7 things to see or do in AlUla, Saudi Arabia
As I recline, I draw in a deep sigh of the pure desert breeze. The Saudi Arabian night sky unfolds before me like a jeweled canvas, studded with countless stars. It's the closing chapter of my remarkable journey to AlUla, an ancient beacon of the Arabian Peninsula now shining again as a pioneering global tourist destination.
Every reverberation of this journey resonates like a thrilling adventure novel, where two weeks' worth of exhilarating experiences were masterfully woven into an insatiable four-day display. Even though it's my return to AlUla, I feel as if I've merely brushed a minuscule layer off the ever-winding mysteries hidden in its sand-blasted courtyards.
This is your ultimate key—an all-encompassing guide to Saudi Arabia's reborn historical city. AlUla, whose history spans over thousands of years, was once a bustling trade route in the pre-Islamic era. Today, it invites you to immerse yourself in its rich tapestry of history, nature, and culture, offering many untold stories waiting to be explored.
‘The ancient city of AlUla dates back millennia and is a spectacularly preserved cultural and historical masterpiece. With 200,000 years of human history to uncover, it was once the capital of the North Arabian Lihyanites and then the Nabataeans, and served as a meeting place for pilgrims, merchants and explorers. For a history fanatic like myself, this key location of the incense, spice and silk routes that linked Arabia, Egypt and India, is an intriguing enigma with countless mysteries to undercover.
‘The cultural oasis of AlUla only officially opened to international travellers full-time in 2020. Saudi Arabia itself only began issuing tourist visas for the first time in 2019. The last time I was here, three years ago, it took six months to get my visa issued. Since then, Saudi Arabia has come a long way, and is now welcoming tourists with open arms and an eVisa process that only takes five minutes. AlUla is a key part of its plan to move away from over-reliance on oil and become a major player in the global tourism market.
1. Experience the Magic of Sunset at Elephant Rock
Picture this: the stillness of the desert, interrupted only by the slow descent of the sun, wrapping AlUla in a warm embrace. The day's heat evaporates, making way for the surprising coolness. You find an inviting seat among the modernistic, sunken settings, the ideal spot to appreciate the incredible spectacle that unfolds before you - nature's artistry at its finest, the Elephant Rock. This rock formation, referred to locally as Jabal Alfil, stands a majestic 50 meters tall. Molded by the relentless forces of wind and water over countless years, it manifests itself as a striking giant sentinel among the expansive golden sands and interspersed rocky outcroppings - a scene straight out of a fantasy film.
Elephant Rock owes its unique shape to the millennia of weathering and erosion, a testament to the inexorable march of time. As the fiery hues of the sunset gradually yield to the velvety darkness, look up; the stars begin to punctuate the vast canvas of the night sky. In this tranquil setting, allow tales of the past to resonate, of bygone civilizations that experienced and cherished the same celestial spectacle in this very land. A humbling moment beneath the unfathomable expanse of the cosmos that speaks volumes of the region's storied past.
2. Experience the Majesty of Hegra, the Inaugural UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saudi Arabia
Imagine visiting a UNESCO world heritage site such as Hegra in AlUla, where you won't find throngs of tourists waving selfie-sticks, but instead, you have the opportunity to freely explore what seems like an open-air museum teeming with history. Hegra remained under the radar, known only to the Bedouin tribes for nearly two millennia until it gradually gained recognition in recent years and finally welcomed tourists in 2020. Often billed as the "alternative Petra," Hegra invites you to a close encounter with the past, allowing insight into a world from antiquity.
The archaeological majesty of Hegra spans across 52 hectares, and it houses impressively preserved Nabataean tombs that date back to the first century BCE. These tombs are significant examples of intricate designs etched into raw rock structures, which proudly bear the testament of time. As you continue your journey in this expansive outdoor museum, being escorted from one precision-manufactured tomb to another by your narrating guide aboard a classic Land Rover, you will quickly appreciate why Hegra has been bestowed with such a title. Undeniably, this distinct museum is a goldmine of countless untold stories waiting for an eager listener in every corner.
3. Experience the Grandeur from a Helicopter
Picture yourself soaring the skies over AlUla in a helicopter, saddled up to behold the breathtaking panoramic vistas of the expansive landscapes. This one-of-a-kind, sky-high journey provides unmatched glimpses of historical ruins, monumental landmarks, Neolithic burial sites, and even the obsidian beauty of a couple of volcanoes. As you glide over the cultural tapestry embroidered with centuries of history, the landscape below unveils its stirring tales narrated by your knowledgeable pilot. They highlight seven key landmarks, each with an intriguing story to tell.
Feel the pulse of history as you drift above Hegra, where the last of the Hijaz Railway trains lie in eternal repose, serving as a timeless testament of history. Get an unparalleled view of Maraya, the world's most extensive mirrored edifice. Encountering AlUla's scenic splendors from this unique vantage point not only elevates your journey but also deepens your understanding and admiration for the magnitude and magnificence of the historical and natural landscapes of this captivating destination.
After your sky-high escapade, consider prolonging your enchanting encounter with the history and splendor of Saudi Arabia by lodging at one of the region's top-rated accommodations. The Diyar Al-Salam Hotel Medina is an exemplary choice, promising an immersive experience in an area steeped in cultural history not far from AlUla. For more options for featuring your taste look for hotels in Saudi Arabia at tophotels.com.
4. Wind through the Old Town
One of AlUla’s biggest charms is the incredible effort that has gone into preserving its heritage. Nowhere more so than in the Old Town, a labyrinth of nearly 900 mud-brick houses, 400 shops and five rahbas, or town squares. Step back in time to the crossroad of civilisations that lived here from around the 12th century CE up until the 1980s, when the last residents moved to more modern housing. It was once a bustling town on the pilgrimage route from Damascus to Makkah and still contains some of the original mud and stone buildings that would have hosted markets selling incense and spices. After winding through these storied streets, visit AlUla’s open-air, fine-dining restaurant, Suhail, where you can try traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine. I opted for Asir Haneeth, a lamb dish inspired by old Arabian Peninsula spices.’
5. Embark on an Equestrian Adventure to Maraya- AlUla's Gem
Indeed, AlUla is synonymous with a rich historical past, yet its appeal goes beyond just remnants of antiquity. Savour the unique experience of riding an Arabian horse across sandy expanses, threading through awe-inspiring canyons and lush oases. Your majestic journey culminates at a resplendent man-made marvel- Maraya, quite aptly named as it translates to 'mirror' or 'reflection' in Arabic. This architectural wonder, the largest mirrored edifice globally, tastefully mirrors the sublime beauty of the surrounding Arabian desert and jagged mountain ranges. Apart from its stunning mirrored facade that spans 10,000 m2, Maraya also boasts a 500-seat arena, making it a remarkable piece of art that pays homage to AlUla's storied history and the unrivalled splendour of the Ashar Valley. This masterful construction epitomizes the cutting-edge architectural prowess of AlUla, thoughtfully created to blend harmoniously with the landscape. The inherent beauty of Maraya lies in its modern, chic approach to design, that subtly hints at a time gone by, rendering it a truly enchanting spectacle.
6. Discover the Indigenous Fauna
AlUla is taking the forefront in the preservation of its diverse ecological surroundings and the rich wildlife that inhabits these areas. Make it a point to explore the Sharaan Nature Reserve, a sanctuary for native species and a hub for rewilding efforts. This captivating nature retreat has been specifically designed to safeguard its delicate bio-network while offering visitors with adventurous 4x4 tours to leisurely explore its bounds. If you're lucky, you might spot unusual species such as the crimson-necked ostriches or the rare Idmi gazelles wandering around the expansive meadows. Shift your gaze upwards to witness crested larks and eagles in mid-flight, a sight which can be truly exhilarating. What is undeniably the highlight of conservation initiatives in this area is the ambitious project to reintroduce the critically threatened Arabian leopards back into their natural habitat in the Hijaz Mountains. Current estimates suggest that there are fewer than 200 adult leopard individuals surviving in the wild, adding immense significance to this venture.
7. Hit the oasis trail and see natural wonders
‘In the heat of the summer in the desert, escape into the cooling shade of palm trees. After exploring the enigmatic landscape of sandstone canyons and deserts dotted with monolithic rocks shaped by the wind, you’ll find yourself craving a burst of greenery. Hit the oasis trail, a peaceful and easy walk into the epicentre of flora and fauna that has provided sustenance, water and life to AlUla’s inhabitants for thousands of years. As you wander along the path under the shadow of palm leaves, you’ll be surrounded by fruits and herbs and breathe in the sweet smell of dates and citrus groves. It’s the perfect respite from the ever-shifting sands of the desert. The route then takes you up to the Alfath mountain for breathtaking views of millions of palm trees below you.’
‘I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some remote, unique, and incredible places in my life, but in terms of preserved history, AlUla has got to be up there as one of the most spectacular destinations that I have ever seen. Times are changing fast in Saudi Arabia. While this monumental effort to become a tourist hotspot, championing sustainability initiatives and preserving the heritage of this historic land while embracing modernity, is still in its infancy, now is the best time to book a trip to AlUla, before this little-known wonder hits the mainstream.'