AlUla the Mona Lisa of Saudi Arabia with a landscape as rich and colossal as its historical past, brimming with legacy, adventure, and breathtaking stories. It provides an abundance of historic and traditional charm, with thousands of years of human history. If you want to visit AlUla do check out our Umrah Packages UK in which, we offer visits to other cities alongside the Umrah package at a very affordable price. Here are some adventures that are a must-do when visiting AlUla.
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Explore the Ancient City’s Remains-Hegra
Hegra is not only the first UNESCO Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia, but it also has a lot of interesting things to offer. The Nabataean tribe, who traded mostly in incense, are said to have lived in the ancient city of Hegra. Jabal Ithlib, the highest hill in Hegra, was a dangerous area for the Nabateans, this mountain is home to numerous sanctuaries, altars, shrines, and inscriptions. You should take advantage of the opportunity to see the stunning dawn or sunset over the desert terrain, which casts a golden hue on the ancient ruins. One of the most important sites to see in AlUla is Hegra, a great place to take a hot air balloon ride and a great place for history buffs to solve the riddles of a city.
Visit the old town of Alula
AlUla Old Town provides an intriguing peek into the region’s long past with its complicated lanes and typical mud-brick constructions. Take a guided tour around Old Town explore the exquisite beauty of Al Ula, and discover the numerous splendors and pleasant surprises, and AlUla’s hidden secrets. You will be surprised by the captivating atmosphere and colorful setting of Old Market Street, as you meander around the lovely walks, imagine how the historic streets once looked centuries ago. Stroll Old Market Street and soak up the vibrant ambiance filled with sights, sounds, and various delicious foods. Also grab the opportunity to see AlUla’s restored heritage sites, including the AlUla Museum and the Ottoman Fort, which provide a glimpse into the area’s cultural legacy. If you are looking for Umrah packages 2025 from UK for the coming year with included tours to other cities in Saudi Arabia, please check out our UK Umrah packages for a memorable experience.
Jeep safari
Go on a spectacular jeep safari trip across AlUla’s harsh desert scenery. A trained guide drives you through the Sharaan Nature Reserve so sit back, relax, and enjoy. This protected region has red-rock deep ravines, vast valleys, dunes, open desert areas, winding desert trails, and rugged peaks. Enjoy exploring natural sandstone structures, observing the desert’s fauna, and understanding ancient inscriptions and rock engravings revealing secret archeological sites and old rock formations along the route. Keep an eye out for native animals, such as Arabian oryx and desert foxes, you might even see a unique Arabian Ibex, as you travel deeper into the desert. Whether racing over dunes or crossing small passageways, a jeep safari, is an exciting way to discover AlUla’s natural beauty and untamed nature.
A night at Elephant Rock
An Incredible geographical formation formed by the erosion of wind and water over time serves as a significant landmark and cultural symbol for the locals over centuries. Unlike man-made tombs, this natural rock formation looks like an elephant with a trunk and body. Elephant Rock also known as Jabal AlFil or Jabal AlFeel is estimated to be around 200 million years old. Elephant Rock offers breathtaking sweeping views of the desert from its top, which is reachable by foot. Start over to explore the surrounding region while taking in the magnificent vistas and striking rock formations. You can just relax in the sitting area and enjoy The vast desert will soothe you, and you’ll be treated to splendor as you pass by historic sites. This place lit up in the night and often held shows and festivities. You can enjoy a magical evening beneath the stars when the starry heavens illuminate the Elephant Rock at night.
Dine in
World-class chefs, delectable dishes, and breathtaking landscapes combine to provide a dining experience like nowhere. Whether you’re an expert or a casual diner, these dining experiences promise an amazing blend of cultural richness and flavor. Whether you’re looking for an exquisite meal or a cozy local experience that embraces oasis-to-fork cuisine, AlUla has lots to offer. Dine at The Heart of the Oasis and enjoy local food prepared over an open fire by cutting-edge Saudi chefs, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the AlUla Oasis. AlUla provides a variety of local and international dining alternatives to help tourists recharge after a day of exploration, a few of which we have listed below. Maraya Social is positioned on the rooftop of the spectacular Maraya, and the food is served in Atherton’s signature way. Suhail is a modern Saudi Arabian fine dining concept that serves meals inspired by ancient spices from the Arabian Peninsula and time-honored traditions. located in Banyan Tree AlUla, Saffron takes you on a gourmet journey with signature Thai flavors. TawletFayza located amid the oasis of AlUla Old Town, promises a dining experience that resembles a pleasant invitation to a Saudi grandmother’s house. Alain Ducasse a pop-up in AlUla by a globally renowned chef, has been created. The restaurant, located near the ancient heritage site of Jabal Ikmah, serves a contemporary extension of French cuisine.
Helicopter ride
If you want a bird’s-eye perspective of Alula, take a helicopter flight; you will not be disappointed. You will view everything from above within 30 minutes and have a good picture of Alula. Choose a sunset flight to experience breathtaking aerial views of desert panoramas and iconic sights like Elephant Rock and Hegra.
Star gazing tour
Another incredible experience in AlUla is to get a stargazing tour far from the brightness of the bustling city, the historic oasis hamlet of AlUla is a valued location in the deepest wilderness where stargazing takes on a new dimension. Guided tours take you to destinations in the desert but try to go to isolated places away from light pollution and learn about the stars and how Bedouins navigated themselves through the desert with the help of stars. If you are touring on a new moon you will only focus on stars and constellations, but if you are touring on a full moon night you could also go for a walk and then see stars, etc. As you glance up, you will be amazed by the sight of clear, vivid stars blinking and glittering on an inky background.
Zip line adventure
Experience the Kingdom’s longest and fastest zip line, racing 1.5 kilometers at up to 120 kilometers per hour while taking in the breathtaking landscape of the AlUla mountains. Flow through the air horizontally, face-down stance, mimicking Superman’s classic flying pose. Discover the breathtaking landscapes from far above and try your adventurous side as you race along the AlUla zip line. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply seeking your next thrilling activities, this zip line should be on your adventure to-do list’ when visiting AlUla.
Al Ula Arts Festival
The AlUla Arts Festival celebrates the region’s long-standing artistic heritage through cutting-edge exhibitions and street-art tours, cinema screenings and exciting performances, contemporary art pieces, crafty workshops, and massive outdoor art installations that extend out into the open desert. AlUla Art Festival showcases amazing modern artworks by Saudi and international artists against the breathtaking backdrop of AlUla’s desert landscape. AlUla Arts Festival 2024 is Saudi Arabia’s first site-responsive exhibition, with each participating artist drawing inspiration directly from the spectacular desert environment.
AlUla Skies Festival
The AlUla Skies Festival is an annual celebration of the sky. Whether you want to observe the skies from a hot air balloon or a helicopter ride, you’ll find yourself on the ninth cloud. The Festival allows guests to enjoy the wonders of AlUla uniquely. Visitors can pick between a tethered flight that floats straight up and an untethered trip that drifts through the sky. AlUla Helicopter Tours allow travelers to experience life over the air and explore locations such as Elephant Rock, Maraya, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hegra.
AlUla Kites takes place during the day and features experts flying kites. Watch colorful crafts dance in the sky, ranging from animal-shaped kites to rainbow-colored kites. Adventurers will be thrilled to learn about the AlUla Giant Swing and AlUla Stairway. The experiences are one of their kind to the region.
Furthermore, the AlUla Skies Festival offers a variety of twilight experiences. The Drone Show features coordinated drones, while the Glow Show blends glowing balloons and music. Additional evening activities include Astro-Photography, Jazz Nights, and Voyage Through the Stars, which involves stargazing and storytelling.
Conclusion
Whether you’re exploring the region’s rich history, going on daring adventures, or simply enjoying the desert’s natural beauty, AlUla promises an extraordinary journey unlike any other. With its intriguing cultural legacy, breathtaking natural environment, and friendly hospitality, AlUla welcomes visitors to experience the charm of this enchanting place for themselves. So pack your luggage, ready to be astounded,, and go on an unforgettable trip to AlUla.
