10 Ancient Middle Eastern Wonders Beyond Petra

5. Hegra (Madain Salih), Saudi Arabia

Hegra, also known as Madain Salih, shines as the largest conserved Nabataean site after Petra. Nestled in Saudi Arabia’s stark desert, its 100-plus rock-cut tombs bear the same haunting beauty as Petra—but with far fewer visitors. Details like carved facades, inscriptions, and untouched desert vistas set Hegra apart from its more famous Jordanian cousin.