Job Discussion Forums

[lcanupp1964]

Hello everyone!

During the break, which for KAU in Jeddah starts on the 16th and ends on the 26th, I want to visit Madain Saleh with three other male teachers. Madain Saleh is a pre-Islamic archaeological site located in the Al-Ula sector, within the Al Madinah Region of Saudi Arabia and is 400 km (248.5 mi) north-west of Medina, and 500 km (310.7 mi) south-east of Petra, in modern-day Jordan.

My questions are: Do I need to get, for lack of a better term, a driving permit/permission to drive (own car) to Madain Saleh? Would I need to get a letter of permission from my sponsor (KAU)? Are there any off-limit (I know about the two holy cities) areas that I need to be aware of? Any suggestions/advice would be very welcomed.

[scot47]

Last I heard you had to do this through one of thne two hotels nearby - in Al-Ula. Security is a problem and groups are routinely accompanied by Saudi Police and someone from the Istikhbarat. Locals do not take kindly to tourists vising these pagan sites !

When I was there we were followed around by groups of local Shebab telling us how they viewed unclean Crusaders invading their territory.

Worth going though.

[billings]

I've been four times! No problems whatsoever!! Ask the hotel - also called Mada'in Saleh to get permission for you! You'll need to send the iqama for every person in the group! You don't need anything for the car.
When in the 'park', allow about 4-5 hours! You should also visit the 'train station' - old train from Lawrence of Arabia era. Nearby some great monoliths - especially elephant rock! Also, old mud city in Al-Ula. Worth buying Rough Guide or Lonely Planet for other things (volcanic plateau). No need for a guide at Mada'in Saleh but maybe for some of the smaller things in the area are difficult to find without a guide. Zero problems from locals! Go on a local holiday and there mat be a number of Indians/Philipinos/Chinese but still generally 'quiet'. A very busy three days to see all! Enjoy!!!!!! few (or no) restaurants in the evening in Al-Ula - just the hotel!!

[jaffa]

Does it have a karaoke bar?