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Al Naslaa

Archaeological Site

Al Naslaa in Tabuk Province is a sandstone rock cleft nearly down the middle, with nearby ancient inscriptions; archaeologists and photographers document the formation and its desert setting.

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In this guide

Al Naslaa essentials

Address: Al Naslaa (near Tayma), Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia
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About Al Naslaa

Al Naslaa is a distinctive sandstone rock formation in Tabuk Province, northwest Saudi Arabia, notable for an almost perfectly straight vertical fissure that cleanly divides a single large boulder into two halves. The formation stands alone on a flat plain and is visually striking because of the precision of the split.

The split gives the impression of a single monolithic block bisected along a plane, and the site has attracted attention from both tourists and scholars interested in natural rock weathering processes. The exact origin of the cut is a subject of discussion, and the feature is generally attributed to natural erosion and fracturing processes rather than human carving.

The rock is located in the broader Tayma archaeological and oasis region of Tabuk Province, within the northwestern part of the country. It is reached by road from nearby settlements and is often visited as part of excursions to the Tayma area.

  • Conservation note: The formation is fragile and has been the subject of both scientific interest and tourism; visitors should avoid climbing or touching the split surface to limit damage.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Al Naslaa

Best visited in the cooler winter months; summer heat makes desert stops uncomfortable.

Winter
Nov-Mar · 10-25°C
Cooler and comfortable for desert visits and photography.
Spring/Autumn
Apr-May, Sep-Oct · 20-30°C
Pleasant days and crisp light; watch for occasional gusty winds.
Summer
Jun-Aug · 30-45°C
Very hot; visits should be avoided or done at dawn/dusk.

Weather & Climate near Al Naslaa

Climate

Al Naslaa's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 37°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 109 Unhealthy (Sg)
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
44°
Warmest Month
-6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 5° - 18° 11° 9 mm mostly sunny 48% 2.6 m/s 1.0 moderate 10.5h
February Excellent 6° - 20° 13° 4 mm mostly sunny 39% 3.1 m/s 1.3 high 11.1h
March Excellent 10° - 23° 17° 12 mm mostly sunny 30% 3.6 m/s 1.8 very high 11.9h
April Ideal 15° - 29° 22° 11 mm mostly sunny 25% 3.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.7h
May Ideal 19° - 33° 26° 4 mm clear 19% 3.4 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.4h
June Ideal 22° - 36° 29° 0 mm clear 16% 3.7 m/s 2.8 extreme 13.7h
July Ideal 23° - 37° 30° 0 mm clear 18% 3.8 m/s 2.9 extreme 13.6h
August Ideal 23° - 37° 30° 1 mm clear 18% 3.5 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.0h
September Ideal 21° - 36° 28° 0 mm clear 19% 3.3 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.2h
October Ideal 17° - 31° 24° 7 mm clear 25% 2.9 m/s 1.6 very high 11.4h
November Ideal 11° - 24° 17° 16 mm clear 41% 2.7 m/s 1.1 high 10.7h
December Excellent 6° - 20° 13° 8 mm mostly sunny 47% 2.6 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Al Naslaa

Al Naslaa lies in Tabuk Province near the oasis town of Tayma. Access is by desert tracks and 4x4 from Tayma or nearby highway routes; local guides and drivers from Tabuk or Tayma are advisable for safe travel and navigation.

Tips for Visiting Al Naslaa

  • The split is best photographed in early morning or late afternoon light to emphasize the clean fault line and shadow.
  • There's no visitor centre - approach with a local guide or 4x4 operator who knows the desert tracks and respects private land.
  • Bring ample water and sun protection; the site sits in exposed desert with little shade and no facilities.