assalamu alaikum guys
To me, phrases like "did you not see?" or "do you not see?" in the Quran do not always mean "literal" seeing. In some places, if not all, this phrase can also mean "do you not consider ?" or "did they not consider / realize" ?
Like in 71:15: "Do you not consider how Allah has created seven heavens in layers ? "
or maybe in 30:37: "Do they not see that Allah extends provision for whom He wills and restricts [it]? Indeed, in that are signs for a people who believe. "
maybe 46:33: "Do they not see that Allah , who created the heavens and earth and did not fail in their creation, is able to give life to the dead? Yes. Indeed, He is over all things competent."
So even if the Arabs did not see the ruins of those people, still no problem! This is my opinion on the subject. Only ALLAH (swt) knows the true meaning of ayat. May HE guide us to the right way.