The old city of Al-Ula is a magnificently preserved historical and cultural location that dates back millennia. Al-Ula was formerly the capital of the North Arabian Lihyanites and then of the Nabataeans. Now, people from all over the world, including merchants, pilgrims, and explorers, are entering the city with so much happiness and expectation. The city’s crucial spot on the incense, silk, and spice routes that connected India, Egypt, and Arabia is a fascinating mystery with a tonne of unsolved puzzles for the rest of the world.
Al-Ula's cultural oasis was only open to full-time foreign visitors in 2020. Now, Saudi Arabia welcomes visitors and provides a quick eVisa application procedure within a few minutes. In 2022, Al-Ula completely confirmed its position in the world of tourism. Here we introduce seven things to do in Al-Ula.
Enjoy the sunset from behind Elephant Rock
You can enjoy a beautiful sunset in the desert; it has something alluring. Curl up beneath a blanket on a chic sunken seeking as the heat of the day fades, and watch in marvel as the rose light glistens over the magnificent sandstone beast aptly named Elephant Rock. It feels like an extraterrestrial movie set with this 50-meter-high monolith, popularly known as Jabal Alfil, set against a magnificent backdrop of rocky outcrops and golden sands. The wonder carved out by the water erosion and wind, gifted from millions of years. Lay back and watch the stars begin to appear as the sky changes from pink to gold to midnight blue.
Be amazed by Hegra, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia
Hegra in Al-Ula, in contrast to the majority of UNESCO world heritage sites, is open to the public and free of the selfie stick-wielding masses. Only the Bedouin kept it in their memory for about two thousand years until recent decades, and tourists have only had access to it since 2020. Hegra, also known as the "other Petra," presents a unique opportunity to interact directly with history with its 52 hectares. The city has well-preserved Nabataean tombs from the first century BCE with elaborate facades cut into bare rock formations, making it a world-class archaeological site. Hegra is sometimes referred to as an "open-air museum," and it's easy to understand why as you and your tour guide drive from one precision-cut tomb to another in a vintage Land Rover. There are so many fascinating stories in this special museum that you shouldn't miss!
Fly in a helicopter
Buckle up and board a helicopter to explore the breathtaking aerial views of Al-Ula's huge landscapes. You will be thankful for the special experiences from Neolithic tombs, monuments, ruins, and volcanoes. Don’t skip the moments at monuments and highlight the history behind the stunning terrain as the historical and cultural marvel unfolds below you. Also, enjoy the Hijaz Railway's last trains as you fly over Hegra to witness history immobilized in time. The world's largest mirrored structure, Maraya, will be visible and become a great treat for your eyes. This awesome perspective on Al-Ula will elevate your journey and allow you to fully appreciate the majestic scenery of this wonderful location.
Navigate the Old Town
The extraordinary effort that has been put into preserving Al-Ula's heritage is one of its most alluring features. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Old Town, a maze of 400 shops, 5 rahbas, or town squares, and roughly 900 mud-brick homes. Explore the intersection of civilizations that inhabited this area from the 12th century CE to the 1980s, when the final occupants moved to modern homes. Some of the stone buildings and old mud that previously housed markets selling spices and incense remain in this once-bustling village on the pilgrimage route from Damascus to Makkah. You can experience traditional Saudi Arabian food at Al-Ula's open-air, fine-dining restaurant, Suhail, after winding through these illustrious alleyways.
Ride a horse to Maraya, the "jewel in the desert"
You can explore more than just the ruins in Al-Ula. You will reach the largest mirror building in Maraya that reflects the splendor of the Arabian highlands and desert. The 500-seat venue is, of course, an artwork that honors the Ashar Valley's heritage and surrounding natural beauty by being covered with 10,000 m2 of mirrors. Maraya is a perfect illustration of how the modern architecture of Al-Ula has been meticulously created to blend in with the surroundings.
Get to know the local fauna
Al-Ula is an advocate for the conservation of the biodiversity of the area and its natural habitats. Visit the Sharaan Nature Reserve to see the ongoing rewilding effort. You can now take 4x4 tours through this breathtaking area, which has been cordoned off to conserve its biodiversity. You can even see creatures like Idmi gazelles and red-necked ostriches grazing on the open plains. Eagles and crested larks can be seen soaring in the sky. Their attempt to reintroduce endangered Arabian leopards into the wilds of the Hijaz Mountains is without a doubt the most intriguing conservation project in the region.
Explore the oasis trail to discover the beauty of nature
During the hot summer months, visit the cool shade of palm trees. Feel the burst of greenery after exploring the mysterious environment of sandstone canyons and deserts scattered with monolithic boulders carved by the wind. Take the oasis trail, a calm and simple stroll into the center of the flora and wildlife that have sustained Al-Ula's inhabitants with food, water, and life for thousands of years. You'll be surrounded by fruits and herbs as you stroll along the path beneath the shade of palm trees, taking in the lovely aroma of the citrus groves and dates.
