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CULTURE & HERITAGE

Experience the highlights of AlUla

One of Saudi's most magical secrets, AlUla is a region full of natural wonder, ancient history and a healthy dose of Arabian mystique. Now it's ready to share its secrets with you...

Words by Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey

AlUla has some of Saudi’s most iconic sights, home to a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site and countless other hidden gems.

Located in Madinah Province, AlUla is the size of Belgium. While most historical attractions are packed with tourists, this has an air of exclusivity. Here, you can feel safe in the knowledge you’ll be following in footsteps that have rarely been taken. Here are 10 unmissable sights in AlUla…

Feast your eyes on Hegra

Hegra is the jewel in AlUla’s crown. Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site gave the country the confidence to present itself as a tourist attraction. The site has history that matches Jordan’s Petra, but without the selfie sticks. The open-air museum includes 110 well-preserved tombs of the Nabataean elite, which date back to the first millennium BCE. Travel in style in a vintage Land Rover and explore stunning sights. The Tomb of Lihyan son of Kuza is the largest tomb in Hegra, and Jabal AlBanat, nicknamed Girl’s Mountain, reveals how women were wealthy enough to build their own tombs. Book a tour with a local guide – chances are that they used to play here as children and witnessed AlUla’s transformation.

Tour the Old Town

Get lost in AlUla’s Old Town’s maze of mudbrick homes, small streets and a 45-metre-high fort. In the 12th century, this provided a pilgrimage and trade route from Damascus to Makkah. The town was once home to 900 houses, 400 shops and five town squares. The remnants highlight the lives once lived, from the names of homeowners written on the top of doors to the souk that once sold frankincense, myrrh and spices. Visitors can climb Musa Bin Nusayr Fort (which is part of the guided Old Town tour) which was used as a defence lookout to protect the town. Stop by to wander Market Street, which heritage shops from the past and sells locally inspired souvenirs.

Discover Dadan and Jabal Ikmah

AlUla’s Dadan was once the capital of Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms. Dating back to the early second century BCE, it boasts 12 tombs cut into the cliffs. Each tomb is more impressive than the next, from 50-metre-high burial sites to the Lion Tomb with animal symbols. Jabal Ikmah is the old-school equivalent of carving your loved one’s name into a tree. The UNESCO Memory of the World Register site is essentially an open-air library. The thousands of inscriptions and rock art, which cover images of animals, humans and musical instruments, offer an eye-opening glimpse into the ancient civilisation.

Admire Maraya

Maraya is a thing of beauty. Photos do not do this architectural wonder justice. Designed by Florian Boje of Guiforma, it is the world’s largest mirrored building with 9,740 square metres of mirrors, which reflect the dazzling desert. The must-visit marvel is home to a concert hall, exhibition space and restaurant. Maraya Concert Hall has welcomed singers ranging from Alicia Keys to John Legend. Lookout for art exhibitions, which have included an Andy Warhol retrospective. Michelin Starred chef Jason Atherton’s Maraya Social combines London’s City Social with AlUla’s local produce. Diners can enjoy international dishes, which mix Arabic, British and Mediterranean flavours.

Go for a hike in Sharaan Nature Reserve

AlUla’s lush landscapes come to life in the Sharaan Nature Reserve. Spanning more than 1,500 square kilometres, the site includes canyons, deserts and valleys. The conservation mission aims to restore the area to its natural beauty, so that animals that once lived here can reclaim the land. Inhabitants previously included crested larks, Nubian ibex, rock hyrax and endangered Arabian wolves, gazelles and red foxes. Hop onto a vintage vehicle with the Sharaan Nature Reserve safari tour, which winds through the open desert and sandstone structures. Who knows, you might spot an ibex with its very distinctive large curly horns.

Spy Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock (known in Arabic as Jabal AlFil) is AlUla’s iconic rock formation. Over millions of years, the 52-metre-high rock developed its shape, which resembles a body and trunk – hence the name. The geological structure provides the backdrop for cool cafés, from Elephant Rock Café by Key to SALT. SALT was created by two Arabic female entrepreneurs, and it is famous for burgers and ice cream. Settle into the sunken seats and gather around the pit fire. The best time to visit is at sunset, so you can watch the colour of the rock change from orange to reds.

Have an adrenaline-pumping adventure

AlUla offers more than just camel rides – there is camel trekking in Ashar Valley and the AlUla Camel Cup, if you wish. Visitors can explore the landscape in exciting ways, which are unique in the Middle East. AlUla Stairway starts with a climb up a 45-metre ladder in the air, and ends with a 150 metre zipline to the valley floor. Everyone may hear you scream at AlUla Giant Swing – a 100 metre ferrata climb is followed by a dramatic drop. Check before you travel, as these activities aren’t always available year-round.

Wheels Bike Hub offers bike rentals, so you can explore the 26-kilometre cycle track, which runs from AlAtheeb to Hegra. AlUla Skies Festival takes place in spring and offers Insta-worthy experiences: 60 hot air balloons taking off at once, anyone? Thrill seekers can also abseil down majestic mountains, hop into a helicopter and hike after dark. Look out for the local wildlife, from the idmi gazelle to red necked ostrich, while you’re in the Sharaan Nature Reserve.

Gaze at star-studded skies

Stargazing in AlUla is an out-of-this-world experience. Since the site boasts some of the world’s clearest skies, it offers a starry night to remember. Taking place in Gharameel, a local guide will talk you through the constellations. Not only will you learn the names of the constellations in English and Arabic, but spellbinding stories on the skies’ role in the local ancient community, especially when it came to navigating at night. Come hungry as the experience includes a fireside dinner. Dig into traditional cuisine, sit on Bedouin-style seats and don’t forget to look up.

Explore the Oasis

As part of the Old Town, The United Nations World Tourism Organisation awarded The Oasis Best Tourism Village in 2022. The Heritage Oasis Trail ranges from three to six kilometres long, and ends with swings among palm trees. The oasis offers glowing bike rides at night, horseback riding, and picnic spots with hampers. The sustainable farm creates produce, which is used in local cafés and restaurants. Abu Jameela Café is a cute café, Circolo specialises in artisanal pizzas, Oasis Tea Café is a local hotspot, Somewhere serves a fusion of Arabic and Mediterranean flavours, and Tawlet Fayza is a farm-to-table concept.

Discover incredible places to stay

AlUla is home to world-class hotels. Banyan Tree AlUla draws its inspiration from Ashar Valley, and offers luxurious tented villas. Covering one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, book a room with a pool and a fire pit. Unwind at the spa, dip into the rock pool nestled between two soaring cliffs, and dine at the Arabic restaurant, Harrat. 

Hit the reset button at Habitas AlUla. Located between an ancient oasis and sandstone cliffs, it includes 96 rooms, a yoga deck, pool and wellness centre. Activities cover art and culture walks, eye-popping stargazing experiences, meditation sessions, and breathing classes with social media star, The Breath Guy.

Caravan by Habitas turns your traditional caravan holiday up a luxurious notch. The site includes 22 caravans, which come with a kitchenette, lounge and – crucially – a bathroom and WiFi. The glamping meets festival experience includes food trucks, which serve salads, sandwiches and shakes. Shaden Resort spans 121 rooms, suites and villas with a pool, which lookout onto the soaring canyons. The facilities include a hammam, outdoor pool and state-of-the-art gym. Al Badiah Restaurant serves Saudi cuisine with mountain views.

Practical information

Visas

It’s surprisingly simple and easy to get an e-Visa for Saudi and the process is very similar to applying for an ESTA for the USA. Over 50 nationalities are eligible to apply for an e-Visa, including people from the UK and USA, with it costing (at the time of writing) 535 Saudi riyals (about £115 or US$143). Applications are swift and nearly all applicants will receive a response within three working days – most within 24 hours. To apply for your Saudi e-Visa, visit the official Saudi Tourism Authority website. If you’re from the USA, UK or the Schengen Area, you can also apply for a visa on arrival into Saudi. It’s slightly cheaper than an e-Visa, too, at SAR480 (about £102 or US$128).

Getting there & around

It’s really easy to reach AlUla from both the UK and USA. You have a couple of different options. You can take a direct domestic flight from Riyadh (two hours) or Jeddah (one hour and 30 minutes) or, if you’d like to see a little more of the country, you can hire a car and embark on the 7.5-hour drive from Jeddah. A hire car is the best way of exploring AlUla when you’re there, too. It’s simple to get to Saudi from both the UK and USA, too. Saudi’s national airline SAUDIA flies to Riyadh three times daily from London Heathrow, while British Airways also offers a regular service from Heathrow with daily flights to the capital. SAUDIA also operates twice daily flights to Jeddah from London Heathrow and daily flights from London Gatwick. If you’re travelling from the US, SAUDIA offers direct flights to Riyadh from both New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as direct flights to Jeddah from New York City, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.

Local customs

To really embrace Saudi life and pay respect towards its traditions, there are a few local customs you should abide when travelling around the country. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their elbows and below their knees when out in public. If you’re heading to the coast, it’s still expected you dress modestly. When meeting and greeting locals, whether it’s a market stallholder or a private guide, say hello with ‘salam alaykum’, which means ‘peace be upon you’, as well as offering a handshake.

Weather

You might think it’s hot all year round in Saudi but it’s a little more nuanced than that. The best time to visit the country is between October and March, when temperatures can dip as low as 20°C during the daytime, depending on where in the country you are, and rarely exceed 30°C. The summer months between June and September can get extremely hot, with temperatures often north of 40°C. But, do as the locals do and head out after dusk when it’s much cooler!

FAQ

Is English spoken in Saudi?

Arabic is the official national language but English is widely spoken.

What is the currency of Saudi?

The currency of Saudi is the riyal, with the current rate (at the time of writing), around SAR4.76 to the UK£. You’ll need to pre-order money before you travel, as in the UK it’s not usually stocked in currency exchange booths.

What’s it like travelling in Saudi as a female?

We think you’d be surprised! To find out more, read our first-hand account on what it’s like to travel in Saudi.

What’s the time difference in Saudi?

Saudi follows Arabia Standard Time (GMT +3) all year round.