16
Hijaz Railway: Hadiyah to Wadi Abu an Ni'am
655km
45km
Driving BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE
Best for EASY-ACCESS DESERT DRIVING
Recommended for RAILWAY LOVERS
This pristine part of the desert is perfect for adventuring and exploring the country’s rich history. The easy gravel tracks make this route an excellent day trip for drivers still getting the hang of off-road terrain.
This route’s landscape is made up of black basalt, low-lying mountains, gravel paths and the occasional sandy bed. For some interesting off-roading, drive on top of the old railway track, but watch out for the broken bridges along the way. Be especially careful when entering and exiting a bridge as there may be broken slabs along the path.
Hadiyah Station & Locomotive
Hadiyah Station was a major post for the Hijaz Railway and is accessible to visitors. As you walk in, you will see a derailed rusting train and carriages, still with the original woodwork and engine. As you move through the station, you will notice a plaque hanging on the wall showing the year the station was constructed.
Jada'a Station & Bridges
Jada’a Station and the nearby bridges offer curious off-roaders a journey back in time. Just be sure to keep structural integrity in mind when taking a closer look. Safety first!
PRIZED ANIMALS
For many desert dwellers, the camel is considered a ‘gift from God’ due to its numerous benefits for easing life in this harsh terrain. Camels are able to carry heavy loads, provide nutrition in the form of milk and meat and can travel up to 160km without water.
Wadi Aba an Na'am Station
Constructed from black basalt, the Wadi Abu an Ni’am Station also includes the remnants of old watchtowers and hill-top forts which were used to protect the railway. This site is of particular interest because it was attacked in 1917 by Brigadier Thomas Lawrence as he attempted to gain a foothold in the region.
Al Boair Station
A 90km drive north-west of Al Madinah sits the crumbling railway station, barracks and fort of Al Boair. There is also a refurbished black locomotive from the Hijaz Railway which offers a glimpse into what a functioning train might have looked like back in the day.
DRIVING DIRECTION
This track is a continuation from Routes 14 and 15 and is a fascinating section of the railway. The route follows a mixture of gravel tracks and rocky terrain.
1 Coming from Huraymil, drive until you reach Hadiyah Station and the abandoned locomotive. To start the route, turn right and head along the rail track.
2 You will pass through a narrow section and see some unusual manmade stone structures.
3 Continue straight until you reach Jada’a Station. Follow the track past Wadi al Hamd Bridge on the right. There are a few mini tracks that you can explore before reaching Wadi Abu an Ni’am Station.
4 Head straight and rejoin the main road.
