Destination Report: Saudi Arabia

Mada’in Saleh enlisted as
UNESCO World Heritage Site

Mada’in Saleh is ready: as the first site in the Kingdom of Saudi-Arabia, it has recently been inscribed by the UNESCO in the World Heritage List.

UNESCO Inscription Mada'in Saleh

The Nabatean city, located 400 km north of the Holy City of Madinah and 25 km away from the biblical settlement of al-‘Ula, has for long been recognised as a potential world class attraction. The nomination as one of the world's historical sites of “outstanding universal value” finally acknowledges Mada’in Saleh’s status on the Arabian Peninsula. Until today, it has reached only a trickle of the attention that its sister city Petra in neighboring Jordan is getting – but this might change in the future.

Archaelogical Landscape of Mada'in Saleh

Mada’in Saleh (or al-Hijr in local language) was inhabited from approximately 200 BCE until 200 CE, first by the Thalmuds and then by the Nabateans. The latter established it firmly as a a trading station along the incense route across the Arabian Peninsula. While little remains of the urban structures in the centre of the site, remnants of walls, cisterns and water systems can still be found. The paramount highlight, however, are the surrounding mountains that boast a total of 131 tombs carved into the desert stone.

Rock Tombs in the Desert Sandstone

For those able to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with its strict visa procedures, a visit to Mada’in Saleh via the starting base al-‘Ula is rather straightforward: access can be made by domestic flights or by car, and the desert town has a choice of two good hotels: the very friendly Mada’in Saleh Hotel and the Arac Hotel Al-Ula.

Morning Impressions of the Oasis at al-'Ula

Visiting the site of Mada’in Saleh requires a free permit to be obtained beforehand through the hotel or the tour operator. A thorough visit by 4x4 usually comprises two half-days, necessary to cover most of the sites around the 13 km² area and to enjoy the different lightning conditions in the morning and in the evening. A special site feature is a restored Hijaz Railway station where old locomotives of German origin can still be seen.

Restored Station of the Hijaz Railway

The Saudi General Commission for Tourism and Antiquities has welcomed the nomination by the UNESCO and currently contemplates suggesting more heritage sites for inclusion in the list. As part of the World Heritage, Mada’in Saleh will certainly get a boost in attention from local and international tourism. It is to be expected that in the near future, a thorough site management including interpretation centres will be established, thus strongly enhancing the visitor experience.

Unique Rock Formations in the Desert Landscape

Mada’in Saleh combines a unique scenery with outstanding cultural and historic heritage. Visiting it nowadays in the loneliness of the spectacular landscape simply leaves the interested onlooker breathless and in awe.

And from my personal experience I can only recommend to anyone going to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia not miss it – it is a true beauty in the Arabian desert.


Andreas Hauser