Nestled in the heart of Tabuk city, Tabuk Fort is a historic site that tells the story of centuries of history and culture. Built in the 16th century during the Ottoman Empire, this fort once served as a strategic defense point and an important stop for pilgrims on their way to Mecca.
Tabuk fort and the northwestern region
The northwestern region of Saudi Arabia has gained fame thanks to the Hejaz Railway and Lawrence of Arabia. The city of Tabuk itself doesn’t offer many tourist sites to visit. However, the surrounding region is captivating and well worth exploring. A visit to Tabuk Fort pairs perfectly with the Hejaz Railway, creating a historically rich itinerary.
NEOM now spans part of the former Tabuk region in northestern Saudi Arabia, along the Red Sea. NEOM is a project aimed at integrating smart cities, industrial zones, and luxury tourism. Tabuk and its surrounding area are home to ancient archaeological sites such as the Midian Tombs (Mugha’ir Shu’ayb), Moses’ Well, and the Al-Shaq Canyon.
Leaving Tabuk to head towards the coast is an experience in itself, the road is simply incredible. My first time driving this route was amazing, with the landscape changing dramatically. The mountains grew more imposing, and the sand turned redder. The sunset further enhances the colours of the sand, which come from its mineral composition. The vivid red-orange hue of the Hisma Desert is due to the presence of iron oxide coating the grains of sand.
Visiting Tabuk Fort
I spent a day in Tabuk visiting Tabuk Fort, the ruins of the Hejaz Railway, and its museum. The fort, like the railway, was built by the Ottomans around 1655. It was restored in 1993 and is now an archaeological museum showcasing artefacts. It tells the story of the city, the fort, the Battle of Tabuk, and the Ottoman era.
The Tabuk Fort was built to protect the water station and ensure security, as it was one of the stations along the Hajj route, welcoming pilgrims. It is modest in size and features two floors, a courtyard, and several rooms displaying artefacts.
Places to Visit Near Tabuk Fort
Honestly, I think 20-30 minutes at Tabuk Fort is enough since it’s relatively small. After your visit, here are a few places I’d recommend:
Al Amir Fahd Ibn Sultan road
Make sure to have a stroll along the street in front of the fort. It is lined with local shops. That’s where I bought my coffee pot, small in size, perfect for preparing Saudi coffee and dates. A little further down the street, you’ll find the Tabuk market.
Al-Tawbah Mosque
Close to Tabuk Fort is the Al-Tawbah Mosque is an iconic tourist attraction. It is known as a place where Prophet Muhammad once prayed and is also linked to the Battle of Tabuk, a military expedition he led against the Byzantine Empire. The mosque is fairly large, accommodating up to 3,000 worshippers, and is open to visitors.
The Hejaz Railway
If you have time, I would highly recommend exploring the Hejaz Railway in Tabuk, a legendary line that once connected Medina to Damascus. It’s best to visit the museum first to understand the background story and then exploring its ruins and its unique tunnel.
Coffee break: C&B Coffee roaster
Over the course of my many visits to Tabuk, I’ve tried several cafés, and C&B is by far my favorite. It’s a Saudi café based in Tabuk.
