Jabal Ikmah

Jabal Ikmah is one of the mountains in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, situated in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Province, specifically in al-Ula Governorate along the al-Ula-Hail Road. It forms part of the highlands of Jabal al-Ula, known for its diverse colors and shapes. It is recognized as one of the largest open-air libraries in the Arabian Peninsula, containing hundreds of archaeological inscriptions and stone carvings dating back thousands of years, spanning various eras and civilizations along the mountain.

Jabal Ikmah is a historical landmark. It dates back to the first millennium BC when it served as a destination for practicing religious rituals and offering sacrifices. Its slopes and rocky facade bear more than five hundred inscriptions and sculptures from the Dadanite and Lihyanite periods. Formerly, it was an integral part of a convoy way station along ancient trade routes. The mountain represents a prominent tourist destination in al-Ula Governorate and the Kingdom in general.

Jabal Ikmah is composed of sandstone sculpted by erosion processes, creating deep mountain rifts and canyons. Encircled by dunes, it is situated within the Hijaz Mountains, stretching from Taif Governorate in Makkah al-Mukarramah Province to al-Wajh Governorate in Tabuk Province to the north.

Jabal Ikmah features numerous archaeological inscriptions and stone sculptures that were created thousands of years ago along the mountain, spanning various eras and civilizations. These inscriptions, numbering over three hundred, date back to the second half of the first millennium BC. Most of them document religious rituals, activities, and human expressions experienced by the diverse civilizations that inhabited al-Ula.

The archaeological inscriptions in Jabal Ikma reflect the importance of al-Ula Governorate as a point of cultural exchange between the Dadan and Lihyan civilizations, depicting the development of languages, dialects, and literary practices in the region.

On May 24, 2023, the Royal Commission for al-Ula, in coordination with the National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, announced the registration of 'Jabal Ikma' on the 'Memory of the World' register of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), marking a new Saudi achievement with the inclusion of another site in al-Ula Governorate on the UNESCO lists. This comes after the historic city of al-Hijr was included in al-Ula in 2008 on the World Heritage List as the first Saudi site on the list, and the registration of the 'Harrat Uqayrid' reserve in the Man and Biosphere Program (MAB) in 2022.

Jabal Ikmah is one of the five primary focal points within the "Journey Through Time Masterplan." Through its mountain location, it symbolizes the fusion of nature and history in the region of al-Ula, as per the projects to enhance the natural and cultural environment while showcasing its profound cultural heritage.

The Journey Through Time Masterplan is a program designed to develop and restore archaeological sites, as well as the natural and cultural oases within al-Ula Governorate. Overseen by the Royal Commission for al-Ula, this program aims to develop and restore five cultural centers by 2035. Its objective is to elevate al-Ula into a globally renowned destination for culture, heritage, and arts.