Qaryat al-Faw

The Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Bronze head from Al-Faw
LocationSaudi Arabia
CriteriaCultural: (ii), (v)
Reference1712
Inscription2024 (46th Session)
Area4,847.73 ha (11,979.0 acres)
Buffer zone27,548.33 ha (68,073.4 acres)
Coordinates19°45′53.7″N 45°09′48.2″E / 19.764917°N 45.163389°E / 19.764917; 45.163389
Location of Qaryat al-Faw in Saudi Arabia
Qaryat al-Faw (West and Central Asia)

Qaryat Al Faw (Arabic: قرية الفاو), also known as Qaryat Dhat Kahil, was once the capital of the Kingdom of Kinda, now an archaeological site. It is located about 100 km south of Wadi ad-Dawasir, and about 700 km southwest of Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. The archeological site reveals various features such as residential houses, markets, roads, cemeteries, temples, and water wells.

The tutelary deity of Qaryat al-Faw is thought to have been Kahl. The pantheon of the city also included other deities, such as Shams.

Other names for the site include Qaryat al-Hamraa (Red City) and Dhat al-Jnan (City of Gardens) by the inhabitants in its period of prosperity.

In July 2024, Qaryat Al-Faw was officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.