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Hima
631km
30km
Driving INTERMEDIATE – LOOSE SAND IN PLACES
Best for DESERT DRIVING AND TRADITIONAL ART
Recommended for HISTORICAL ROCK ART
Located along an ancient caravan and trade route, which started in Yemen and crossed to southern parts of the Arabian Peninsula, Hima is one of the largest rock art complexes in the world. The earliest inscriptions on the site date back 7,000 years and travellers to the region have been leaving their mark on the rocks, in various styles and languages, in the thousands of years since. This route will take you past hundreds of ancient petroglyphs that are spread out across this remarkable site.
Follow the paved road to Hima Wells and then spend some time admiring the petroglyphs at Sada'a before continuing along the main route. The road turns to a sandy off-road track and involves a drive over moderately hard sand before reaching the next set of petroglyphs at ‘An Jamal.
The rest of the rock art can be accessed by taking the triangular track around the sites.
Hima Wells
The five ancient wells are laid out in a ‘v’ shape, approximately 25m apart. Thought to have been established over 3,000 years ago, they are believed to be the oldest desert wells in the world. Their strategic location meant that they played a vital part in the ancient caravan routes of the Arabian Peninsula and the historical inscriptions and rock art that you see today are the relics of their passage. While the wells were significant in history, they continue to provide water for the Bedouin today. Because of this, UNESCO has deemed the site a cultural area of historical value.
Approximately 150m from the well, on top of a small hill, lies the largest rock inscription in the world. Extending for over 45m are 95 petroglyphs and six pieces of Arabic graffiti, including a 4m inscription by a Himyarite qayl (military commander). This part of the site is enclosed by a protective fence.
DESERT VARNISH
The use of rock surfaces for the creation of petroglyphs is made easier by the presence of ‘desert varnish’. This varnish appears as a dark coating on rock surfaces in arid regions and is formed by the adherence of windblown clay particles to the surface of the rock. The thin coating on the rock’s surface is then easily scratched away by primitive tools to create petroglyphs.
Sada’a
On top of this small hill are three stone tombs and you will also find a more recent necropolis nearby. There is a large inscription on the rock face with 43 smaller inscriptions beside it. Petroglyphs are also visible on the rock boulders at the bottom of the hill. Note that this area is enclosed by a 450m steel fence and is only accessible via a lockable gate.
‘An Jamal
The rocky outcrop at ‘An Jamal was the first site to be discovered and protected in the area. The cliffs are covered in petroglyphs and inscriptions, thought to be Saudi Arabian and Thamudic in origin. Here, you will find an image of a dark camel along with cattle and what appears to be hunters.
Jabal Idhbah
The sandstone outcrops at Jabal Idhbah are spread out over varying distances from 100m to 1km. Notably this site includes three petroglyphs depicting an elephant and his keeper. You will also see pre-Islamic and Saudi Arabian inscriptions carved into the rock.
Najd Khayran
Possibly the most outstanding of all the sites at Hima, thousands of petroglyphs line the escarpment and the sandstone rocks at the cliff's base. Offering level access, you almost feel like you are visiting an outdoor art gallery – which essentially you are. When it rains, a waterfall forms with an impressive overhang making a picturesque focal point at the bottom of the cliff. Depicted here are the petroglyphs of Alia, representing the goddess of love and fertility which has significant cultural relevance for Bedouin in the region. There are also further markings of human figures, cattle and images suggestive of a ‘bull leaping’.
Jibal al Minshaf
Comprising two rock stacks with petroglyphs adorning their smooth vertical panels, the rock art here depicts mainly bulls and other animals. Their elaborate geometric markings suggest they may date back to the Bronze Age. Images of palm trees and smaller inscriptions are also visible on the rock.
