Book flights to AlUla (ULH)

Book your visit to AlUla

On the northern tip of the Hejaz is the ancient oasis of AlUla. With a history stretching back thousands of years, it’s a truly incredible location originally built by those who also constructed the famous Jordanian city of Petra.

Filled with Nabatean historical sites, AlUla is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and internationally important in the story of life in the Middle East and beyond.

The awe-inspiring desert scenery coupled with a region that is effectively an outdoor museum makes it one of the must-see places not just in Saudi Arabia, but the world. Modern facilities sit alongside ancient monuments, a perfect juxtaposition of old and new.

The cuisine is as unique as the landscape, and the welcome is as warm as the desert sun. AlUla is unique and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Things to do in AlUla

Take a tour of Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. A combination of natural and man-made rock formations and carvings, it’s also home to ancient Nabataean tombs. A guided tour with a local Rawi or storyteller will add even more colour to this incredible site.

The ancient site of Dadan was home to the Dadanite Royal Family. High above the tombs are ancient carvings of lions and other figures dating back over 3,000 years.

The incredible AlUla Old Town is a sensitively restored site where both ancient and new homes sit side by side. The new constructions have been mindfully created to blend in with the original buildings, immersing you in the culture and lifestyle of the people. Climb the Citadel for a bird-eye view of the city’s 900 mud brick houses and town squares.

Activities in AlUla

Rest in the shade of the enchanting Oasis of AlUla, filled with over two million date palms, a wealth of citrus fruit trees and still key to the food produced in this region.

Elephant Mountain (known as Jabal al Fil), is a must-see, especially at sunrise or sunset when the surfaces of this distinctive site change colour. 

The surrounding desert is free of light pollution, making it one of the best places in the region to see the night sky. If you love astronomy, a stargazing trip to Gharameel is highly recommended for a clear view of the Milky Way.

To see the whole region from a unique perspective, take a helicopter tour that includes views of Jabal al Fil, Hegra, Jabal Ikmah, Dadan and AlUla Old Town. It’s a fabulous way to see so much in one incredible experience.

Food in AlUla

Thanks to the incredible AlUla oasis, there is an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables on offer. Traditional dishes are influenced by thousands of years of civilization and use a wide range of spices and flavours.

Must-try food includes mutabbaq, a delicious stuffed pancake filled with vegetables and spices, and is ideal if you prefer vegetarian food. For a hearty meal, al harees is a meat and wheat dish seasoned with spices and with a creamy texture.

Kasba is a classic rice dish flavoured with cardamom, bay, saffron and cinnamon and served with chicken.

With nearly 30 different types of citrus fruit available, you’ll find fresh, zesty salads such as tabbouleh that add an extra dimension to meals. And for on-the-go snacks, plenty of street vendors offer treats such as falafel and hummus.

Shopping in AlUla

The best place to go shopping in AlUla is Market Street, in the heart of the Old Town. Filled with a wide selection of stalls and shops selling souvenirs including textiles, jewellery and handicrafts, the market feels as if you’ve stepped back in time to when this historic trading centre was filled with caravans.

You’ll find stores selling traditional local dress, which is brightly coloured in rich reds, golds and oranges that reflect the colours of the landscape. Other shops celebrate the Arabic art of calligraphy with exquisite Arabic Scripts embellished with the finest examples of ‘Khatt’ created by skilled artists who have spent years learning the techniques of this craft.

If you love jewellery, AlUla has some exceptional shops selling 24k gold in both modern and traditional designs.