Thamudic & Kufic Rock Art

Wadi Rum


Adorning the west-facing vertical rock face of Jebel Umm Al Ishrin, this wonderful set of petroglyphs is worth the detour on a 4WD excursion. While the animal forms are easy to interpret, a guide is helpful to make sense of the ancient Kufic inscriptions.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Wadi Rum attractions

1. Jebel Umm Al Ishrin

1.01 MILES

The deeply crevassed ‘Mother of Twenty’, a 20-domed mountain forming the east flank of Wadi Rum, is connected to the Seven Pillars of Wisdom formation…

2. Makharas Canyon

1.48 MILES

This attractive canyon threads through the rock massive known as Seven Pillars of Wisdom and makes for an interesting hike from the visitor centre.

3. Kharazeh Canyon

1.62 MILES

Kharazeh Canyon, one of the mighty incisions in Jebel Umm Al Ishrin, is a popular hiking destination. Guides and agencies offer a day hike (around seven…

4. Alameleh Inscriptions

1.99 MILES

Thamudic and Nabataean inscriptions, depicting camel caravans, hunting warriors and various animals, are common throughout the Wadi Rum area. The Alameleh…

5. Rakhabat Canyon

2.34 MILES

Close to Rum village, the labyrinthine siqs of Rakhabat Canyon give access to the heart of Jebel Umm Al Ishrin.

6. Seven Pillars of Wisdom

2.37 MILES

Named in honour of Lawrence’s book, this large rock formation, with seven fluted turrets, is easy to see from the road near the Wadi Rum visitor centre…

7. Anfaishiyya Inscriptions

2.62 MILES

The Anfaishiyya inscriptions are scratched into the smooth surface of a huge, vertical rock face.

8. Siq Umm Tawaqi

2.72 MILES

A popular destination by 4WD is Siq Umm Tawaqi, a beautiful area with mature trees sprouting apparently from the rock face. Locals have carved the…