AlUla, located in northwestern Saudi Arabia, is a destination rich in history, breathtaking landscapes, and growing modern luxury offerings. Easily accessible via international flights from Dubai and Doha, as well as domestic connections from Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam, AlUla offers visitors a seamless journey into the heart of the desert. The ideal time to visit is between October and March, when the weather is cooler, and the region comes alive with cultural festivals and outdoor activities.
WAWW Director of Editorial Elena Leo shines the light on why AlUla should be on your travel radar, sharing her top tips on what to see and do in this historic and culturally rich part of Saudi Arabia.
What is AlUla?
AlUla’s appeal definitely lies in its unique ability to blend this ancient heritage with modern luxury and cultural experiences. AlUla is an ancient crossroads of civilisations, home to the Dadanite, Lihyanite, and Nabatean peoples, who shaped its rich history. This vast region spans over 22,500 square kilometres and boasts some of the most remarkable archaeological treasures in the world. Among these is Hegra, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia, featuring monumental tombs carved into sandstone cliffs by the Nabateans over 2,000 years ago.
Historical AlUla: Hegra, Dadan, and Jabal Ikmah
At the heart of AlUla’s historical significance is Hegra, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia. Once a thriving Nabataean city, Hegra’s monumental tombs, carved into sandstone cliffs, reveal a fascinating glimpse into a civilisation that flourished over 2,000 years ago. Visitors can explore these preserved tombs, accompanied by guided tours that bring the ancient city’s history to life.
The ancient city of Dadan, once the capital of the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, offers further insight into the region’s deep-rooted history, while Jabal Ikmah reveals thousands of inscriptions etched into rock, a vast open-air library that tells the stories of its past inhabitants.
Natural Wonders of AlUla
AlUla’s desert landscape offers visitors the chance to experience natural wonders in their purest form. Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil) is one of the most famous landmarks, a towering rock formation shaped like an elephant, especially mesmerising at sunset. The Ashar Valley, with its dramatic cliffs and quiet canyons, provides a serene escape into nature, perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing.
Modern AlUla: Maraya and Cultural Revival
AlUla’s modern transformation is symbolised by the striking Maraya, the largest mirrored building in the world. This architectural wonder hosts concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events, reflecting both the surrounding desert and AlUla’s ambition to become a global cultural hub.
A major highlight of AlUla’s cultural calendar is the Winter at Tantora Festival, an annual event running from 19 December 2024 to 9 January 2025. This festival is a cornerstone of AlUla Moments, offering a blend of fine arts, music, fashion, and culinary experiences. In past years, it has featured performances by international artists like Andrea Bocelli and Omar Khairat. Visitors in 2025 can expect more of the same world-class entertainment, alongside immersive cultural experiences.
Where to Stay: Luxury in AlUla
Banyan Tree AlUla: This resort offers private villas nestled within the Ashar Valley, combining tranquillity with five-star service. Each villa provides stunning desert views and high-end amenities.
Habitas AlUla: A pioneer in sustainable luxury, Habitas offers a holistic experience based on six pillars: music, wellness, adventure, culture, learning, and culinary. The resort features 96 luxury villas, each with a shaded outdoor area, providing an immersive desert experience. Visitors can enjoy a range of wellness activities, including yoga, spa treatments, and cultural immersion through guided hikes, camel rides, and visits to archaeological sites like Hegra. Tama Restaurant at Habitas offers locally sourced dishes, blending Middle Eastern and international cuisine. Social spaces include a scenic swimming pool, ideal for relaxation after a day of exploration.
Sharaan by Jean Nouvel: Set to open in 2024, this highly anticipated resort is carved directly into the mountains of the Sharaan Nature Reserve. With 40 guest suites, three resort villas, and a retreat summit centre, the resort promises to offer a blend of luxury and natural beauty, inspired by the ancient architecture of Hegra. This unique resort will provide guests with a one-of-a-kind experience, integrating cutting-edge design with AlUla’s stunning natural landscape.
Activities and Festivals in AlUla
AlUla offers a diverse range of activities to suit all interests. From dune bashing and horseback riding to hot air balloon rides, visitors can explore the desert from various perspectives, making the most of the region’s vast and scenic beauty.
In addition to Winter at Tantora, AlUla hosts the AlUla Wellness Festival, which provides a range of holistic experiences aimed at promoting mental and physical well-being. From yoga and meditation to immersive wellness workshops, the festival takes place in AlUla’s peaceful desert surroundings, offering a perfect opportunity for visitors to unwind and rejuvenate.
AlUla’s cultural scene continues to grow, with further expansions of the AlUla Arts Festival and new events planned for the future.
Plan your trip to AlUla using the official website
