Al Hijr site (Madain Saleh), was the first ever archeological site in Saudi Arabia to join the UNESCO's World Heritage List. It’s registration in the World Heritage List represents global recognition of the value of Saudi culture and history, as well as the integrity of the procedures and measures that have gone into the registration process of the site. Al Hijr, "MADA’IN SALEH" is located 22 kilometers to the north of Al Ula municipality in Al Madina Al Munawara province, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  It occupies a strategic position on the ancient trade route that links southern Arabia with Mesopotamia, the Levant, and the Egypt.