Arad (Hebrew, ערד) [1] is a small city in Israel that lies on the border between the Negev desert and the Judean Desert. It is also the name commonly given to Tel Arad, the site of the ancient city of Arad some 10 km east of the modern city centre. Arad is a great centre for hiking and exploring the desert regions of Israel south of the capital Jerusalem.

Understand

Arad is a thriving modern town, founded only in 1962 by a group of young Israelis, most of them ex-kibbutzniks and ex-moshavniks who were seeking an environment free of the urban ills of overcrowding, traffic, noise, and pollution. Although not noted for its great beauty, the town's growth has closely followed a well-designed master plan. Arad's present population is approximately 28,000 (2003 estimate) and reflects the broad spectrum of Israeli society with a special emphasis on recent immigrants.

See

• "Eshet Lot" - The artists' quarter

The Artists' Quarter "Eshet Lot", is an exclusive quarter with its own brand of desert atmosphere, combining creativity and artistry is in the heart of the industrial zone, on the road leading down to the Dead Sea. The artists who are all inhabitants of Arad, united together to create a productive community with an enhanced sensitivity towards the environment. Links for some galleries: "Maayan Hayetzira - art gallery", Glass museum - Gideon Friedman.

• Arad Visitors Centre, ☏ +972 07 995-4409. downtown Arad, close to the mall and community centre, open April-September 8 am - 5 pm, October-March 8 am - 4 pm, admission adults NIS 23, children NIS 12 (groups: adults NIS 19, children NIS 11) - The Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority's visitors centre introduces visitors to the geology and history of the Judean Desert. Its audiovisual program uses water and a 3D model of the Judean Desert to demonstrate why this desert is so prone to flooding. Artifacts from Tel Arad and models of Canaanite Arad and the Israelite-period fortress are on display in the section devoted to history. A multi-screen video presentation brings the visitor back to the present and the modern city of Arad. The Visitors Centre has information on hiking trails, events, and areas of interest in the Judean Desert. Visitors can purchase maps, sheets with suggested hiking routes and related literature. 

• Tel Arad National Park, ☏ +972 07 776-2170, fax: +972 07 995-5866. at the Tel Arad junction on Route 31 (Arad-Shoket junction) turn north on Route 2808 - the park is 2 miles north of the junction, open April-September 8 am - 5 pm, October-March 8 am - 4 pm, admission by Israel National Parks card or adults NIS 12, children NIS 6 (groups: adults NIS 11, children NIS 5) - the site of the ancient city, well worth a visit from an archaeological point of view 

Sleep

In the city there are 4 Hotels and a youth Hostel.

• Israel YHA Hostel Arad, ☏ +972-8-9957150, arad@iyha.org.il. 
• Blau-Weiss Hostel, 4 HaAtad Street, ☏ +972 8 9957150, fax: +972 8 9955078. 
• Inbar Hotel, 38 Yehuda Street, ☏ +972-8-997-3303.