WEP 2015: Unearthing the history of Mada’in Saleh
KAUST ·
Dr. Laila Nehme, a French archaeologist from CNRS, visited KAUST as part of the Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) to discuss her work on Mada’in Saleh, also known as Al-Hijr or Hegra. Nehme co-directs the Saudi-French Archaeological Project and specializes in Nabatean epigraphy, studying the daily life of the ancient Nabateans through unearthed remains. Her team, working with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, is beginning its third four-year program to study the site. Why it matters: The research sheds light on the historical significance of Mada’in Saleh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Nabatean civilization's southernmost settlement, enhancing our understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage.