Sakakah: The Oasis of Northern Saudi Arabia

• HelloMarhaban
  [mar-ha-ban]
• GoodbyeMa'a as-salama
  [ma-a as-sa-la-ma]
• YesNa'am
  [na-am]
• NoLa
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeMin fadlak
  [min fad-lak]
• Thank youShukran
  [shuk-ran]
• Excuse me/SorryAfuwan
  [a-fu-wan]
• How are you?Kaifa halak?
  [kai-fa ha-lak]
• Fine. And you?Bikhair. Wa ant?
  [bi-khair. wa ant]
• Do you speak English?Hal tatakallam al-ingliziya?
  [hal ta-ta-ka-llam al-ing-li-zi-ya]
• I don't understandAna la afham
  [a-na la af-ham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseArd an ara al-qayimah, min fadlak
  [ard an a-ra al-ka-yi-ma, min fad-lak]
• I don't eat meatAna la akul al-lahm
  [a-na la a-kul al-la-hm]
• Cheers!Fi sahetak!
  [fi sa-he-tak]
• I would like to pay, pleaseUrīdu an adfa', min fadlak
  [u-ri-du an ad-fa', min fad-lak]

• Help!Musaidah!
  [mu-sai-dah]
• Go away!Ij' min huna!
  [ij' min hu-na]
• Call the Police!Idha' bil-shurtah!
  [id-ha' bil-shur-tah]
• Call a doctor!Idha' bil-tabib!
  [id-ha' bil-ta-bib]
• I'm lostTalat tareeqi
  [ta-lat ta-ree-qi]
• I'm illAna mareed
  [a-na ma-reed]

• I'd like to buy...Arju an ashtar...
  [ar-ju an ash-tar]
• I'm just lookingAna faqat atathabbat
  [a-na fa-qat a-ta-thab-bat]
• How much is it?Kam thamanuh?
  [kam tha-ma-nuh]
• That's too expensiveHatha ghali jiddan
  [ha-tha gha-li jid-dan]
• Can you lower the price?Hal tastatiu tasf althaman?
  [hal tas-ta-ti-u tas-f al-tha-man]

• What time is it?Kam as-sa'ah?
  [kam as-sa-ah]
• It's one o'clockAl-wahidah
  [al-wa-hi-dah]
• Half past (10)Nisf ba'd al-asharah
  [nis-f ba'd al-a-sha-rah]
• MorningSabaah
  [sa-ba-ah]
• AfternoonAl-ghad
  [al-ghad]
• EveningAl-masa'
  [al-ma-sa]
• YesterdayAms
  [ams]
• TodayAl-yawm
  [al-yawm]
• TomorrowGhadan
  [gha-dan]
• 1Waahid
  [wa-hid]
• 2Ithnayn
  [ith-na-yn]
• 3Thalatha
  [tha-la-tha]
• 4Arba'a
  [ar-ba-a]
• 5Khamsah
  [kham-sa]
• 6Sittah
  [sit-ta]
• 7Sab'ah
  [sab-a]
• 8Thamania
  [tha-ma-ni-a]
• 9Tis'ah
  [tis-a]
• 10Asharah
  [a-sha-rah]

• Where's a/the...?Ayna al...
  [ai-na al]
• What's the address?Ma huwa al-alamat?
  [ma hu-wa al-a-la-mat]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Hal tastatiu an tuuriyani (ala alkharīṭah)?
  [hal tas-ta-ti-u an tuu-ri-ya-ni (a-la al-kha-ri-tah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Matā yajur al-bus al-qadim?
  [ma-ta ya-jur al-bus al-qa-dim]
• A ticket (to ....)Tathiq (ila ...)
  [ta-thiq (i-la ...)]

Sakakah is located in the Al-Jouf region, which has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The area was a vital crossroads of trade routes and a hub for various civilizations. Archaeological discoveries in the region, such as those at the Rajajil standing stones, suggest that the area was inhabited as far back as 4,000 BCE. These standing stones, often referred to as the 'Stonehenge of Arabia,' are believed to have served religious or astronomical purposes.

Sakakah and the surrounding Al-Jouf region were significantly influenced by the Nabateans, an ancient Arab people who built the city of Petra in Jordan. The Nabateans established trade routes that passed through Al-Jouf, facilitating the exchange of goods such as spices, incense, and textiles. Their presence is evidenced by the Nabatean inscriptions and rock carvings found in the area.

With the advent of Islam in the 7th century CE, Sakakah became part of the expanding Islamic empire. The region witnessed the spread of Islamic culture, architecture, and trade practices. During this period, many mosques and fortresses were built, some of which still stand today, showcasing the architectural prowess of the early Islamic period.

In the 16th century, Sakakah came under Ottoman rule. The Ottomans constructed several fortifications in the area to protect their trade routes and maintain control over the region. The Za'bal Castle, perched on a hill overlooking Sakakah, is a testament to the Ottoman military architecture and strategic importance of the city during this era.

With the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, Sakakah began to modernize and develop. The discovery of oil and the subsequent economic boom led to significant investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare in the region. Today, Sakakah is a thriving city that balances its rich historical heritage with modern amenities and development.

Sakakah is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, which includes traditional festivals, music, and crafts. The Al-Jouf Date Festival is one of the most significant events in the region, celebrating the date harvest and showcasing local products. Traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery, and metalwork are still practiced, preserving the cultural legacy of the region for future generations.

Sakakah is located in the Al-Jawf Province of Saudi Arabia. The nearest major airport is Al-Jawf Domestic Airport (AJF), which is approximately 30 kilometers from the city center. The airport offers flights from major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Sakakah. Alternatively, you can drive to Sakakah from Riyadh, which is about a 10-hour journey by road.

Sakakah is well-connected by a network of roads, making car rentals a convenient option for exploring the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are readily available and can be hired for short trips within the city. Public buses operate in Sakakah, but they may not cover all tourist attractions, so private transport is often more practical. There are also shared taxis (known as 'limousine services') that can be an economical option for getting around.

The official currency in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Sakakah. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and most international cards are accepted for cash withdrawals.

Sakakah is generally a safe city for tourists. Violent crime rates are low, but it is always wise to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping your belongings secure in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always recommended.

In case of an emergency, dial 997 for medical emergencies, 998 for fire services, and 999 for police assistance. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Sakakah has several hospitals and clinics that offer quality medical care. Pharmacies are also available for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly in public places; men and women should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops. Women should consider wearing an abaya, although it is not always mandatory for tourists. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices. Avoid public displays of affection and be mindful of prayer times. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to other passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake, but be aware that some conservative individuals may not shake hands with the opposite gender. A simple nod or verbal greeting is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept hospitality graciously. Don't eat or drink in public during Ramadan from sunrise to sunset as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Sakakah like a local, visit the traditional souqs (markets) where you can buy spices, dates, and local crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Rajajil Standing Stones and the ancient city of Dumat Al-Jandal, both of which offer a glimpse into the area's rich historical heritage. For a unique culinary experience, try local dishes like Kabsa and Mandi at traditional restaurants.