Hegra (Al-Ula)
Saudi Arabia's answer to Petra — monumental Nabataean tombs carved into red sandstone, opened to the world only in 2020.
Overview
Hegra, historically known as Mada'in Saleh, was among Saudi Arabia's first World Heritage sites, preserving 111 monumental tombs carved by the Nabataean civilisation between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD into sandstone cliffs. The site is vast and in places better preserved than Petra in Jordan. Opened to international visitors in 2020, it combines with the surrounding Al-Ula canyons and rock formations to form one of the most striking archaeological and natural destinations in the Middle East.
History
Hegra was the second city of the Nabataean kingdom after Petra and a key station on the incense trade route. After the Nabataean kingdom was absorbed by Rome in AD 106 the city declined and was largely forgotten until modern archaeological work began. It was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2008, becoming the first in Saudi Arabia.
Highlights
- •The carved sandstone tombs
- •The Al-Ula canyon
- •The Elephant Rock formation
Practical tips
- •A guide is included in the ticket and worthwhile
- •The desert heat is intense, so visit in the morning
Practical information
- Best time
- October to March
- Tickets
- About USD 95 including a guide
- Opening hours
- 7:00 to 17:00
- Local food
- Arabian grilled meat, dates and Arabic coffee
- Getting around
- Non-Muslims may not enter the sacred core of Mecca and Medina, so the rules should be noted
- Visa
- A tourist visa is required and an e-visa can be applied for online, with hotel bookings and itinerary details required.
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