Al-'Ula brings together an oasis shaped by date palms and citrus trees, ancient sites and striking rock formations. Your trip can therefore focus on different aspects of the landscape, archaeological history, and arts and dining offerings. The key is deciding which themes you would like to combine and which visits require an organized tour.
Oasis, viewpoints and nature
The AlUla Oasis is shaped by date palms and citrus trees: 2.3 million date palms provide shade for 200,000 citrus trees. They grow oranges, grapefruits, lemons and kumquats. The number of trees may change over time. The interplay of palms and citrus fruits reflects a distinctive side of the landscape.
Nearby Harrat Viewpoint is located on the summit of the Harrat Uwayrid volcanic mountain and offers views of the oasis, the Old Town and the wider Al-'Ula valley. Elephant Rock offers a different landscape highlight: over millions of years, rain, wind and sand shaped this natural sandstone formation into the form of an elephant. The cultivated oasis and the rock shaped by natural forces thus represent different landscape scenes.
In the nearby Sharaan Nature Reserve, north of Al-'Ula, Nubian ibex, Idmi gazelles, Cape hares and rock hyraxes, as well as red-necked ostriches, have occasionally been spotted on guided tours in 4x4 vehicles. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. If wildlife viewing is important to your plans, check current tour arrangements before your trip.
Tombs and inscriptions
Nearby Dadan was an important hub on the Incense Route. Its remains include ancient tombs, inscriptions and architectural traces; rock carvings can also be found on cliffs almost 50 metres high. Here, history can be explored through both the burial sites and the written and architectural remains.
Hegra has more than 110 well-preserved tombs carved into desert rock, where Nabataean elites were buried. The tombs make the site a distinct archaeological highlight alongside the remains at Dadan.
Nearby Jabal Ikmah can be visited as part of organized tours, either in a private premium 4x4 vehicle or by coach. Self-driving is not permitted. If you plan to visit, check current tour arrangements before your trip.
Cultural district and visitor information
The AlJadidah Arts District is right next to the Old Town. Local designers' boutiques sell fashion, jewelry and home accessories, alongside art galleries and studios. Street cafés and food trucks add to the offerings in the squares. Individual businesses and offerings may change.
AlUla Visitor Centres are located in the Old Town, at Hegra and Dadan, at Winter Park and at AlUla International Airport. The Experience AlUla team can help book and change experiences and provide information about events, concerts, cultural sites and other offerings. As service locations and offerings may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit.
Al-'Ula in its regional context
Within the wider destination of Medina, Hegra is Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Province is considered a historic tourism destination; AlUla Governorate is located in the north of the province.
Explore more destinations: Medina, 'Anqa'.
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