Al-Hijr Archaeological Site (Madâin Sâlih)

The UNESCO World Heritage site Al-Hijr Archaeological Site (Madâin Sâlih), also known as Hegra, is located in the county of AlUla in north-western Saudi Arabia. AlUla’s unique geology has created the dramatic landscapes seen today, including layers of ancient sandstone shaped over centuries by wind and sand. The high water table provided the area’s ancient inhabitants with relatively easy access to water to sustain human consumption and agricultural production, and the settlement became a key stopping point for travellers.