About Madain Saleh

Rumours that Mada'in Saleh, also called Al-Ḥijr or "Hegra", is cursed may be exaggerated. The Thamudi people used to live here in the 1st century BC. In Islamic text, the Thamudi people were punished by Allah for worshipping other idols and the area was struck by an earthquake and lightning.

Whether you believe the story or not, it is an amazing archaeological site of the Roman occupation before and after the Nabatean Kingdom. It was the largest settlement south of Petra and is Saudi Arabia’s first World Heritage Site. Formerly on a trade route, the rock city now stands empty. 

There are 131 monumental rock tombs with ornamental inscriptions. These inscriptions are in diverse languages, scripts, and even styles. Carvings of the names, occupations, and family lineage of the people who once lived there are surrounded by remarkable figures of elephants, eagles, and griffins.

Smooth building façades are surrounded by walls slowly covered in wind-swept sand over the centuries. It really is the “Capital of Monuments.”
 

Must See

  • The landscapes inspiring archeological sites 
  • Lush farms around the area
  • Ruins of the old Deira of Al Ula town
  • The old red sandstone tower
  • View of red mountains, rock formations, endless groves of lush date palms
  • Archeological sites from the Dedanite, Nebataen, Lihyanite, Roman, and Ottoman civilizations
  • The 5000-year-old petroglyphs, ornate tombs which are carved right out of a rock
  • Ruins of ancient villages

How to reach

A flight takes 3 hours after which you can take a taxi which takes another 23 min, One-Way would cost you 149.996 SAR- 187.495 SAR.

 If you drive from Riyadh to Madā’in Şāliḩ, it takes 12 hours 56minutes.

Tips

  • Bring light clothes, big hats, high-quality sunglasses and also a jacket and sweater for the cold nights.
  • Do not wear revealing clothes due to the conservative nature of Omani culture and the Bedouins.
  • Carry enough water as it is a long drive.
  • Try to start your day as early as possible to beat the crowd and heat.
  • Foreigners need a permit to visit the site.
  • Make sure you also carry sunscreen.
  • You can carry some snacks and enjoy the journey.
  • Pre-book your hotel rooms if you have to stay back as its a long drive. 

Visit Time

Sunday:            Open 24 hours.
Monday:           Open 24 hours.
Tuesday:          Open 24 hours.
Wednesday:     Open 24 hours.
Thursday:         Open 24 hours.
Friday:              Open 24 hours.
Saturday:          Open 24 hours.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

4 to 5 hours

 

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Weather

Overcast Clouds 17.48°C

 

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