Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Jebel Khuraibah
MOUNTAIN
Situated northeast of town is the impressive site of Jebel Khuraibah - three peaks and a
fortress that once formed part of the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Lihyan. Rock-cut
tombs squat at the foot of the peaks, with the names of their owners inscribed in the Li-
hyanite and Dedanite scripts above the openings. The most impressive one is the 'Lion
Tomb' - so-called for the two lions carved on either side of the entrance. At Khuraibah is
a huge headless sandstone figure, while climbing to the top of the central peak reveals
stone walls, stairs and walls, linking all three crags together into a ruined fortress city.
Umm al-Daraj
HISTORIC SITE
At the northwestern end of the town, some kilometres north of Old Al-Ula, Umm al-Daraj
(Mother of Steps) is worth a detour. Climbing up the hill reveals a former Lihyanite sacri-
ficial altar and some beautiful Lihyanite inscriptions; ancient petroglyphs - depicting
people and camels - graffiti the site.
From the top of the steps there are stunning views out over the wadi. You'll need a
guide to find Umm al-Daraj, but try to get there for sunset - it's well worth the climb.
Tours
Arac Hotel Al-Ula GUIDED
TOUR
( 884 4444;
www.aracresort-alula.com
)
The Arac Hotel Al-Ula can organise day tours to Madain
Saleh for groups using local guides. If you're travelling on your own, they may take you
but you would need to pay the entire group rate (around SR750 including guide and
vehicle). Other options include guided excursions by 4WD into the desert. Lunch boxes
can be prepared on request.
Hamid M Al-Sulaiman GUIDED
TOUR
( 055-435 3684)
A local tour guide - and the author of a splendid coffee-table book on Ma-
dain Saleh - is Hamid M Al-Sulaiman. With intimate knowledge of the area, he offers
4WD tours of all the local sites, including up Al-Harra (a mountain from which there are
good views), the Hejaz Railway and camel excursions, as well as a few not offered by the
hotels. Though his English is limited, he is reliable, keen to please and good company.
Sleeping & Eating
Arac Hotel Al-Ula$$
HOTEL
