Najrān (نجران)

Najrān (نجران)


Najrān is one of the most fascinating oasis-cities in Saudi Arabia. The region around Najrān has been inhabited since about 2000 BC and the city was once an important stop on the frankincense route. The city was established in the valley of the Wadi Najrān.

Only ruins remain of the original ancient city of Najrān. They can be seen in the archaeological site of Al-Okhdood, which located to the southeast of the present-day city. In ancient times the city was a major urban, agricultural, industrial and trade center. The original Christian community was massacred by King Dhu Nuwas in the 520s.

The cultural influence of nearby Yemen is very strong in Najrān and it is seen in the town's architecture, as well as the outgoing demeanor of the Najrāni people.

Points of interest
  • The Al-Aan Palace on the summit of a rocky outcrop dominates the Wadi Najrān and is one of the most striking buildings in town. Its main town is 5 storeys high and can be seen from any place in Najrān. Unfortunately the building cannot be visited as it is privately owned, but there are excellent views over the oasis from the nearby carpark.
  • The Fort in Najrān was originally built as a palace of the local emir in 1942, but when relations with Yemen improved in 1967 it was decommissioned. It is a self-sustaining complex that includes 60 rooms, a mosque and its own livestock.
  • Najrān's Museum is one of the best and most modern in Saudi Arabia. It has exhibitions on the formation of wadis and deserts, archaeological finds from the region and local crafts and tools, as well as a selection of photographs of the area taken by diplomat, explorer and spy Harry St. John Philby.
  • The Najrān Valley Dam was built in 1981, in the Wadi Najrān, some 15 km (9.3 mi) southwest of the city. The dam provides drinking water and controls seasonal floods.
There is only one big main road in Najrān and all hotels, restaurants and important offices, as well as the bus station are situated on or around it. Najrān is in the southwest of the Saudi Arabia, not far from the Yemeni border, 830 km south of Riyadh.

CityPass

Hotels in Najrān

Images


We maintain our database as accurate as possible, but we can not guarantee the accuracy of this information. Please notify us if information on this page is outdated, incorrect or if you think something should be amended. Additional images for this destination can be emailed to photo@Gheos.com. We are not responsible for any damage, injury or inconvenience resulting from information published on this site. Before travelling to any destination you should verify critical information such as visa requirements, health and safety with the authoroties. This page was last updated on 30 May 2026


You found a piece of the puzzle

Please click here to complete it
Lugless