Highlights
Hegra
As the largest preserved site of the Nabataean civilisation south of Petra in Jordan, Hegra was Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and evidence of human presence here dates back beyond the 1st millennium BC. The area is home to over 110 remarkably well-preserved tombs carved into the rocky outcrops within this dreamy desert landscape, which were used to lay Nabataean elite to rest. Also on your journey back in time, find ancient rock art and inscriptions that highlight the origins of the Arabic language, and illuminate the customs and beliefs of ancient civilisations, as well as stone-lined water channels demonstrating the civilisation's expert craftsmanship. Embark on a rock art trail to spot over 1,500 petroglyphs or join a cycling tour between the landmarks. Roman influence is also present in the form of defensive walls, gates and towers that once encircled the city. Another key site in Hegra is the Hijaz Railway station, home to a train from a time when merchants and Makkah-bound pilgrims traversed the land. Learn how the construction of the railway, which began in 1900, helped to modernise the way that pilgrims travelled.
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Dadan and Jabal Ikhmah
Dadan is an ancient, stone-carved city that sits astride the valley’s oasis. Much older than Hegra, the remains date back between the late 9th and early 8th century BCE when, as the Kingdom of Dadan, and due to its proximity to the incense trade routes, it was one of the most developed cities in northern Arabia. This area is still under archeological excavations and only around 5% of the city is currently unearthed. Visitors can still see more than a dozen Lion Tombs that have been cleverly crafted into the red rock faces. A tour of Dadan is perfectly paired with a visit to Jabal Ikmah across the valley. This treasured site is something of an ‘open library’, home to hundreds of petroglyphs and inscriptions in the rocks, dating back as far as the 1st millennium BC!
AlUla Old Town
Set in the narrowest part of the AlUla Valley and overlooked by a 10th-century citadel, discover the heritage heart of the region – AlUla Old Town. Back in the 12th century, this storied city became an essential part of the Islamic pilgrimage route from Damascus to Makkah, and was inhabited as recently as the 20th century. Join a trained local guide to explore its winding alleyways, mudbrick houses, traditional shops and rahbas (town squares), before meeting the locals, perusing the handicrafts and sampling the cuisine at its evolving market.
Nabataean Oasis
Lush, fertile and filled with life, the Oasis of AlUla is nestled within the Wadi AlQura (or Valley of Villages). This area of greenery amid the sprawling desert has given life to AlUla’s residents, flora and fauna, as well as weary travellers, for millennia. Its rich earth has long made it a thriving agricultural hub, growing everything from lentils and barley to olives and pomegranates. Today, the lush oasis is home to small farms that grow a variety of fruit – from bananas to citrus to mangos – as well as clover and date palms. In fact, each year, AlUla’s 2.3 million date palms produce more than 90,000 tonnes of dates! There’s a lovely, low-impact walking trail that passes from Dadan to AlUla Old Town via the oasis, offering the perfect chance to see the traditional farms in action, as well as local farmers and citrus markets.
Nature and Sustainability
Ethereal, colossal and totally humbling, AlUla’s landscape is simply spellbinding. Monumental rock formations include the iconic Elephant Rock, the bowling pin-shaped Jar Rock, the bridge-like Rainbow Rock (home to semi-precious diamonds), and the mind-blowing Dancing Rocks that appear to sway together in unison. Set within the remote desert landscape, Gharameel is home to extraordinary sandstone formations, whilst promising sublime sunsets and some of the planet’s best stargazing. Set across nearly 600 square miles of canyons, desert and valleys, the Sharaan Nature Reserve aims to conserve and protect the precious AlUla ecosystem. When it does open to visitors (on carefully considered tours with expert wildlife rangers) you can uncover stunning scenery and incredible wildlife – including red-necked ostriches, Nubian ibex and graceful gazelles.
Adventure
AlUla’s dramatic landscape, serene beauty and hidden valleys make for an abundance of transformative adventure. Soar over monumental rock formations by helicopter, hike beneath the stars, cross the desert on horseback or camel, take to the dunes by cycle at sunset, or race to a speed of over 100km/h by zipline through the AlUla mountains.