Madain Saleh

Madain Saleh (مدائن صالح , also Medain Saleh, Meda'in Saleh) is a large archaeological site in Saudi Arabia.

Madain Saleh Halal Explorer

A Nabataean city hewed out of rock in the same style as Jordan's far more famous Petra, Madain Saleh is on UNESCO's tentative list for World Heritage inclusion and would be a top tourist draw in any other country than Saudi Arabia. As it is, though, few foreigners get visa to visit and many Muslims refuse to enter the area due to a section in the Qur'an (Al-Hijr 15:80) often interpreted as a curse against it. For anyone however with a visa it's a must to visit and certainly one of the best sights in the nation.

Travel to Madain Saleh

A Saudi Arabia#Money|SR100 permit is necessary for visiting Madain Saleh. Tour operators or hotels will usually arrange these on your behalf (apply at least one week in advance), or do it yourself at the National Museum in Riyadh.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Madain Saleh

The nearest airports are Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdul Aziz Domestic Airport in Al-Ula (50 kilometers) and Medina (300 kilometers, and yes and the airport is open to non-Muslims). Until 2004, visitors usually traveled via Hail (400 kilometers), but a new road from Al Wajh now makes that route considerably faster.

By car

The nearest town of any size is Al-Ula (or Al-Oula), 22 kilometers away from Madain Saleh. Saptco runs direct buses to Al-Ula from major towns including Jeddah (8 hr) and Riyadh (13½ hours).

What to see in Madain Saleh

The major tourist attraction are of course the rock-carved tombs. You should take most of a whole day to drive around the various rocks. Unfortunately the guides seem to be very light on historic knowledge, and some may make up things as they go along. Reading up on the Nabatean culture before you visit would make the stay more enjoyable and the graves do after all look pretty similar and you may get 'templed out' after seeing two dozen of them without background knowledge. There are no facilities inside the area, take food and plenty of water with you in the car. The area is also nice for hiking among the big rocks, however make sure your police escort allows you to do so. They may not follow you all the time but start a search when they notice you've gone "missing".

Elephant rock Al Ula, Saudi Arabia 2011 - Elephant Rock

A restored Hijaz Railway station can be found on the northern side of the city. Facilities all set up and ready for tourists (as of 2022 anyway), but locked tight as a drum! Travel around inside as much as feasible and there are many little interesting things to see. Use of steel sleepers stolen from the railway for all sorts of agricultural uses, and so on.

There is also the old town of Al-Ula just outside the city. The tight quarters of small mud buildings are mostly deteriorated, however in 2011 the Ministry for Antiques was renovating parts for tourists. Next to the town is a rock with something like an little fort on top that can be climbed for a nice overview. The old town will usually be part of the tour if you hire a guide for Madain Saleh.

Another destination is the mountain next to Al-Ula from where you can enjoy a panoramic view over the valley if the air is not too dusty. Often your guide will suggest this destination as well.

Lastly, where there are large rocks there is bound to be an "Elephant Rock", and Al-Ula also has its own. Ask your guide for details, it's not far from the city.

Halal Food & Restaurants

During your visit to the Madain Saleh area, you can eat good food in your hotel, (ARAC Al-Ula Hotel 4+ stars), it offers good and clean food, also if you want to try the local food you can visit to nice and clean restaurants in the city of Al-Ula. Your tour guide should guide you to the best places to eat.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Madain Saleh

Madain Saleh - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Madain Saleh, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Madain Saleh. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Madain Saleh and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Madain Saleh. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Madain Saleh. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMadain Saleh: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Madain Saleh.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Madain Saleh: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Madain Saleh, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Madain Saleh.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Madain Saleh, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Madain Saleh, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Madain Saleh and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Madain Saleh, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Madain Saleh, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Madain Saleh without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Madain Saleh is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Madain Saleh.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Madain Saleh is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Madain Saleh, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Madain Saleh Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Staying overnight at Madain Saleh is not allowed, so most visitors use a hotel in Al-Ula.

You can, if so equipped, camp quite close to the gates of Madain Saleh quite readily. There are organised tours which set up outdoor camps in a very luxurious fashion near the entrance.

Stay Safe

Al-Ula/Madain Saleh is as safe as the rest of Saudi Arabia. If you register for visiting the historic sites, a police escort will likely be assigned to your group and follow you around the area. They may also insist on escorting you on your way back on the highway all the way to Medina.

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