The archaeological rock art corner at the "Hirfah" festival, held at the historic Qishlah Palace in Hail region, has drawn strong turnout from visitors and tourists from inside and outside the Kingdom. The festival, organized by the Emirate of Hail region, offered a unique opportunity for those interested in archaeology and historic art to explore rock engravings depicting the daily life of humans in prehistoric eras.

Visual artist Afaf Al-Assaf, who won first place in the fine arts competition "Our History: The Thamudic Inscriptions in the City of Jubbah," spoke about her passion for this art form, which she considers a heritage symbol reflecting the scent of history. She explained that for four years she has focused on realistic, abstract and surrealist art as well as rock art, which is abundant in Hail region, noting her participation in exhibitions inside and outside the Kingdom to enrich society with art inspired by ancient inscriptions.

The Rock Art Corner Highlights the Beauty of Ancient Inscriptions:

  • The corner displays images of rock inscriptions taken from the Jabal Umm Sinman site in the city of Jubbah, 100 km northwest of Hail. The site, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015, features skillfully executed depictions of camels, ibex and human figures, expressing the talent of Arab artists of that era.
  • The images also include striking engravings of a man holding a bow and shooting an arrow, drawn from the Jabal Raat and Al-Manjour sites south of Hail, which have also joined the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Notable Inscriptions:

  • Life-size human and animal figures reflecting the social and economic life of the Thamud people.
  • Precise carvings depicting human and animal footprints and distinctive geometric patterns.
  • Friezes depicting details of daily life in ancient times, finished with great precision.

Art and Heritage in Enchanting Harmony:
The festival shows how rock art can be a window onto human history, offering visitors a rich experience that blends artistic beauty with cultural richness. Hail region, with its globally recognized historic sites, stands as a living testament to human creativity in ancient times, making it an attractive destination for history and culture lovers.