Hegra

Hegra, also known as Mada'in Salih by Muslims, is an archaeological site located in the Al-Ula district of Medina Province in the Hejaz, Saudi Arabia. The majority of the relics are from the Kingdom of Nabataea (1st century AD). After Petra, the kingdom's capital city, the site serves as the kingdom's southernmost settlement and second-largest metropolis. Mada'in Salih was designated as a patrimony site by UNESCO in 2008, making it Saudi Arabia's first World Heritage Site. It was chosen for its well-preserved ruins from late antiquity, particularly the 131 colossal rock-cut tombs of the Nabataean Kingdom, with their artistically adorned facades.

The extremely large rock-cut tombs hung in the gorgeous desert at Hegra, near Al Ula in the kingdom's center, are among the most recognized sites in Saudi Arabia. However, whereas Petra receives over a million visitors each year, Hegra is still largely unknown, attracting more wildlife than tourists. That could change in the coming years, with hotel brands such as Aman, Banyan Tree, and Tulum-born Habitas establishing eco- and heritage-sensitive camps around what could be one of the main attractions of the 2020s.

Location: Al Madinah Region, Al-Hejaz, Saudi Arabia
Entrance fee: N/A
Best time to visit: afternoon around 3 pm
Hours: Mondays - Sundays: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm (last entry is 3:00 pm)