This post (via here) reminds us of the existence of Nabatean ruins very much like Petra in the remote north of Saudi Arabia, at Meda`in Saleh. Once no tourists were allowed; but these days you can take an organised tour (only) to Saudi. At least in theory; I’ve just spent 10 minutes trying to find any such tours on the web and failing!
Roger Pearse
Thoughts on Antiquity, Patristics, putting things online, information access, and more
I have tried to add a crash visit to the site from Aqaba in Jordan, where I will be staying in November. That’s not possible. I get the impression that it’s open to tourists because it’s now World Heritage, but that the authorities are not encouraging visits. Which is possibly the best way to protect them.
Maybe so. I think people like us have to fly into Riyadh for most purposes in Saudi. Egyptian labourers are brought in across the Gulf of Aqaba by sea, but I don’t think we can.
PS: lucky you to be in Aqaba in November!
I spent 2 days in Madein Sala in Saudi, it’s amazing, there were even bones still in some of the tombs.
Wonderful! Where did you stay?