In a landmark achievement for Saudi Arabian cultural heritage, the ancient rock art site of Hima in Najran has earned its place on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming the kingdom’s sixth site to receive this distinguished recognition.
The Gateway of Ancient Civilizations
Situated in southwestern Saudi Arabia, Hima stands as one of the world’s most extensive and diverse rock art complexes. This remarkable site played a pivotal role in ancient history, serving as a vital passage for caravans journeying along the Hajj and trade routes. These routes formed crucial connections between southern Arabia and the bustling ancient markets of Mesopotamia, the Levant, and Egypt.
A Living Museum of Human History
The weathered rock faces of Hima serve as nature’s canvas, preserving a remarkable chronicle of human civilization that spans from prehistoric to post-historic eras. Visitors to this extraordinary site can observe:
- Meticulously carved hunting scenes
- Detailed representations of local wildlife and flora
- Ancient tools and symbolic imagery
- A vast collection of inscriptions in multiple historical scripts, including:
- Musnad
- Thamudic
- Nabataean
- Early Arabic
Safeguarding Our Cultural Legacy
Dr. Jasir Alherbish, CEO of the Heritage Commission, highlighted Hima’s universal importance, stating, “This region provides us with numerous lessons regarding the evolution of human civilization and life in ancient times.”
The Heritage Commission has implemented a comprehensive strategy focused on:
- Site preservation and protection
- Ongoing research of the ancient inscriptions
- Enhancing accessibility for both domestic and international visitors
Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030
The UNESCO recognition of Hima perfectly complements Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which emphasizes the preservation and celebration of the Kingdom’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Recent archaeological findings in the region have further established Saudi Arabia as a key destination for scholars studying human history in the Arabian Peninsula.
Building Global Heritage Partnerships
In 2019, Saudi Arabia demonstrated its dedication to worldwide cultural preservation by establishing a Memorandum of Understanding with UNESCO, accompanied by a significant $25 million contribution to support UNESCO’s global heritage conservation efforts.
As Hima emerges onto the world stage, it stands as a testament to humanity’s shared history, inviting global citizens to explore the fascinating story of human civilization carved into its ancient stones.
