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Madain Saleh cemetery is among the most visited places in Saudi Arabia and is sure to top the list for the most popular destinations in the country. Madain Saleh might also be spelt as Mada'in Salih. The tombs in this cemetery were carved out of hard rock and these sculptures make for the focus of all attention. There are 131 tombs. 45 of these tombs have are decorated with Armanic inscriptions. These inscriptions above the doorways of the tomb are evidence of amazing artistic skill and dexterity of the Nabataeans. The Nabataeans were renowned for their work in the city of Petra in Jordan. The tomb stone carvings in Madain Saleh cemetery are better preserved but are of inferior quality than those in Petra.
The sight of these beautifully designed tombstones is accentuated by the setting of the cemetery. The sandy backdrop amidst which the Madain Saleh cemetery is based appears spectacular in the soft rays of sun in the early mornings and during sunset. The sight is reminiscent of the glorious past of the place and the artistic affinity of the Arabs.
Though historians are of the opinion that Madain Saleh cemetery was the creation of the Nabataeans, some of the Saudi Arabians believe that it was the dwelling place of Prophet Salih and the Thamudian people.
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