Mada'in Saleh

The ancient Nabataean city of Hegra — now officially designated Mada'in Saleh — preserves over 130 monumental rock-cut tombs carved from freestanding sandstone outcrops in the desert northwest of Al-Ula. A sister city to Petra in Jordan, it represents the southernmost extent of the Nabataean kingdom and was a key node on the incense trade route. The tombs' elaborate carved facades, featuring classical column capitals and eagle friezes, were executed between the first century BCE and first century CE and are exceptionally well preserved by the dry desert climate.