Open now
Heritage
Hegra
Over 110 monumental Nabataean tombs carved into sandstone — Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO site.
AlUla · 24 km from centreTours 9am – 5pm
AlUla
العُلاA desert valley of sandstone canyons and 200,000 years of human history — home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best time to visitOct – Mar
Recommended stay3–4 days
WeatherWarm days, cool nights · 8–28°C
Destination typeHeritage & desert
Popular forHegra, Elephant Rock, Maraya
Nearest airportAlUla International (ULH)
Things to do
What you can do in AlUla
Attractions
The places to see
Open now
Nature
Elephant Rock
A 52 m sandstone arch shaped like an elephant. Best at sunset, with a lounge at its feet.
AlUla · 12 km from centre3pm – midnight
Open now
Heritage
AlUla Old Town
Mud-brick lanes of a 12th-century town, now home to cafés and craft studios.
AlUla · 1 km from centreOpen daily
Seasonal
Landmark
Maraya
The world’s largest mirrored building, reflecting the Ashar Valley.
AlUla · 8 km from centreEvent days only
Open now
Heritage
Dadan
Capital of the ancient Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms, with lion tombs cut into the cliff.
AlUla · 5 km from centre9am – 5pm
Open now
Heritage
Jabal Ikmah
An open-air library of ancient inscriptions in a quiet canyon.
AlUla · 7 km from centre9am – 5pm
Open now
Nature
Harrat Viewpoint
A volcanic plateau with a sweeping view over the valley.
AlUla · 10 km from centreSunrise – sunset
Closed today
Nature
Sharaan Nature Reserve
Protected canyons being rewilded for the Arabian leopard.
AlUla · 36 km from centreGuided access only
Where to stay
Stays chosen for AlUla
Luxury resortBanyan Tree AlUla★ 4.9Tented villas tucked into the canyon walls of the Ashar Valley, each with a private pool.From SAR 4,200 / nightDesert resortHabitas AlUla★ 4.8Low-slung villas in a secluded canyon, built around wellness, yoga and slow mornings.From SAR 2,600 / nightResortShaden Resort★ 4.6Hillside villas with mountain views, 20 minutes from the Old Town.From SAR 1,350 / nightGlampingCaravan by Habitas★ 4.6Airstream-style caravans in a quiet valley — the simple, stylish way to stay.From SAR 950 / nightDesert campSahary AlUla★ 4.5Chalets at the foot of sandstone cliffs with a pool and campfire nights.From SAR 780 / night
Tours & experiences
Book with a local expert
Heritage · 3 hours · ★ 4.9 (2,140)Hegra: the Nabataean tombsWalk among 111 monumental tombs with a local rawi (storyteller), including the lone Tomb of Lihyan son of Kuza.
From SAR 295Check dates
Adventure · 3 hours · ★ 4.8 (612)Hot-air balloon at sunriseDrift over sandstone outcrops and the Ashar Valley as the sun comes up.
From SAR 1,650Check dates
Night · 2 hours · ★ 4.9 (1,038)Stargazing at GharameelAn astronomer guides you through some of the darkest skies in Arabia among towering rock formations.
From SAR 195Check dates
Adventure · 4 hours · ★ 4.7 (388)Via ferrata at HarratClip in and traverse the edge of a volcanic plateau with a certified guide.
From SAR 520Check dates
Suggested itineraries
How to spend your time
Day 1The essentials
08:30Guided tour of Hegra
13:00Lunch in AlUla Old Town
15:30Dadan & Jabal Ikmah
17:30Sunset at Elephant Rock
Travel information
Getting to AlUla
By airAlUla International (ULH) · 30 min · direct from Riyadh, Jeddah & Dammam
By trainNo rail yet — fly or drive
By roadMadinah 3h 30m (330 km) · Tabuk 4h
Getting around locallyAlUla hop-on shuttle, car rental and private drivers
Getting around Saudi Arabia →Loading map…
Keep exploring
