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Foreign diplomats based in Riyadh expressed awe and amazement at the wonders of the Madain Saleh during a recent tour organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two-day tour of the site in Ola Governorate in Madinah Region on Thursday was conducted to educate foreign envoys living here about the treasures of the Kingdom.
Alauddin Al-Askary, deputy foreign minister for protocol affairs, personally accompanied more than 100 diplomats and their families on a flight to Al-Ola airport.
The Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdul Aziz Domestic Airport is located 25 kilometers, southeast of Al-Ula and the closest to the pre-Islamic archaeological site of Madain Saleh and Al-Ula heritage village.
Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, President of Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities met the diplomatic delegation and invited them to tour one of the most important heritage sites in the world. He said two new tourist sites — the historic site of Jeddah and rock paintings in Hail — would be registered with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Madain Saleh dates back to the second century BC. It is the largest and best-preserved site of the Nabataean civilization south of Petra in Jordan and the first Saudi archaeological site to be included in UNESCO’s world heritage list.
The site is located 320 kilometers north of Madinah and covers an area of 15 sq. kilometers. It includes 111 tombs, of which most are adorned with decorative façades, cave drawings and pre-Nabataean inscriptions.
It boasts intricately designed water wells that serve as an example of Nabataean architectural and hydraulic genius.
The Nabataeans first inhabited the area in the second century BC, but their ancient civilization existed as far back as the eighth or seventh century BC in the countries of the Levant, including Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, and at times extending into the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt.
Originally nomads from the Arabian Peninsula, the Nabataeans were masters of trade, dominating the incense and spice routes of the pre-Islamic period. Their civilization collapsed in 106 AD at the hands of the Roman Empire.
Officials at Madain Saleh say visitors to the site reached 40,000 last year. They hope figures will double in 2012 as a result of the government relaxing entry restrictions.
Two museums exist on the site, including one devoted to the famous Hijaz railway, built by the Ottomans in the early 20th century, which ran from Damascus to Madinah and passed through Al-Hijr. The second museum traces the pilgrimage route to Islam’s holiest city of Makkah.
The area bears evidence of other ancient civilizations. Just 22 kilometers from Madain Saleh is Al-Ola, located on the ancient incense route. The city served as the capital of Lihyan, an ancient Arab Kingdom. It is home to archaeological remnants that date back thousands of years, including it’s citadel, which is 8,000 years old.
As they toured the site many diplomats shared their appreciation of the sights around them. Ambassador of Kuwait, Sheikh Thamer Bin Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, thanked and praised the Kingdom for their protection of heritage sites, saying all citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States and Arab countries should be proud of the Kingdom’s efforts. “We should promote these sites globally and redouble our efforts to promoting our heritage. The Kingdom’s heritage is a source of pride for all GCC citizens.”
Sir John Jenkins, British ambassador, said the archaeological sites in Madain Saleh reflect the depth of civilization of the Arabian Peninsula. He praised the efforts of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities in supporting heritage and maintaining the antiquities of the historical city.
Irish Ambassador Niall Holohan said the places he visited would certainly attract local and foreign tourists to the Kingdom.
Mexican Ambassador Arturo Trejo said the visit gave a deep insight into the rich history of the Kingdom.
Singapore Ambassador Wong Kwok Pun, who accompanied his wife on the tour, said they both enjoyed the visit and it gave them an eye-opening glance into the Kingdom’s rich history. “We will take good memories back to our country and tell our people about the rich heritage of this holy land,” he said.
Maldivian Ambassador Adam Hassan said the visit was a unique and wonderful experience and it is a “must” place for everyone to visit.
Besides the historical importance of Madain Saleh, Bangladesh Ambassador Mohammed Shahidul Islam said he and his fellow diplomats were taken by the traditional hospitality of the local people. “We were all well looked after and entertained by folk dances and cultural performances.” He said the tour was interesting and visitors to the city of archaeological wonders would return to the capital with an enhanced knowledge of Saudi history and a deep sense of satisfaction of a trip that will remain in their hearts forever.