Hegra: a Unesco World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia - in pictures

The National
  • The rose-coloured sandstone in Hegra, a Unesco World Heritage site, near Saudi Arabia's northwestern town of AlUla. AFP
    The rose-coloured sandstone in Hegra, a Unesco World Heritage site, near Saudi Arabia's northwestern town of AlUla. AFP
  • One of the tombs at Hegra, formerly known as Madain Saleh. AFP
    One of the tombs at Hegra, formerly known as Madain Saleh. AFP
  • The site was used as the background for a concert by Italian tenor Andea Bocelli. AFP
    The site was used as the background for a concert by Italian tenor Andea Bocelli. AFP
  • The Qasr al-Farid tomb (The Lonely Castle) carved into rose-coloured sandstone in Hegra. AFP
    The Qasr al-Farid tomb (The Lonely Castle) carved into rose-coloured sandstone in Hegra. AFP
  • The Qasr al-Farid tomb (The Lonely Castle) carved into rose-coloured sandstone in Hegra. AFP
    The Qasr al-Farid tomb (The Lonely Castle) carved into rose-coloured sandstone in Hegra. AFP
  • Andrea Bocelli is believed to be the first artist to host a concert at Hegra, Saudi Arabia. Sammy Six
    Andrea Bocelli is believed to be the first artist to host a concert at Hegra, Saudi Arabia. Sammy Six
  • Hegra, known locally as 'rocky place', features 111 monumental tombs carved into stone. AFP
    Hegra, known locally as 'rocky place', features 111 monumental tombs carved into stone. AFP
  • Rock-cut tombs at Hegra, near Al Ula, are Saudi Arabia's equivalent of Petra in Jordan, but receive only a trickle of visitors. Amar Grover / The National
    Rock-cut tombs at Hegra, near Al Ula, are Saudi Arabia's equivalent of Petra in Jordan, but receive only a trickle of visitors. Amar Grover / The National
  • Nabataean tomb in Hegra archaeological site, Al Madinah Province, AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Getty Images
    Nabataean tomb in Hegra archaeological site, Al Madinah Province, AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Getty Images
  • Hegra is the first archeological site in Saudi Arabia to join Unesco's World Heritage List. Photo: Consulum
    Hegra is the first archeological site in Saudi Arabia to join Unesco's World Heritage List. Photo: Consulum
  • A Saudi tour guide stands inside a tomb at Hegra in Saudi Arabia. Reuters
    A Saudi tour guide stands inside a tomb at Hegra in Saudi Arabia. Reuters
  • Hegra is northwest of Riyadh. AP Photo
    Hegra is northwest of Riyadh. AP Photo
  • Nabataean rock-cut tombs at Hegra, near AlUla, are Saudi Arabia's equivalent of Petra in Jordan, but receive only a trickle of visitors.
    Nabataean rock-cut tombs at Hegra, near AlUla, are Saudi Arabia's equivalent of Petra in Jordan, but receive only a trickle of visitors.