Bikers Valley

Being so close to the city and accessible by paved road, it’s easy to see why this valley is such a popular picnic location for locals. Framed by the red granite mountains of Jabal Aja and surprisingly green, the valley boasts many nice spitting spots, even when busy. The wide-open space and loose gravel sand is also the perfect playground for quad bikers. If you came without, you can hire one from the stall that is conveniently located off the paved road further along the route. Take the track on the right to venture further into the valley for a more secluded spot.

ARABIC POETRY

Poetry is an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and has long been intertwined with elements of folklore and mythology. The pre-Islamic poets Imru’ al-Qais and Hatim al-Tai explored themes of chivalry, longing and pride, and are recognised as some of the most influential people in Arabic literature. Their vivid descriptions of the desert share many similarities with Nabati poetry, which is known as ‘the people’s poetry’. It is distinguished by its colloquial, oral form, used to convey indigenous knowledge and wisdom between generations of Bedouin people.

Ain Balthah

Situated within a peaceful area of the mountainous valley, Ain Baltah is a freshwater spring surrounded by impressive date palms. There are remnants of traditional Arabian mudbrick houses here and a plaque reads ‘for people of the mountain’, referencing a line from 6th century poet Imru’ al-Qais' poem, the words highlighting the cultural significance of the area.

BIRD LOVERS

Jabal Aja has been declared an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area by BirdLife International and keen birdwatchers should be on the lookout for falcons and Egyptian vultures.

Wadi Drive

If you’ve been itching to put your 4WD into action, this adventurous wadi is the ideal opportunity. The track here becomes largely unestablished, and you’ll need to navigate over some of the bigger rocks in this narrow valley. Along the way, you’ll pass by clusters of date palms, some of which have been fenced off for cultivation. The splash of green brings welcome relief and contrasts starkly against the black mountain tops.

Wadi Namas & Oasis

To get to the sand track, you’ll first need to navigate through a village. Look out for the local majlis which closely resembles a fort – you may be lucky enough to be asked in for gahwa and dates. Well worth the detour, Wadi Namas cuts through the mountainous landscape and despite the arid climate, there are plenty of flourishing oases dotted around. Your arrival at the oasis is signalled by sprawling palm trees that block your path. While you won’t be able to drive any further, you can head into the valley on foot.

Hatim al-Tai’s Palace & Tomb

The ruins of a Hatim al-Tai’s majestic palace are located just off the main road. A 6th-century poet, Hatim al-Tai was known for his generosity which is reflected in the widely used Arabic proverb: ‘more generous than Hatim’. He was the ruling prince of the Tayy tribe and his son Adi Ibn Hatim was known to be a companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The mudbrick structure of the palace still stands strong, and you can scramble amongst the ruins and also pay a visit to Hatim al-Tai’s nearby tomb, which in contrast to the palace, is marked only by a humble arrangement of stones.