Famed for its Hejazi architecture, Al Wajh is a coastal city overlooking the Red Sea in northwestern Saudi Arabia. It played a pivotal role in the Arab Revolt of World War I and was used as an operational base for a series of attacks on the Hejaz Railway that once ran from Damascus to Medina.
Things to do in Al Wajh
Spend an afternoon wandering through the Al Balad district of Al Wajh, one of the best-preserved Hejazi fishing villages in Arabia. Admire the colourful latticed balconies and ornately carved doors of its atmospheric residences, with the neighbourhood perched atop a hill overlooking the town’s historic port.
Dominating the port is Al Wajh Castle, which was built in 1875 near the end of the Ottoman period to serve as a government headquarters. It’s recently been transformed into a museum, with old photographs of Al Balad and everyday artefacts on display. After exploring the exhibits, climb to the upper floor to take in the sweeping views across Al Wajh’s port.
Adjacent to the castle stands one of the first mosques to be constructed in Al Wajh, while the city’s Archaeological Museum is just a short stroll away. You can rent a boat from the Al Wajh Marina to visit the nearby islands or explore the untouched beaches that stretch in both directions. If you’re a keen angler, you can join a Red Sea fishing charter while fish markets surrounding the marina sell the day’s catch.
Getting around Al Wajh
Al Wajh Domestic Airport is a five-minute drive from the city centre and has regular flights to Riyadh and Jeddah. Buses connect Al Wajh with towns and cities throughout Saudi Arabia, while taxis are the main means of getting around the city.