Travel Guide to AlUla

Saudi Arabia has recently opened its gates to travellers across the globe, leading to an increase in tourists over the years. If you are thinking about visiting Saudi Arabia this year, then make sure to include AlUla in your trip. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is a country located in western Asia, which is rich in history, culture, heritage, natural beauty and adventurous experiences. The province of AlUla captures all of it perfectly. So start planning your journey now with our full travel guide!

Getting to AlUla

AlUla is well linked to India with direct flights from all major hubs of India into Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam. Saudia Airlines and Flynas have onward flights to AlUla’s Prince Abdul Majeed Bin Abdulaziz Airport (ULH). The airport is located just 35 km (a 30- minute drive) from the city centre.

Visas

Indians with a valid & utilised UK / USA / Schengen visa are eligible for a visa on arrival. Indian travellers, need to apply for their Saudi tourist visa 10 - 12 working days prior to the travel period.

Getting around AlUla

Driving around the AlUla is convenient with multiple options below:

• Ride a taxi
• Rent a car with a driver
• Rent a car without a driver

If you wish to drive in AlUla, travellers are requested to carry a valid driving licence from the country of residence. You can also use the ride-share service Kaiian (similar to Uber or Careem) to travel around AlUla, but we suggest you book a car ride 30 minutes before any departure as the cars may be limited.

Where to say

Despite its remote location, book your very own oasis among the tranquil AlUla desert. From private suites surrounded by sandstone mountains to luxury villas nestled along stunning rock formations to even more unique chalets, resorts and accommodations, you'll be intrigued by AlUla’s fabulous hotels and resorts. While in AlUla you can also experience the thrill of camping in the desserts and check out the places we have listed below.

• Banyan Tree AlUla
• Habitas AlUla
• Caravan by Habitas
• Sahary AlUla Resort
• Shaden Resort
• Canyon Rv Park
• Self-Camping in AlUla
• Shaden resort alula

Places to eat in AlUla

In AlUla there are many dining options for replenishing your energy after a day of exploring. Below you’ll learn more about AlUla’s rich culinary scene — from casual to fine dining. Dine at a variety of local restaurants, cafés and food trucks, and be sure to sample the dates, citrus fruits and other delights of AlUla while on your visit. During Ramadan, AlUla has many beautiful places to sit with friends and family and watch the skies turn pink at sunset. Whether dining in Old Town, AlJadidah, the Oasis or elsewhere, AlUla is buzzing with delicious dining options. Many options open starting at 5:00 pm, with some staying open until 3:00 am daily, in celebration of Ramadan.

• ACME
• Alfa,s Lounge
• Alnakheel Café
• Ashar Deck
• Beit Wafa
• Entrecôte
• Circolo
• The Heart of the Oasis

Places to visit in AlUla

Adventure awaits you in AlUla. Whether you're looking to relax in a one-of-a-kind setting or plan a holiday filled with exploration, AlUla welcomes all year-round travellers. AlUla combines legendary heritage sites, including Hegra, with outdoor adventure amidst AlUla's beautiful desert landscape.

Here are some of the top places to visit in this remarkable city:

1. Hegra:

Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO world heritage site. Visit Hegra and explore over 110 remarkably well-preserved tombs set in a desert landscape, while learning about the ancient people and culture of AlUla. This incredible site has tombs carved from the 2nd century BCE until the 2nd century CE. Along with the remarkable tombs, which were used to lay the Nabataean elite to rest, visitors will find wells and stone-lined water channels showcasing the civilisations' expert craftsmanship. Roman influence is also present in the form of defensive walls, gates and towers that once encircled the city.

2. Dadan:

Amongst the most significant discoveries in all of AlUla is the city of Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms. The city, which was built meticulously from stone and astride the valley’s oasis, dates back between the late 9th and early 8th century BCE (Kingdom of Dadan) and 5th–2nd century BCE (Kingdom of Lihyan).

3. Jabal Ikmah:

In a beautiful desert landscape warmed by the sun, the largest “open library” in Saudi Arabia sits tucked away in a remote canyon valley. Across the AlUla Valley lie thousands of inscriptions in Aramaic, Dadanitic, Thamudic, Minaic and Nabataean. Thousands of pre-Arabic inscriptions across numerous sites make AlUla an important location for studying the Arabic language. There is no such site that is more significant than Jabal Ikmah, home to the highest concentration of, and most varied inscriptions, in AlUla.

4. AlUla Old Town:

The Old Town in AlUla is a maze of tightly packed streets, hundreds of mudbrick buildings, and a colossal watchtower fort. Stroll among the ruins and you can feel a tangible sense of its history as a once-thriving settlement along ancient trading routes dating back almost a millennium. AlUla Old Town is located in the narrowest part of the AlUla Valley. Built on a slight elevation, the town is overlooked by the Musa bin Nusayr Castle is a citadel dating back approximately to the 10th century.

5. Elephant Rock:

Also known as Jabal Alfil, is one of AlUlas' geological marvels. Located in the golden desert sands this incredible rock formation soars three stories into the Arabian sky makes this destination a favoured spot amongst visitors. As the light changes throughout the afternoon, no two visits are the same. Book a sunset experience or an evening ticket to see the stars shining bright in the dark AlUla sky.

6. Al Jadidah Arts District:

AlJadidah is AlUla’s cultural hub that is buzzing and gradually turning into a destination of beautiful murals that add colour and creativity to this region which also features the world’s largest hand-painted carpet. As well as hosting regular art exhibitions by local and international artists, Al Jadidah is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants and galleries.

7. Almanshiyah Plaza:

AlUlas' latest gathering place, AlManshiyah Plaza, is a lively community with restaurants and cafes, playgrounds and communal areas, and live music on Fridays. After the careful restoration of the ancient AlUla Railway Station, AlManshiyah Plaza is a breath of new life in this historic AlUla neighbourhood.

In summary, The kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers many exciting experiences for everyone that wishes to visit AlUla. With plenty of attractions available, you can choose from history tours to thrilling activities while in AlUla. Having been hidden for years, AlUla is slowly being uncovered for its historic importance, heritage and natural beauty making this destination the perfect holiday getaway for you and your family!