King Abdulaziz Castle







Atop a hill in Duba Governorate in Tabuk Province stands King Abdulaziz Castle, recounting chapters of the ancient history of the Kingdom. Built by order of King Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1352AH, this castle was not merely a stone fortress, but a witness to historical transformations and served as the seat of government in the province. Multiple government agencies have utilized the castle building as an office complex, including the Ministry of Defense, the police, the court, Border Guard, Ministry of Tourism, and finally the Heritage Commission. The castle was built on the top of a high mound, covering an area of 1,750 m². Constructed by local residents from limestone, it features a rectangular shape and has four semicircular towers that give it an imposing presence. The central area of the castle consists of a spacious courtyard around in the middle of which the rooms and facilities exist. The mosque occupies most of the northern facade of the courtyard. A datestone over the entrance shows the year of construction, a time stamp documenting the establishment of this monumental landmark. The castle has stood the test of time, overlooking the old Duba market and the corniche. It has been a testament to transformations in the region. The significance of the castle has not diminished over the years. but has acquired renewed importance after being restored and opened to visitors. It also serves as the headquarters of the Duba Heritage Commission Office. Renovations of the castle have contributed to documenting cultural continuity in the area. As part of the Heritage Commission efforts to digitize and archive archaeological sites in the Kingdom, the castle was registered with the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, appearing in a list of 36 registered sites in Tabuk Province. In the castle, the story of the past is told in a way appealing to modern visitors.

