When you look at the northern regions of Saudi Arabia, and neighboring Jordan, you may probably know the area for its fascinating ancient structures, but also one of the oldest Arab civilizations in existence. This includes the ancient city of Dumat Al-Jandal, which literally means “Dumah of the Stone.” Dumah was one of the twelve sons of Ishmael, hence making it to some a biblical city. It was also referred to as “Adummatu” in the ancient Akkadian language, a now extinct Semitic language, and even considered the capital city of an Arab kingdom at the time as “Qedar.”

 

Today, Dumat Al-Jandal remains abandoned, but it serves as a popular tourism destination. 

It is best known for ancient structures such as Qasr Marid, an ancient castle dating back to the Nabatean era, and Omar Mosque. Al Dar’i Quarter, which is between the two ancient structures, represents the old quarter of the ancient city dating back to the middle of the Islamic era. If you ever want to visit this historical site, it’s not too far off from Al Jawf Museum of Archeology and Folklore.