Zubala Archaeological Village

Zubala Archaeological Village is an archaeological village located in Northern Borders Province in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is situated south of Rafha Governorate, approximately twenty-five km away. It is considered one of the most important hamlets on the Kufi Pilgrimage Route on the historic Darb Zubaida. The village is rich in antiquities, including several cisterns, a fortress situated to the east on an elevated site, and more than three hundred wells.

The history of Zubala Archaeological Village dates back to before the Abbasid era, reaching its peak during the early Abbasid period. It is mentioned extensively in some historical sources as a meeting point for trade caravans and pilgrims, being one of the main stations on the Kufi Hajj Route. Zubala has retained its name to the present day, with its name originating from Zubala Bin al-Harith.

Zubala Archaeological Village hosts numerous antiquities, including the remains of Zubala Fortress, a collection of cisterns on Darb Zubaida such as al-Shahuf, al-Shiyahiyat, and Umm al-Asafir, and the foundations of architectural units indicating the existence of a large Islamic city at that time. Additionally, it features the deepest well on the pilgrimage route, the Zubala Well, which was dug into solid rock and other hard, solid rocks. The well was cut from the top to the lowest point at the bottom, forming a square shape. It is carved in a distinctive manner, with a mouth measuring ten by ten m and a depth of 250 m. The well contains steps and rest areas used for placing ropes and wood during work, and its water is fresh and light.

The Zubala site has undergone several archaeological excavations since 2015. The Heritage Commission continues the archaeological excavation project at the site in new areas to align with the objectives of Darb Zubaida Program. Significant discoveries have been made in the northwestern parts of the site, revealing key aspects of the city's development and expansion, as well as its cultural role in the expansion of services for crossing Darb Zubaida.