Zabal Castle

A well-preserved mudbrick and stone castle on a rocky volcanic outcrop at the northern edge of Sakakah. Zabal Castle dates to the medieval Islamic period but was expanded and rebuilt multiple times, with the current structure largely dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The castle dominates its hill and offers views over the surrounding oasis landscape and the city below.

The structure includes towers, internal courtyards, and the remains of living quarters. Recent restoration work has made it accessible to visitors. It is one of the more complete examples of traditional north Arabian fort architecture and worth the short drive from the city centre. The approach road gives good views of the castle from below before you ascend.

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A story
Zabal Castle was built in the 10th century on a volcanic rock outcrop that had been used as a defensive position for centuries before that. It was expanded by the Rashidi dynasty in the 19th century and was one of the last strongholds of traditional Arabian architecture in the north of the country. From its battlements you can see the date palm oases that have made the Al-Jawf region valuable since antiquity.