RIYADH: The village of Zubala in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders Region is considered one of the most important civilizational landmarks on the Arabian Peninsula.
It served as a vital meeting point for caravans, pilgrims and traders along the historic Darb Zubaydah route which connected Iraq and parts of the Levant with Makkah.
The village is located 25 km south of Rafha Governorate in the Northern Borders Region.
It displays rich human, cultural and natural heritage that reflects its transformation from the pre-Islamic era to the early Islamic period, underscoring its status as a key station on ancient trade and Hajj routes.
Zubala is among the most significant historic villages in the region, as studies indicate that its history spans more than 4,000 years.
The location boasted a comprehensive water system comprising more than 350 wells and reservoirs of varying sizes, attesting to long-term human settlement and a remarkable capacity for adaptation to the desert environment.
Archaeological excavations have taken place since 2015 and yielded multiple discoveries, most notably a rectangular mosque, as well as clear remains of a number of tandoors (bread ovens) used for cooking in ancient times.
Seven closely situated tandoors were uncovered at a single location, reflecting an organized and settled pattern of habitation.
A diverse collection of archaeological finds has also been unearthed, including pottery, ceramics, soapstone and finely crafted metal and glass tools.
The manufacturing techniques and decorative motifs point to the skill of ancient craftsmen and to the existence of trade relations and civilizational interaction between Zubala and the urban centers of the Islamic world.
