Al Ula
One of the world’s most captivating travel destinations
AlUla is located in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia. It’s part of the Madinah Province and lies in a desert valley surrounded by stunning sandstone mountains and rock formations.
AlUla is a historical and cultural treasure, known for its ancient Nabataean ruins, dramatic landscapes, and unique archaeological sites. It’s easily accessible by road and has a small airport, AlUla International Airport, which connects it to major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dubai.
It seamlessly blends ancient history, breathtaking landscapes together with luxury experiences. You can explore centuries-old tombs and ruins during the day, then enjoy world-class performances, luxury accommodations, and contemporary art exhibitions in the evening. Al-Ula is a place where ancient heritage and modern culture coexist in harmony, making it a truly unique destination.
In short, Al-Ula stands out due to its rich history, unparalleled natural beauty, and the dynamic fusion of the past and present, making it a key cultural gem in Saudi Arabia.
Best Time to Visit AlUla
The best time to visit AlUla is between October and April, when the weather is cool and pleasant. During this period, the region hosts cultural festivals, concerts, and adventure activities as part of the Winter at Tantora Festival and the AlUla Moments events.
A Journey Through Time in AlUla Saudi Arabia
Al-Ula has been a hub of trade and culture for centuries, serving as a key stop on the ancient Incense Route, which linked the Arabian Peninsula to the Mediterranean world. The region was known for its role in trading incense, myrrh, and frankincense, as well as other luxury goods.
Al-Ula is at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy by promoting tourism, culture, and entertainment. The Saudi government is investing heavily in the region to preserve its historical sites while also developing infrastructure to support sustainable tourism.
This vision includes projects like the Al-Ula Archaeological Museum and the development of luxury resorts, eco-tourism experiences, and other attractions.
Key Sights in AlUla
Hegra (Mada’in Saleh)
AlUla is home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also known as Mada’in Saleh. This archaeological marvel boasts over 100 stunning rock-cut tombs and is often called the “Petra of Saudi Arabia”. Dating back over 2,000 years, Hegra offers a glimpse into the life and artistry of the Nabataean civilisation.
Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil)
Elephant Rock, an iconic natural sandstone formation shaped like an elephant, is a must-see. It’s especially spectacular at sunset when the golden hues of the desert bring it to life. Enjoy the moment whilst relaxing in one of the nearby loungers. Also, make sure you grab a delicious burger from Salt whilst soaking in the view – I can definitely recommend them!
Dadan and Jabal Ikmah
Meanwhile, the towering canyons and rugged cliffs of Jabal Ikmah and Dadan provide stunning backdrops for hiking, rock climbing, and hot air balloon rides. Jabal Ikmah is known as an “open-air library,” with thousands of inscriptions and petroglyphs from ancient civilisations.
Maraya Concert Hall – The Mirrored Wonder
This iconic, award-winning architectural marvel is the largest mirrored building in the world, reflecting AlUla’s stunning desert landscapes. It’s a glass-walled concert hall and one of the most advanced and visually stunning buildings in the region. The design makes it look as if it is “disappearing” into the environment, giving it a futuristic and almost ethereal appearance.
As you can probably tell, I am somewhat obsessed with this mirrored apparition in the Saudi desert!
However, apart from its optics, Maraya serves as a world-class cultural and entertainment venue. It hosts a variety of events, such as:
- Concerts featuring international and regional musicians.
- Art exhibitions that showcase local, regional, and international artists.
- Theatrical performances and other cultural events.
Furthermore, if that is not enough, Michelin starred-chef, Jason Atherton, has opened Moraya Social on the rooftop!
In short, Maraya is more than just a building—it’s a symbol of the fusion of modern architecture, cultural significance, and natural beauty. It plays an important role in transforming Al-Ula into a dynamic cultural and artistic centre, bringing global attention to the area.
Harrat Viewpoint
The Harrat Viewpoint is a scenic spot in the Al-Ula region of Saudi Arabia, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Located in the Harrat Uwayrid volcanic area, it provides visitors with a unique perspective of the region’s rugged terrain, which includes volcanic rocks, desert expanses, and the striking rock formations that are characteristic of Al-Ula.
Take the steep, narrow, hair-pin drive up to this fantastic viewpoint to enjoy sweeping views of the Al-Ula region, including the rocky outcrops, mountains, and desert valleys. It’s an ideal spot for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light casts dramatic shadows on the volcanic landscape.
If the drive scares you, there are lots of tours that will take you up but it is definitely worth the trip. Like everything in this area it has been showcased with such style, care and attention to detail.
AlUla Old Town
The area is also home to Al-Ula Old Town, which includes ruins of over 900 mud-brick houses, narrow alleyways, and ancient fortifications.
AlUla Old Town dates back to at least the 12th century. It is one of the key cultural and heritage sites in the region, offering a glimpse into the area’s rich history and traditional architecture.
Wandering through the ruins of AlUla’s old village is fascinating itself but add to this, the bustling souks with their local handicrafts, traditional food and vibrant cafes and restaurants it comes alive.
AlUla Old Town is a bustling centre
The site has undergone significant preservation efforts as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform AlUla into a major tourism destination. Apart from experiencing authentic Arabian history here, this area is a vibrant part of AlUla.
The traditional marketplace has been revived with shops, cafes and cultural experiences. In the evenings, particularly, it transforms into a busy social area area as the twinkling lights of the restaurants, cafes and artisan shops come alive.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a cultural explorer, AlUla definitely offers an unforgettable journey.
Things to do in AlUla
- Hot Air Balloon Rides: Float over the desert at sunrise for an unforgettable view of AlUla’s rock formations.
- Helicopter Tours: Get a bird’s-eye view of landmarks like Hegra, Elephant Rock, and the oasis.
- Stargazing & Camping: The desert skies are perfect for stargazing, with guided experiences in remote areas.
- Hiking and Rock Climbing: Trails like the Hidden Valley offer scenic hikes through AlUla’s rugged landscapes.
- Horseback Riding: Ride through the golden sands and palm groves.
- Camel Trekking & 4×4 Tours: Explore AlUla’s vast desert landscapes like ancient travelers once did.
- Zip-lining: For an adrenaline fix, why not take to the skies and soar over the incredible scenery of AlUla
Places to stay in AlUla
You will not be disappointed with the world-class, eco-lodge resorts in AlUla:
Tips for Visiting AlUla Saudi Arabia
- Dress Comfortably: Light, breathable clothing is best for daytime, but bring a jacket for cool desert nights.
- Book in Advance: Many attractions, tours, and accommodations require pre-booking, especially during peak seasons.
- Respect Local Customs: AlUla follows Saudi Arabia’s cultural traditions, so dress modestly and be mindful of local customs.
Getting to AlUla Saudi Arabia
By Car: AlUla is about a 3.5-hour drive from Medina and a 7-hour drive from Riyadh.
By Air: AlUla International Airport (ULH) has direct flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, Doha, Amman and Cairo. The easiest way to fly is direct to Saudi Arabia, either Riyadh or Jeddah, and to take a short domestic flight of around 90 minutes to AlUla.
Another option is to fly with Emirates Airlines to Dubai where flights connect with Emirates’ partner airline flydubai flying non-stop from Dubai into AlUla International Airport. Alternatively, you can fly with Qatar Airways or Royal Jordanian to Doha or Amman with flight connections directly into AlUla. Local Saudi airline flynas provides flights into AlUla from Dubai, Cairo, Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.
Getting around AlUla
- Car rental: to fully explore the area at your own pace, this is the best option. Driving in AlUla is very easy, the roads are excellent and most accommodation is around a 35km or 30 minute drive from the airport. I would, however, leave driving around the large Saudi cities for those of you with nerves of steel! Watch out for my upcoming blog/itinerary on my Saudi self-drive trip.
- Budget Car Rental
- Lumi Car Rental
- Rotana Cars
- Yelo
- Alamam Car Rental
- Taxis: there are taxi and shuttle services available. Careem is a great App to download for taxis. It works like Uber and is popular throughout UAE too. Just make sure you plan and book ahead if you can.