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The Glossary
Al-Faw Travel Guide
In the ancient times, Al-Faw served as a Silk Road terminus for caravan routes coming all the way from the Persian Gulf and from Sana‘a in Yemen. Today, this small port town in Saudi Arabia is nestled underneath the granite cliffs of Jebel Tuwaiq Escarpment on the western rim of the Empty Quarter. Once on its history, it was believed to be the “Water Palace” or the playground of Iraq’s Saddam Hussein and his Ba'ath Party officials.
Prehistoric artifacts
Alternatively known as Qariya Al- Faw, this ancient site holds a plethora of relics from the past. These treasures include a handful of souks, palaces, temples and catacombs that have distinct rock-hewn stones and inscriptions that have not yet been studied by scientists. There are also excellent samples of an urban settlement from the pre-Islamic era found in the town’s very streets, as well as irrigation and canal systems that are all well-preserved. Before visitors can get close to the ruins, however, they have to secure a permit to visit the site and tag along a guide to be able to pinpoint the location of the prehistoric artifacts.
Old-world charm
Although Al-Faw suffered serious conflicts in the past especially during the First World War, Gulf War and the Iran-Iraq War, the town was able to redeem its self and now, it is slowly embracing modernization without compromising its old-world appeal.
Climbing and trekking routes
Since the town is close to the crossing point of Wadi Ad-Dawasir and the ranges of Tuwaiq Mountains, interested mountain climbers or trekkers can trail and hang out at the area without the hustle of being with crowds. Another interesting site to visit in Al-Faw is the Najran Gerrha trade route.
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