ar- العربية Hegra, also known as Mada’in Saleh, is an archaeological site located in Al Ula. Once home to an ancient civilization, this site was the kingdom’s southernmost and largest settlement after Petra. Visitors can marvel at the remnants of the lost civilization and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Mada’in Saleh holds significant importance in Islamic history due to its association with Prophet Saleh (Peace be upon him) and his camel. The people of Thamud lived in Hegra and carved houses inside the mountains, thinking themselves to be invincible. According to Muslim belief, Prophet Saleh was sent to these people to bring God’s message. However, they demanded a miracle, and so a camel came out of the mountains. The Prophet forbade the people to harm the camel, but they did not listen and ended up killing it. As a result, severe earthquakes destroyed the entire tribe, violently shaking the land and destroying all living creatures in it.
The tombs at Hegra vary in size, from small one-room tombs to larger ones that can accommodate multiple people. Some of these tombs are easily accessible, while others require a bit of climbing to see. However, visitors are only allowed to go inside three of them, which are easily reachable. The site has recently been opened to tourists, and a ticket is needed to enter. There is also a bus with a tour guide that takes tourists around the site. Besides Mada’in Saleh, you can also check out the railway station museum in Hegra, which houses ancient historical artifacts.
Reaching back into the past, visitors can encounter AlUla’s ancient cultures and learn about how people lived. You can observe expertly carved stone blocks – or betyls – that acted as representations of the gods. Away from Hegra’s captivating tombs, this ancient Nabataean city also boasts examples of ancient engineering and craftsmanship such as wells and stone-lined water channels. Defensive walls, gates, and towers that once encircled the city show the Roman influence at Hegra.
As Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra has been populated since before the 1st millennium BCE. It is renowned for its more than 110 well-preserved burial tombs carved from desert rock, in which the Nabataean elite were laid to rest. Some chambers carry inscriptions describing the person laid within – perhaps a healer, a military figure, or a local leader.
The best way to explore the ancient city of Hegra is by joining an organized tour, either in a private vintage Land Rover or on a coach. These tours include visits to various tombs within the site complex and start from SAR 95, with a duration of approximately two hours. Self-driving is not allowed. All visitors must adhere to the designated walking paths around Hegra. It is prohibited to enter non-designated areas, including the tombs. There is still much to be discovered, and entering the tombs or touching the engravings may cause irreparable damage. Guided coach or Land Rover tours stop at all the best sites, including Jabal Ithlib, Jabal Banat, Tomb of Lihyan son of Kuza, Jabal Ahmar, and Jabal Khuraymat. As there are a limited number of tours each day, it is highly recommended that you pre-book your tour.
Purchasing tickets at the visitor center is also possible, according to availability. There is free parking located at Hegra South Gate, and tour meeting points are also located here. Alternatively, visitors may go to Winter Park in AlUla and take a coach to the tour meeting point.
Visitors are encouraged to take photographs but are advised not to remove or take anything from the tombs or from the ground. Visitors who mistreat the monuments will be asked to leave. The Hegra Visitor Centre offers guests a taste of traditional Arab hospitality; depending on the seasons, this may include dates and other dried fruits, fresh juices, and Saudi coffee. There is also an exhibition space and a gift shop. All ages are welcome, and children ages 4 years and below can enter free of charge.