I flew up there last weekend from Riyadh to have a look around.
Known as the 'Saudi Stonehenge' the site comprises about fifty sets of sandstone pillars.
Archaeologists think the pillars were erected about 3,000 years ago. They have excavated below the stones and found no votive offerings. So they are not really sure what their purpose is.
I arrived on site shortly after dawn. And you can see that every set of stones is set facing towards the rising sun.
The most famous set of stones are these and they would make a great symbol for the Saudi Tourist Board.
For anyone wishing to visit...
The site is at 29° 48' 49.31", 40° 13' 11.28". The gate seems permanently locked but there is a hole in the fence to the left. From the airport at Al Jouf take the road to Sakaka and take the first right immediately after the ARAMCO distribution plant. The site is signposted on the right after about 3 kms.
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