Al-Hijr (Mada’in Salih): The Crown Jewel of Nabatean Civilization

Step into Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and discover the breathtaking majesty of Al-Hijr (Mada’in Salih), the southern capital of the Nabatean Kingdom that rivaled Petra in its grandeur.

Why Al-Hijr is Extraordinary:

• UNESCO Masterpiece: First Saudi site inscribed on the World Heritage List (2008)

• Architectural Marvel: 111 monumental tombs with elaborate facades carved into sandstone

• Historical Crossroads: Witness to Lihyanite, Nabatean, and Roman civilizations

• Cultural Legacy: Ancient inscriptions in Aramaic, Thamudic, and Nabatean scripts

Must-See Wonders:

🏛️ Qasr al-Farid

• The “Lonely Castle,” largest and most iconic tomb

• Four-story facade left partially unfinished

• Perfect example of Nabatean rock-cut architecture

📜 Ancient Inscriptions

• Over 50 pre-Nabatean inscriptions

• Dedications to Nabatean deities

• Historical records carved in stone

💧 Water Management System

• Advanced Nabatean hydraulic engineering

• Wells, canals, and cisterns showcasing ancient ingenuity

• Life-sustaining systems in the desert

Visitor Experience:

Guided Tours Available:

• Historical narrative tours (2 hours)

• Photography-focused tours

• Sunset and golden hour experiences

• Private group tours

Best Times to Visit:

• 📅 October to April (pleasant weather)

• ⏰ Early morning or late afternoon (softer light)

• 🌅 Sunset (dramatic lighting on tombs)

Essential Information:

📍 Location: 22 km north of AlUla
🕒 Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎫 Tickets: Required (book in advance)
👣 Physical Level: Moderate walking
📸 Photography: Allowed (tripods permitted)

Preservation Guidelines:

• Do not touch ancient inscriptions or carvings

• Stay on marked pathways

• No climbing on archaeological structures

• Respect silence in sacred areas

Nearby Attractions:

• Hegra Historical Train Station

• Jabal Ithlib (Nabatean religious complex)

• Old Town AlUla

• Dadan Archaeological Site

Al-Hijr isn’t just stones and carvings—it’s where the desert whispers secrets of merchants, kings, and ancient gods. Walk where caravans once traded spices and stories, and feel the weight of 2,000 years of history.

“More than a archaeological site—it’s a portal to a civilization that mastered the desert and left their story carved in stone.” 🏜️✨