Royal Commission for AlUla Publishes 'Umm Daraj: Beacon of the Lihyan Kingdom'

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has launched “Umm Daraj: Beacon of the Lihyan Kingdom," a new publication by Dr. Hussein bin Ali Abu Al Hassan, available in Arabic, English and French. The book forms part of RCU’s ongoing efforts to preserve and document AlUla’s cultural heritage, enrich specialist knowledge in archaeology and history, and make the findings of scientific research accessible to scholars and enthusiasts alike.
 The publication highlights Umm Daraj, one of the most significant archaeological sites associated with the Lihyan Kingdom in AlUla. It presents the results of studies and fieldwork conducted at the site, along with the archaeological discoveries and scientific evidence that contribute to a deeper understanding of AlUla’s history and its successive civilizations. The book takes readers on a journey through Umm Daraj, a site dating to the third and second centuries BCE and recognized as one of the most important locations linked to the Lihyan Kingdom. Among its most distinctive features is a remarkable stone staircase, one of the longest known ancient stairways in the region, reflecting an advanced level of planning, construction expertise and understanding of the rocky landscape during that period.
 The publication explores the site’s historical and cultural significance, including its architectural remains, Lihyanite inscriptions, stone carvings and a range of archaeological finds. It also examines a number of inscriptions discovered at Umm Daraj, documenting their readings, translations and interpretations, thereby enhancing understanding of various aspects of the Lihyan Kingdom’s history and cultural legacy. In addition, the book highlights the site’s role as one of the principal locations illustrating AlUla’s prosperity during the first millennium BCE, showcasing evidence of the region’s human, cultural and economic activity. Drawing on archaeological remains and scientific data, it demonstrates the site’s importance within the broader cultural landscape of northwest Arabia.
 The publication of this book forms part of the ongoing efforts of RCU to support scientific research, preserve cultural heritage, and empower specialists to publish their scholarly work. These efforts align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and AlUla Vision, which seeks to share AlUla’s heritage with the world and highlight AlUla’s exceptional sites that contribute to a deeper understanding of the history of northwest Arabia through the ages. The book will be available for purchase at three RCU sales outlets across AlUla: RCU Store in AlUla Old Town, the Gift Shop at Hegra, and AlUla International Airport. “Umm Daraj: Beacon of the Lihyanite Kingdom” serves as a specialised scholarly reference documenting one of the most significant Lihyanite sites in AlUla. The publication reflects RCU’s continued commitment to exploration, documentation, and knowledge dissemination, further strengthening AlUla’s global standing as a center of heritage and culture.