AlUla, in the north-west of the Kingdom, is a desert valley of sandstone mountains, palm oases and thousands of years of history. Hegra (Al-Hijr), its best-known site, was Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds more than a hundred monumental Nabataean tombs.
Beyond Hegra, visitors come for the old mud-brick town, natural rock formations such as Elephant Rock, stargazing, hiking and the mirrored concert hall of Maraya.
The places most worth your time, grouped by type.
HeritageSaudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site: more than a hundred monumental Nabataean tombs carved into sandstone outcrops.
~25 min north of AlUla · guided tours
NatureA natural sandstone formation shaped like an elephant, surrounded by low seating and a café, magical at sunset.
~10 km from AlUla · 1 hour
HeritageA maze of hundreds of mud-brick and stone houses beneath a hilltop fort, with a restored market street of shops and cafés.
Central AlUla · 2 hours
HeritageThe capital of the ancient Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, known for its lion tombs cut high into a red cliff.
~15 min from AlUla · 1–2 hours
LandmarksA huge mirrored building in Ashar Valley that reflects the surrounding canyon; it hosts concerts and events.
Ashar Valley · photo stop
MuseumsAn open-air library: a canyon whose walls carry hundreds of ancient inscriptions in several early Arabian scripts.
Near Dadan · 1 hour
Ideas worth trying — book them with tour operators listed in our directory.
Visit the Nabataean tombs of Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO site with a licensed guide.
3 hoursClear, dark skies make AlUla one of the best places for night-sky experiences.
2–3 hoursSeasonal sunrise flights over the sandstone valleys and oasis.
1 hour flightA suggested plan you can adjust to your own pace.
Everything for your trip from our directory: stays, food, shopping and services.
AlUla has its own domestic airport, and it can also be reached by road from Madinah in a few hours.
Two to three full days allow Hegra, the old town, Elephant Rock and one outdoor activity.
The capital: modern skyline, historic Diriyah and big seasonal events
Red Sea gateway with historic Al-Balad and a long seafront
Cool mountain air, green terraces and colourful Asiri villages
City of roses on the Sarawat heights above Makkah
