One of the most spectacular oases in the world, AlUla has been a centre of culture and trade for millennia. Now, it's home to modern escapes and luxurious experiences, and is fast becoming the go-to spot for locals and visitors from around the globe.
With its red sands, gigantic sandstone features and selection of luxury desert escapes such as Our Habitas – this area has a certain magic that is incomparable. It's the perfect spot for outdoor adventures, though the weather in AlUla can get very hot during the summer months; it's best to time your visit depending on what you want to do when you get here. Typical of any desert region, there's virtually no annual rainfall here and AlUla rarely sees temperatures lower than 25°C.
There are so many magical things to do in AlUla, as well as places to stay, incredible restaurants and lots of desert adventures to enjoy. Here's everything you need to know about planning a visit to AlUla.
Where in KSA is AlUla located?
AlUla is more than a city with stunning landscapes and welcoming people. Tucked away in the desert of the northwest Medina province of the Kingdom, it has been home to many civilisations for over 7,000 years – the Dadanites, the Lihyanites, and the Nabateans – due to its strategic location along the ancient incense route.
The heritage of this ancient city is evident in its many historical sites and archaeological remnants.. Some of the most iconic landmarks you can visit are the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra; Qasr Al-Farid, known as the lonely castle but which is in fact a carved tomb that is believed to be the Tomb of Lihyan son of Kuza; the magnificent Elephant Rock (known as Jabal Al Fil in Arabic); the Hejaz Railway that was built in 1909 and many more.
As if all this heritage wasn’t enough, it was reported recently that AlUla has the oldest evidence to date of dog domestication on the Arabian Peninsula – a burial ground dating back to 4,300 BCE was discovered in the area.
Cultural things to do in AlUla
To experience all this history and culture up close, check out the many excursions and hikes AlUla offers, such as tours of Hegra, the Old Town, and its Hidden Valley.
Ancient Tombs
Hegra (also known as Madain Salih) is home to over 100 tombs set in a desert landscape, a location full of history worth exploring. Most of the tombs are found in Jabal Al Banat and the rest are spread around Jabal Al Ahmar (“The Red Mountain” named after its red sandstone).
Take a hike through the Hidden Valley with a professional guide and see the stunning desert landscape and striking rock formations that have made AlUla famous up close. Don't forget to bring your camera!
Old Town, AlUla
AlUla’s Old Town offers a peek into the region’s past through remnants of its original stone and mudbrick buildings. Wander through the intricate maze of alleyways as you walk in the footsteps of inhabitants that date back almost a millennium. There's even a guided tour that will tell you all the secrets of the past for just SAR 70 per person. Parts of the Old Town have been fully restored – indulge in some retail therapy in the shops dotted along Market Street and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the restaurants and cafes that are a welcome chance to rest your tired feet.
Outdoor adventures in AlUla
AlUla can be experienced in many ways but perhaps one of the most thrilling ones is from up above, and there is no shortage of sky-high tours and adventures to be found in the city.
See AlUla from above
If you want to go higher and exert less energy, the city offers seasonal hot air balloon rides and 30-minute helicopter tours that take you over seven of the city’s most renowned locations.
Stargazing at Gharameel
AlUla is one of the best stargazing sites in the Kingdom. Get comfortable in the desert after eating al fresco and take in the magic of the night sky while surrounded by the stunning rock formations of Gharameel.
Zipline at Harrat Mountain
A fun way to experience AlUla above ground is ziplining at Harrat Mountain. Whizz past the stunning landscape below while surrounded by the region's beautiful mountains and rock formations on the longest and fastest (up to 120 km/h) zipline in the Kingdom.
Go rock climbing
The Saudi Climbing Federation and the Royal Commission for AlUla have been working on different climbing routes for experienced climbers to enjoy, allowing them to challenge themselves against a backdrop of natural wonders.
Explore the desert on two wheels
AlUla offers cyclists a 14km trail to enjoy, set against a backdrop of sandstone mountains, desert sky, and the vast vistas AlUla is known for. There are sandy tracks and tricky slopes, so make sure you’re ready for this heart pumping adventure.
Hike through incredible scenery
For those of us who aren’t avid climbers, the city also has a number of hiking routes. One of the most popular hikes is through Jabal Ikmah, known by the locals as the “Open Library.” The reason for this name is that Jabal Ikmah is home to hundreds of ancient inscriptions – some believed to be as old as the first millennium BCE – in pre-Arabic languages such as Aramaic, Dadanitic, and Nabataean.
Best places to stay in AlUla
AlUla has a wide range of options when it comes to accommodation – you didn't come all this way to spend just a day, did you? Give yourself time to explore the many wonderful things to do in AlUla by making it a longer trip of at least a few nights. Whether you're in search of a rustic experience camping under the stars or bedding down in a restored Airstream trailer, or you'd like your desert adventure with a side of world-class luxury hotels such as Our Habitas AlUla and Banyan Tree AlUla, you'll find the perfect fit.
Festivals in AlUla
Just when you thought this desert landscape couldn't possibly pack in more things to do! AlUla plays host to multiple festivals throughout the year and is a major presence in the Saudi social calendar. From music and culture to carnivals and hot air balloons dominating the skies, the sheer breadth of festivals at AlUla means there's something to suit everyone in the family.
