Rock Art of Hail Province

In its 39th session in 2015 the committee added both sites to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Criteria for the inscription are the exceptionally large number of petroglyphs, containing stunning expressions of the human creative genius. The petroglyphs provide an exceptional testimony to the challenges of past societies in response to environmental catastrophes. The Saudi Commission for Tourism has sought to further protect the cultural site. These efforts include increasing the buffer zone, repainting and refurnishing the petroglyphs and developing a monitoring system. == Description ==

The petroglyphs of Jubbah are located at the eastern flanks of jabal Umm Sinman. The hills, rising to a height of 1264 m above sea level and almost 450 m above the surrounding Nafud desert, once overlooked a paleolake, up to 20 km long and 5 km wide. The panels feature different rock art traditions over the last 10,000 years and reflect major economic and cultural adjustments to climate change. The oldest petroglyphs display animals such as the ibex, which was revered by early Neolithic. As cattle and horses were domesticated, they were added to the art. With increased desiccation and the drying up of lakes 3000 years ago, camels became essential and are illustrated in abundance alongside Thamudic and Arabic script. Jabals al-Manjor and Raat are rock escarpments in a now sand-covered wadi at Shuwaymis. The petroglyphs include figures of men, animals, palm trees and feet impressions. == Gallery ==