Dadan Ancient City: History Carved in Rock and Museum of Civilization

The ancient city of Dadan is among the most prominent historical discoveries in AlUla Governorate and a key landmark reflecting the depth of human history in northwest Arabia. It served as the capital of the Kingdom of Dadan and later the Kingdom of Lihyan from the late ninth century to the early first century B.C.

 The site features notable landmarks, including tombs carved into red rock cliff faces. Some are distinguished by rectangular facades topped with lion carvings that reflect an advanced level of artistic and architectural creativity among the region’s ancient civilizations.

 Built from local stone, the historic city became a vital center for agriculture and trade. Its strategic location on the Incense Route, one of the region’s most important ancient trade routes, helped it flourish culturally and economically. It became a major stop for exchanging goods and ideas among multiple civilizations.

 Archaeological excavations continue at the site, carried out by a team of archaeologists in successive scientific phases to uncover more details of this important period.

 The history traced in AlUla extends to more than 7,000 years of human presence. Research to date has uncovered valuable inscriptions and writings that help reread the region’s past and understand the social and economic lives of its people.