Shuwaymis Rock Art

Shuwaymis lies in a remote valley system in the south of the Hail region, and the rock faces along the wadis carry a body of carvings that was only brought to wider attention in 2001. The panels include hunting scenes with human figures and packs of dogs, some shown on leads attached to the hunter's waist, images that have been used in arguments about the early domestication of the dog, along with cattle, ibex, lions and a large number of inscriptions. The dating runs back into the Neolithic. With Jubbah it forms the Rock Art in the Hail Region World Heritage property inscribed in 2015. The site is far from any town and access is by long desert drive.

What you actually see

• Hunting scenes - figures with dogs, some shown leashed.
• Cattle and ibex - the animal panels along the wadi walls.
• Inscriptions - the ancient texts cut among the images.
• The wadi system - the remote valleys the panels line.

When to go

November to March; the area is severely hot in summer with no shade or water. Low sun early or late makes the carvings readable. Guides and a capable vehicle should be arranged in advance.

Honest expectations

The site is remote, several hours from Hail on rough roads, and a guide is effectively necessary. There are no facilities, water or shade. Carvings are hard to see in flat midday light. Some panels are on private or restricted ground.

Nearby

Hail lies northeast; the Harrat volcanic field is south.