Dubá, Saudi Arabia, In this coastal haven, we celebrated Christmas Eve with a unique twist. Instead of snow-covered landscapes and twinkling lights, we were embraced by the warmth of the sun. As we arrived in Dubá, the salty breeze welcomed us, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. The turquoise waters of the Red Sea sparkled under the warm sun. Each step took us deeper into the heart of Dubá, where we discovered the ancient history and traditions that had shaped this captivating city.
Its two main attractions are the historic King Abdulaziz Fort and its stunning picturesque beaches. Historically it is part of Madian; the city is mentioned in Islamic scriptures. According to the Quran, Prophet Moussa settled in Madian (the region starts from Jordan river and extends to the town of Duba). The Ottoman Turks fortified the city, protecting the route from Egypt to Arabia. After the Saudi conquest of the city in 1
933, King Abdulaziz built his castle there in the same year. The King Abdulaziz Fort is one of Saudi Arabia’s youngest forts, this historical Islamic site was built in 1933 during the reign of King Abdulaziz, to serve as the government headquarters in the city. The palace was built at the highest point of the Old City, with a view of the market from the western side. The palace was built by residents and architects locally and from nearby Al-Wajh and Yanbu.
The palace features a spacious rectangular courtyard surrounded by several rooms and facilities over 1,000 square meters – crescent-shaped towers stand at each of the corners. The building can be entered through the main eastern gate, while there is a mosque at the northern side. The Ministry of Tourism restored the palace and converted it into an antiquities museum that offers an insight into the local civilization’s history and explores the importance of its key trade routes. The palace is also designated a national heritage site.
So today it is 75 degrees and sunny on Christmas Eve as we explore.
Comments