Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km², includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains, and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned. The most well-known and recognized site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and is comprised of more than 100 well-preserved tombs with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement. Current research also suggests Hegra was the most southern outpost of the Roman Empire after conquering the Nabataeans in 106 CE.
In addition to Hegra, AlUla is home to fascinating historical and archaeological sites such as Ancient Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms, which is considered one of the most developed 1st-millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula; thousands of ancient rock art sites and inscriptions at Jabal Ikmah; Old Town, a labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes developed from at least the 12th century, and Hijaz Railway and Hegra Fort, key sites in the story and conquests of Lawrence of Arabia.
AlUla is making waves worldwide with its newly launched domestic brand campaign and for being a new and upcoming tourism destination. We are glad to bring you 15 top reasons to visit AlUla once the borders are open
1. Marvel at the 94 elaborately-carved tombs built by the Nabataean Kingdom at Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site
2. Stroll through the labyrinth of 900 mud-brick houses that make up AlUla Old Town. Take a tour with a Rawi up to the castle to get a bird’s-eye-view.
3. Catch the magical 30-minute window when the sun rays illuminate the path of The Siq at Jabal Ithlib, the Holy Mountain at Hegra.
4. Explore the open-air living museum of AlUla through aerial views from a vintage aircraft, a helicopter, or a hot air balloon.
5. Spot the carved lions of Dadan and the rock inscriptions at Jabal Ikmah to uncover stories of ancient civilizations.
6. Trainspotters and history buffs must visit Hijaz Railway and Hegra fort and learn about the famous train route.
THE ADVENTURE
7. Be one with nature on a half-day Adventure Trail through the dramatic Madakheel landscapes or try the shorter Hidden Valley or Oasis View trails.
8. Feel the wind in your hair while whizzing through the canyon on a zipline, or hire a three-wheeled desert buggy at the new Adventure Canyon.
9. Follow the pack on bike or horse-back with these newly launched leisurely trails through the sand dunes of AlUla’s unique landscapes.
10. Bike/hike to Harrat Uwayrid for brilliant views of Hijaz Mountain range, the ideal backdrop for sunset photos.
THE ART, CULTURE, AND ACCOMMODATION
11. Visit Maraya – the Guinness Book of Record’s biggest mirrored building. This multi-purpose concert and entertainment venue is reopening in early 2021, its cladding of 10,000 square meters of mirrors reflecting the desert landscapes makes it a magical experience that is never the same.
12. Coming in 2021, Habitas AlUla, an eco-resort with a focus on immersive music and cultural events, and Ashar Resort, 5-star luxury desert suites which will transform into a Banyan Tree Resort later in the year. Both will be opening for bookings during the year.
NATURE
13. Book an evening Stargazing Tour at Al Gharameel, get comfortable on a traditional carpet and as you stare into the bright stary night and hear stories of the human ingenuity of ancient civilizations – it’s like 2020 didn’t happen.
14. Go hunting for rock formations at sunrise or sunset, the best time to view iconic AlUla rocks such as Elephant Rock, Face Rock, Rainbow Rock, Hand Rock, Dancing Rocks, Or Pyramid Mountain.
15. Take a stroll through the oasis of lush palm groves or visit AlUla Fresh Farm and sample the varieties of zingy citrus fruits, such as the Jaffa orange and helo lemons or enjoy the desert while sipping on an Arabic coffee.
