M A D A I N   S A L E H

Khurimat region [001]

Madain Saleh, also known as al-Hijr, is one of the best known archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia, located near Ula (previously known as Dedan), some 400 kilometers north of Madina. Madain Saleh was once inhabited by the Nabataeans some 2000 years ago, Petra (located in Jordan) being the capital of the Nabataean kingdom. The Nabataeans are of Arab origin who became rich by their monopoly on the trade of incense and spice in particular between the East and the Roman, Greek and Egyptian empires. Madain Saleh has about 130 dwellings and tombs that extend over some 13 kilometers.

The inside of one of the tombs at Madain Saleh [002]

Sandstone mountain in Ula [003]

Last summer holiday, I set for Madain Salih with two friends. We left Medina at 10.00 am, stopped at Khaybar to have lunch and reached Ula at 2.30 pm.

The landscape in Ula [004]

In Ula, the landscape changes drastically. The beautiful ragged sandstone mountains are everywhere. In fact, when I was in Ula, I had the feeling that I was not in Saudi Arabia.

A residential area in Ula [005]

At 5.00 pm we had a stroll in Ula. Ula is sparsely populated. The landscape here is picturesque.

Ula [551]

Ula [552]

An old building in Ula [006]

There is an archaeological museum in Ula. Unfortunately it was closed. Later I come to know that it is opened from 8.30 am till 2.30 pm from Saturday to Wednesday.

Malik Saoud institute of archaeological research in Ula [007]

Early next morning we head for Mada`in Saleh. It took us some 20 minutes to reach there. At the gate of the site we were asked to submit our pass permit.

Instruction signboard, Madain Saleh [008]

One of the massive façade of a tomb at Qasr al-Bint [009]

Many of the tombs and dwellings at Madain Saleh are surprisingly still in good condition and are really stunning.

The façades of their dwellings are carved out from the mountains. Just above almost all the gates there are various decorations namely; eagles and snakes. The inside of their dwellings are not identical as if they were built for different purposes. Some are small with low ceiling while others are more spacious.

Nowadays many of the dwellings and tombs need stairs to reach.

 A partly damaged dwelling [443]

This dwelling is partly damaged and is fenced.

[575]

Al-Diwan [010]

This is probably one of their meeting place, place of worship or dining room. It measures approximately 13 meters in length, 10 meters in width with a height of 8 meters.

The inside of this dwelling is peculiar and different from the others, Madain Saleh [011]

There is a region at Madain Saleh where there are wells, however, this area was not accessible to visitors on my visit to Madain Saleh.

The above article is related to my visit to Madain Saleh in 2005. Have you ever been to Madain Saleh? Has anything changed now? Is it easier to access the site now when it comes to the permit? I would greatly appreciate you sharing with me your visit or any other useful information concerning Madain Saleh.

Related links :

Madain Saleh photo galleries ; images for licensing.

Nabataea.net ; one of the most informative web sites about the Nabataeans, their origin, their kingdom and their lifestyle. You will also find informative articles about Petra and Madain Saleh.