How Saudi Arabia’s opening to tourism is revealing its ancient history

Mar 4, 2023

Home > Society > How Saudi Arabia’s opening to tourism is revealing its ancient history

3D reconstruction reveals the face of Hinat, a 2,000-year-old Nabataean woman from Hegra in Saudi Arabia. (Photo: Reuters)

3D reconstruction reveals the face of Hinat, a 2,000-year-old Nabataean woman from Hegra in Saudi Arabia. (Photo: Reuters)

The recent unveiling of the 3D reconstruction of a 2,000-year-old Nabataean woman’s face from Hegra AlUla region has captured global attention, illuminating the little-known history of the Nabatean civilization in the area. This groundbreaking discovery paves the way for further discoveries and exploration of previously suppressed historical knowledge.

In 2015, the remains of an ancient Nabataean woman named Hinat were discovered in a 200-year-old tomb in Hegra (Madain Salih today), the 2nd most important city in the empire of the Nabateans. Last month, her reconstructed face was unveiled in Saudi Arabia, the first time such a reconstruction has been attempted. The project was funded by the Royal Commission for AlUla and completed with the help of historians and archaeologists. The face was reconstructed based on Hinat’s skull and skeleton.

In 2016, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman unveiled the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, which aimed to transform the country into a global hub for trade and tourism connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe. However, in the past, little importance was given to history and tourism in Saudi Arabia.

Following the Makkah siege, religious people gained power and infiltrated every aspect of Saudi life, leading to changes in societal norms. The Mutawwas considered any non-Islamic rituals or practices “haram,” forbidden, and deemed infidelity. Thus, historical sites such as Madain Salih were not previously open to visitors.

Mada’in Salih (Photo: Wikipedia)

A view from the archaeological site of Hegra (Madain Salih). Photo: Wikipedia.

The Nabataeans were a settled tribe that created a flourishing kingdom, spanning nearly 800 kilometers, with Petra as their capital city to the north and Hegra as their most important city to the south. Despite the importance of Hegra in the Nabataean empire, it is much less well-known than Petra.

Hegra’s rock-cut construction looks similar to Petra’s, and the site’s tombs, each exquisitely carved from the area’s soft sandstone and inscribed with Nabataean writings, still stand in remarkably preserved condition in the Saudi Arabian desert.

Al Khazneh, Petra, Jordan

Al Khazneh, Petra, Jordan (Photo: Wikipedia)

The Nabataean civilization was renowned for its trade routes between the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean world, and Asia, and Hegra was once an important trade route between these regions.

Today, Saudi Arabia is opening up every aspect of life, including tourism, and Hegra, which had been practically undisturbed for almost 2,000 years, has now been opened to tourists. Located less than 22 km from AlUla, Hegra is Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the stunning setting that bears testimony to the Nabataean civilization.

The site offers valuable insights into the rich history and culture of the Nabataeans in AlUla. The Nabataean architectural legacy and inscriptions, including the reconstructed face of Hinat, are crucial in unlocking the secrets of an almost-forgotten civilization.

Example in Nabataean alphabet (Photo: Wikipedia)

Example in Nabataean alphabet (Photo: Wikipedia)

In conclusion, the historical site of Madain Saleh has been attracting visitors for over a decade, both locally and internationally. With Saudi Arabia opening up to tourism, it is expected that more people will be able to learn about the country’s rich history and culture, including the Nabataean civilization that once thrived in the region.

It is particularly noteworthy that Saudis themselves will have the opportunity to learn more about their own history, which was previously limited to the date of Saudi’s national day. Overall, the continued growth of tourism in Saudi Arabia has the potential to contribute to a greater appreciation and understanding of the country’s fascinating heritage.

Suggested Articles

Challenges of Implementing AI in Gulf Education System

Challenges of Implementing AI in Gulf Education System

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in schools? It might sound like a futuristic dream, but according to Bahraini researcher Omar Al-Ubaydli, it’s a necessary step for the Gulf education system. In a recent article, Al-Ubaydli urges educators to embrace AI and incorporate it into their classrooms.

How Muslims Around the World Celebrate Ramadan

How Muslims Around the World Celebrate Ramadan

On the 23rd of March is the first day of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia and many Muslim countries. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting and other religious practices. For Saudis like all Muslims around the world, Ramadan’s significance as a time for spiritual and physical discipline, prayer, acts of charity, and connecting with God.

Saudi Arabia’s Focus: Cultivating a National Identity

Saudi Arabia’s Focus: Cultivating a National Identity

Saudi Arabia is promoting its cultural heritage and national pride, moving away from its conservative past. With a young population, the aim is to shape the country’s future by uniting Saudis through their cultural identity. The government is investing in the national...

Exploring Saudi Arabian Airbnb: The Potential for Success

Exploring Saudi Arabian Airbnb: The Potential for Success

In 2021, a German adventurer embarked on a journey through Saudi Arabia and decided to document his experiences in a unique way - by couch surfing. Stephan Orth's idea was a bold one, given that Saudi Arabia is not typically thought of as a tourist destination, and...

GCC Efforts To Aid Syria and Turkey

GCC Efforts To Aid Syria and Turkey

GCC rescue teams have joined the international efforts to help the people of Turkey and Syria after the catastrophic earthquake. The wider population has started to make efforts to assist by collecting clothes, medicine and other things that are needed.   Saudi...

Arab Traditions on UNESCO Heritage List

Arab Traditions on UNESCO Heritage List

UNESCO's Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage were first started in 2008, to highlight and safeguard intangible knowledge and traditions that make up our cultural world heritage, such as the art of Arabic calligraphy and falconry (both listed in 2021), camel racing...

Weather Changing in Saudi Arabia

Weather Changing in Saudi Arabia

Every year, I see pictures of snow falling in Saudi Arabia and I have to remind myself of the size of the country and its geographical variety and weather. This month, in the west of Saudi Arabia where I have lived, we were excited for temperatures falling to 17°C...