Rock carvings in Al-Ula: A cultural heritage and a renewed art form
The art of rock carving in Al-Ula Governorate is one of the most prominent cultural features that distinguish the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its importance lies not only in its being a manual skill, but also in representing a visual historical record that documents the succession of nations and civilizations on this land. Over thousands of years, the majestic mountains and sandstone cliffs of Al-Ula have been transformed into open-air chronicles, reflecting the artistic skill and remarkable ability of ancient humans to express and record their history, making the region a vast open-air historical library.
Throughout history, Al-Ula has played a pivotal role as a crossroads of ancient trade routes, particularly the Incense Route, making it a cradle of diverse cultures such as the Dadanite, Lihyanite, and Nabataean civilizations. Travelers, traders, and inhabitants of the region left their mark through thousands of inscriptions, ranging from writings to rock art. The significance of these inscriptions is highlighted at Jabal Ikmah, considered the largest open-air library of inscriptions in the Arabian Peninsula. It contains texts documenting religious rituals, commercial transactions, and details of daily life, written in various scripts including Aramaic, Dadanite, Thamudic, and Nabataean, the latter of which paved the way for the development of Arabic script.
In modern times, the people of AlUla continue to cherish this rich heritage, not only to preserve it but also to revive it as a contemporary art form that draws inspiration from past techniques with a forward-looking vision. This passion is evident in the high demand for learning the arts of sculpture and engraving at leading cultural institutions such as the Al-Deera School and the Engraving Academy. These educational programs and specialized workshops aim to safeguard cultural heritage and pass on its intricate skills to new generations, ensuring the continuity of this craft as an integral part of national identity.
The importance of this artistic movement transcends the local dimension to touch the global dimension, as these efforts contribute to enhancing Al-Ula’s position as a global tourist and cultural destination in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. Preserving and developing the craft of rock carving confirms to the world that Al-Ula’s rocks are not just silent inanimate objects, but living witnesses that tell the story of humanity and its development, and embody the depth and continuity of Arab civilization, giving visitors a unique experience that combines the fragrance of history with the creativity of the present.
