The Ultimate Guide to Exploring AlUla, Saudi Arabia’s Hidden Gem!

AlUla – an ancient city in the Medina region is famous for being home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Hegra. Understatedly, this place is a goldmine of natural rock masterpieces that stand testimony to its millennia-old history, with an adventure-ready terrain and a thriving local culture that is guaranteed to delight you!

Ready to step back in time, with a memorable trip? Here’s what awaits you!

Hegra, Dadan and Jabal Ikmah

A true living museum spanning centuries of Arabian history, Hegra, Dadan and Jabal Ikmah are the star attractions in AlUla. Purchase a ticket for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra, the 18th-century Fort of Hegra and the Hijaz Railway Station, Dadan's archaeological site, and the "open library" of engravings in the rocks at Jabal Ikmah, at any time of year. It’ll be an experience unlike any other!

Jabal AlFil

The famous Jabal AlFil, also known as the Elephant Rock, is a geological marvel! Commanding breath-taking views of the surroundings, the dramatic rock formation is a visual delight and is perfect for stargazing and camping.

Al Gharameel
Al Gharameel is a spectacular site with mystical rock formations that will win you over with its other-worldly beauty. Perfect for stargazing, it is popular for the sparkling chunks of quartz that are found sprinkled on the ground. And, though not safe for camping due to the rough terrain and the wilderness, do not miss treating yourself to a memorable evening under the starlit sky, here.

AlUla Old Town
Interestingly, the Old Town of AlUla, with almost 900 residences, 400 businesses, and 5 town squares, still contains relics of some of the ancient stone and mudbrick buildings built here. One of the reasons it provokes such strong emotions is that it was inhabited in the not-too-distant past. AlUla Old Town is located in the AlUla Valley's narrowest section and is built on a modest hill that is overshadowed by the Musa bin Nusayr Castle—a 10th-century citadel.

Jar Rock/ The Bowling Pin – need not include
Standing just opposite the Elephant Rock, Jabal Al-Fil or the Jar Rock is unquestionably one of AlUla's most popular attractions. While the massive gap in the surrounding thick red rock resembles a gigantic bowling pin, the bumpy path to the point makes for a challenging hike. Pro tip: Get creative with your camera!

Oasis of AlUla

 

This centre of the region is tucked inside the Wadi AlQura (or Valley of Villages). A verdant oasis nestled amidst the windswept Saudi Arabian desert, it is a modern-day agricultural powerhouse for delicious fruits, aromatic plants, and scented oils. And, in addition to being a pleasant respite for travellers, the oasis has provided water, nutrition, and refuge to the civilizations of AlUla for thousands of years!

Best time to go
Winter, from October to April, is the best time to visit AlUla, with temperatures ranging from 10–25 degrees Celsius (45–70 degrees Fahrenheit). It does get colder at night, so bring some warm clothing with you.

How to Travel to Alula
By air:
Major airlines serve the AlUla International Airport (ULH). And the recently refurbished airport, located approximately 35 kilometres (a 30-minute drive) from the city centre, offers a magnificent and welcoming gateway into AlUla.

By road:
In Saudi Arabia, car rental is both inexpensive and widely available. Driving to AlUla is a pleasurable experience because of the low gasoline prices and well-maintained roads and highways that connect Saudi Arabia's major cities.
Longer road excursions from Jeddah and Riyadh are a fantastic opportunity to visit some of Saudi Arabia's other destinations on the way to AlUla if you're looking for an adventure and have more time to explore.