Tabuk Castle: A Complete Guide to Uncovering a Millennial Fortress in the Desert

Tabuk Castle is a historical landmark in northwestern Saudi Arabia, bearing witness to the architectural style of the Ottoman Empire and significant historical events on the Arabian Peninsula. It was once part of the Hejaz Railway and a station for Muslim pilgrims traveling to Mecca. Today, the castle has been transformed into a museum, showcasing the history and culture of the Tabuk region. If you're interested in the history of the Ottoman Empire, Islamic culture, or ancient trade routes, this is definitely worth a visit! ⏳ Built: 1559 AD (Ottoman Empire) 🎟️ Admission: Free 🕒 Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm (It is recommended to avoid the midday heat) 📌 Must-See Highlights 1️⃣ Castle Walls and Watchtowers Standing outside the castle, you can see the thick adobe walls and two watchtowers, demonstrating the fortress's former defensive function. Climb the watchtowers for a panoramic view of Tabuk city. 2️⃣ Inner Courtyard Upon entering the castle, you'll be greeted by a typical Arabian-style courtyard. It's a great place to take a break from the scorching sun. 3️⃣ Castle Museum The museum displays historical exhibits about Tabuk and its surrounding areas, including Ottoman-era manuscripts, traditional weapons, maps, and a section detailing the construction of the Hejaz Railway. 4️⃣ Ancient Mosque The mosque within the castle is an essential part of Tabuk Castle. It is said that the Prophet Muhammad prayed here during the Tabuk Expedition (630 AD), and it was later renovated during the Ottoman Empire. 📷 Photo Recommendations 📍 Overlooking Tabuk from the watchtower – Capture the cityscape of Tabuk, especially beautiful during sunset. 📍 In front of the castle gate – This historic gate is a classic photo spot. 📍 Inside the mosque – A great place to observe the details of Islamic architecture (dress code required). 🚗 Transportation 📍 Driving: Tabuk city has wide roads and there is a parking lot near the castle, making it suitable for driving. 📍 Taxi: You can use Careem or Uber. The fare within the city is approximately SAR 15–30. 💡 Travel Tips ✔ Best time to visit: Morning or evening to avoid the midday heat. ✔ Dress code: Saudi Arabia has strict dress requirements. Long sleeves and pants are recommended. Female visitors may want to bring a headscarf for entering the mosque. ✔ Guide recommendation: Information signs inside the castle are mainly in Arabic. If you want to learn more about the historical background, it is recommended to research beforehand or hire a local guide. ✔ Recommended nearby attractions: You can also visit the Hejaz Railway Tabuk Station (about a 5-min drive) and the Mosque of Repentance (about 2 km away).