Al Naslaa
Archaeological Site Unusual two-part rock formation split down the middle
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.
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.
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.
Best Time to Visit Al Naslaa #
Best visited in the cooler winter months; summer heat makes desert stops uncomfortable.
Weather & Climate near Al Naslaa #
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.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is hot with highs of 37°C and lows of 23°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the hottest month with highs of 37°C and lows of 23°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
