In the heart of north-western Arabia, within the NEOM region, lies the oasis of Al-Bad’ and the Midian Tombs. Although less renowned than Petra or Hegra, the Nabataean tombs of Al-Bad’ provide a more modest glimpse into an ancient and prestigious civilisation.
The historical heritage of Al-Bad’ and the Midian Tombs
For me, Al-Bad’ was primarily a transit town, a connecting point to reach Wadi Tayyib Esm and head towards the Red Sea coast. I had never really stopped there before. I discovered the Midian Tombs while passing through. Fortunately, the site was open that day, allowing me to visit. I went there three times, mainly to show it to my colleagues. Curiously, during each of my visits, I never encountered anyone at the site, which made the experience even more personal.
Al-Bad’
Al-Bad’ is located in the Tabuk region. It is a city of significant historical and archaeological importance. Historically, Al-Bad’ was part of southern Midian in ancient times. Al-Bad’ is also a straight line with ‘interesting’ sculptures at each roundabout. Between a giant fruit sculpture, whose colours have not withstood the Saudi sun, and an Olympic Games logo that seems straight out of another era…
This lesser-known site reveals a rich history closely linked to the Nabataean civilisation.
Midian region
Midian, also known as Madyan, is a historical region located in the Tabuk province of Saudi Arabia. It is of significant archaeological and religious importance. Mentioned in sacred texts such as the Quran, it provides insight into the civilisations that once ruled the Arabian Peninsula. The region of Midian is renowned for having been the refuge of Moses during his exile from Egypt, where he stayed for ten years before returning to challenge Pharaoh Ramses II.
Archaeological Discoveries at Al-Bad’
Al-Bad’ has been the focus of archaeological research since 2017. This Franco-Saudi collaboration has highlighted the historical and archaeological significance of the site. Each stone, each Nabataean tomb I uncovered told the story of past civilizations. During my first visit, I didn’t have much context, but after my in-depth research, I greatly appreciated my second visit. By my third visit, I was almost playing the role of a tour guide! With its blend of cultures and historical richness, Al-Bad’ offers a unique glimpse into the civilizations that have succeeded one another in this region.
The Midian Tombs: a witness to ancient civilisations
I had the chance to explore up close the famous Nabataean tombs of Hegra and Petra. The major Nabataean sites in northwestern Arabia include Hegra and Dumat al-Jandal, with al-Badʿ being one of them. These historical sites have often been mentioned by explorers from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Nabataean tombs, carved into sandstone, are known for their impressive architecture. But what is sandstone? Sandstone is a unique sedimentary rock formed from grains of sand bound together by a natural cement such as limestone or clay. This composition allows for the creation of detailed and ornate facades.
Sandstone is highly resistant to the elements, which explains the survival of these ancient structures to this day. As for the colours, they range from red to yellow and brown.
As a professional designer, I always perceive places through their colours. To me, the Arabian Peninsula is composed of various pastel tones. When creating a visual identity, I always gather photos of the colours of buildings and natural landscapes. The colour of sandstone, with its subtle shades, is emblematic of the Arabian Peninsula for me.
Although access to the inside of the tombs is possible, there is little to see once inside. However, standing at the entrance of these ancient tombs, with their imposing facades and mysterious history, is impressive in itself. Although modest compared to Petra or Hegra, the Midian tombs offer a unique glimpse into a lesser-known period of Nabataean history.
