attention to quality and cultural preservation in all official initiatives.

The new passport stamp initiative demonstrates how Saudi Arabia continues to integrate cultural heritage into modern administrative practices, linking international travel with meaningful recognition of the nation’s unique historical and cultural narratives.

It also enhances the experience of visitors, allowing them to participate in commemorating national events while learning about the Kingdom’s cultural landmarks, traditional practices, and the historical significance of camels in shaping Arabian society and livelihoods.

By connecting travel, heritage, and celebration, the stamp fosters a deeper appreciation of Saudi Arabia’s identity, showcasing how national festivals like the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival reinforce cultural pride and international engagement.

The initiative exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s strategy of preserving traditions while promoting tourism and international awareness, highlighting the Kingdom as a destination where history, culture, and contemporary infrastructure meet in harmony.

Through such programs, Saudi Arabia reinforces its global cultural presence, encouraging participation in national celebrations and creating a legacy of education, pride, and engagement for both residents and international visitors alike.

The commemorative passport stamp is more than a functional travel item; it symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s vision of celebrating heritage, national pride, and cultural storytelling, offering a lasting reminder of the Kingdom’s rich history and enduring traditions.

Saudi Arabia’s cultural initiatives continue to strengthen national unity, promote heritage awareness, and ensure that iconic symbols like the camel remain central to the Kingdom’s identity, providing both educational and celebratory experiences for all who visit or reside in the country.

The Kingdom recognizes handicrafts as a vital expression of national culture. These traditional arts are not only symbols of beauty and craftsmanship but also serve as bridges that connect the past with the present, preserving generations of inherited skills and artistry.

In alignment with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its commitment to cultural development. By encouraging artisans and supporting creative industries, the Kingdom aims to diversify its economy and enhance global recognition of Saudi art and heritage.

The Ministry of Culture has taken the lead in promoting handicrafts as a national cultural project. Its mission is to provide platforms that allow traditional crafts to evolve while maintaining their authenticity and historical value.

Handicrafts represent the Kingdom’s creative spirit through a variety of practices such as weaving, pottery, metalwork, wood carving, and embroidery. Each craft tells a story of heritage, skill, and dedication, reflecting the artistry that has been passed down through families for centuries.

In support of this initiative, the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts continues to nurture talent and preserve the authenticity of Saudi culture.
The institute provides education, training programs, and artistic workshops designed to equip a new generation of artisans with both traditional knowledge and modern innovation.

These programs focus on sustainability, quality craftsmanship, and artistic expression. They encourage students to explore their creativity while staying rooted in Saudi values and cultural identity.

Moreover, the Heritage Commission, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, has launched numerous training initiatives, competitions, and exhibitions. These efforts aim to promote handicrafts as a living art form, bringing traditional skills into the contemporary marketplace.

The initiative also opens economic opportunities for artisans, especially women and young creators. By supporting small-scale craft businesses and connecting artisans with tourism and retail sectors, Saudi Arabia is transforming handicrafts into a sustainable industry.

Internationally, the Year of Handicrafts will showcase Saudi talent on global platforms. The Kingdom plans to host exhibitions, cultural fairs, and artistic collaborations, offering the world a glimpse into its evolving creative identity.

This renewed focus on handicrafts not only enriches the economy but also enhances cultural diplomacy. Through artistic exchange and innovation, Saudi Arabia continues to share its story of transformation and creativity with the world.

Experts note that the initiative is an inspiring example of how culture can drive national pride and economic growth. By blending traditional artistry with modern innovation, Saudi Arabia is ensuring that its cultural legacy remains vibrant and relevant in a fast-changing world.

As 2025 unfolds, the Year of Handicrafts stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s dedication to creativity, education, and cultural heritage.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment ensures that the art of its ancestors continues to inspire, empower, and connect people across generations and borders.