Capital of the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, with a temple area and lion tombs.
Dadan Archaeological Site lies in the AlUla Oasis in Saudi Arabia's Al Madinah region, about a few kilometres from AlUla Old Town. Dadan, known in ancient sources as Dedan, was the capital of the Dadanite kingdom and later the Lihyanite kingdom, which controlled the oasis from about the 6th to the 1st centuries BCE. The settlement benefited from its position on the incense route that linked southern Arabia with Egypt, the Levant and Mesopotamia, and it was a major trading and religious centre before the Nabataeans took over the region. The Hebrew Bible also mentions Dedan as a trading people.
The site contains the remains of the city, a temple area and a number of monumental rock-cut tombs in the sandstone cliffs. The best-known features are the lion tombs, so called for the lion figures carved at the entrances, which are thought to have been guardian symbols. The Lihyanite inscriptions found at the site are written in an ancient north Arabian script and are an important source for the language and culture of the kingdom. Nearby Jabal Ikmah, with its large collection of inscriptions and rock art, is closely related and often visited alongside Dadan.
Archaeological work led by Saudi and international teams, working under the Royal Commission for AlUla, has uncovered a settlement with temple, residential and storage structures. Excavations have included a significant sanctuary area and have helped refine understanding of how the kingdom ruled and traded. The site is managed for visitors, with paths, signage and interpretation, and some areas remain closed for ongoing research.
Visitors normally reserve a time through the Experience AlUla app, and the price should be checked at booking. Guides explain the history in Arabic and English. The visit takes about one to two hours, and the cooler hours of morning and late afternoon are the most pleasant. Dadan is often paired with Jabal Ikmah and AlUla Old Town in a single day.
| Admission | Reserve in the Experience AlUla app (price verify) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Approx. 09:00-17:00 daily (verify) |
| Address | Dadan, AlUla |
Why it matters
Pre-Nabataean kingdom of northwest Arabia
Location
Dadan, AlUla
26.6562, 37.9137 View on map
Highlights
- Capital of the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, 6th to 1st centuries BCE
- Lion tombs carved into the sandstone cliffs
- Temple area and settlement remains uncovered by ongoing excavation
- Close to Jabal Ikmah and its ancient inscriptions
Tips for visiting
- Reserve through the Experience AlUla app before arriving.
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon for cooler conditions.
- Combine with Jabal Ikmah and AlUla Old Town in the same day.
- Bring water and sun protection, as shade is limited.
- Follow marked paths; some excavation areas are restricted.
When to visit
October to March, in the morning or late afternoon; summer midday is very hot.
Accessibility
Paths and viewing platforms are provided, but the terrain is sandy and uneven in places. Visitors with mobility needs should ask the AlUla visitor services before arriving.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book a visit to Dadan?
Reservations are made through the Experience AlUla app. Check current availability and prices when booking.
How long does a visit take?
About one to two hours is typical.
Is the site English-language friendly?
Yes, guides and information panels are available in English and Arabic.
Why are they called the lion tombs?
Lion figures are carved at the tomb entrances, which scholars think served as guardian symbols.