AlUla, Saudi Arabia : A Journey Through Time

AlUla is a city in the Makkah Region of Saudi Arabia. It’s an outdoor museum and home to Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s also known as “The Jewel of Hejaz.” Did you know Al-Ula is a fantastic city with natural and historical attractions? If you want to channel your inner-archeologist, AlUla is your place. The name Al-Ula came from the old Arabic word and means beyond or discovering something new or something strange.

The city’s history can be traced back to the Paleolithic when it was known as “Al-‘Ula” or “the high place” due to its location on top of a steep hill. The Nabataeans had built their city there, but it was later abandoned after being invaded by Romans and Bedouin tribes.

In the 8th century AD, an Arab tribe called Banu Qahtan established their kingdom in AlUla and named it the Qahtanite Kingdom. They were known for their trading skills, which they used to amass wealth through trade with other cities in Arabia, Mesopotamia, and Egypt.

Below is a list of the must-see and must-do in this beautiful destination. Let us journey through time as we explore the wonders of AlUla, Saudi Arabia. 

HEGRA – ALULA: THE FIRST UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE IN SAUDI ARABIA

The first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia is in Hegra. Explore more than 110 remarkably well-preserved tombs while learning about the ancient AlUla people and their culture. The tombs are in a desert landscape.

There are inscriptions all over the Hegra site. They give insight into the traditions and beliefs of earlier civilizations as well as the roots of the Arabic language. You’ll also notice numerous betyls or stylized stone carvings along with the inscriptions. These chunks of stone portrayed the gods.

THE HEGRA AFTER-DARK EXPERIENCES 

• Rousing the senses reception

Immerse yourself in Hegra’s charm and let this legendary culture’s sights, sounds, and flavors awaken your senses. Enjoy a meal of canapes with a Nabataean theme while lounging around small burial tombs surrounded by a stunning candlelight display and listening to the soothing sounds of antique instruments.

• Starlit Chariot Ride

Magnificent Arabian horses will accompany you on a starlit tour of the stunning Hegra UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you travel to the AlHaritha (Aretas) IV Immersive Show, your chariot captain will tell you stories about this magnificent capital city situated on the fabled Incense Road as you pass by mythical tombs.

• Alharitha Immersive Show

Watch an incredible historical performance within King AlHaritha’s (Aretas) ethereal fortress. The program opens with a royal procession and centers on a great Nabatean King who ruled for 49 years and zealously guarded the historic trading center of Hegra.

 

ALULA’S LONG HISTORY IN DADAN

The city of Dadan’s foundation dates between the late ninth and early eighth century BCE (Kingdom of Dadan) and the fifth and second century BCE. It was beautifully built from stone and sat on top of the valley’s oasis (Kingdom of Lihyan).

MESMERIZING EXPERIENCE IN DANDAN

An incredible journey of inscriptions at Jabal Ikmah and the rock art will help you learn about AlUla’s ancient past. Additionally, a welcoming evening while seeing a show that takes you inside the Kingdoms that once dominated AlUla.

• A night tour of Jabal Ikmah in Candlelit

Inscriptions on Jabal Ikmah, an open library, date back millennia and reveal information about a particular period in AlUla’s history. Follow the journey as narrators tell tales and describe the hand-carving techniques used to create these historical inscriptions.

 

 

• A Heritage Cafe Experience

The Heritage Café provides a stunning reception with various delectable appetizers and fresh juices mainly made for Ikmah After Dark. Afterward, see how you can write your name in Dadanite script while you listen to a storyteller and soft music.

• The Shadow Show

Experience the Dadanite Civilization personally with the help of this fascinating, interactive shadow exhibit. This presentation explores the lives of the prehistoric AlUla people in greater detail while encouraging audience participation.

 

TRAVERSING ALULA OLD TOWN

The Old Town of AlUla, which has almost 900 dwellings, 400 businesses, and five town squares, still has parts of the ancient stone and mudbrick structures built here.

The AlUla Old Town Tour provides a look into AlUla’s recent past. You will be led by a Rawi (guide) throughout AlUla Old Town, which has historically been a popular venue for pilgrims, travelers, and long-term residents. 

ALULA OLD TOWN MARKET

Shop at retail shops that showcase regional artisans, business owners, cafes, and more as you walk down Old Market Street in AlUla Old Town.

Tourists can learn more about the treasures of AlUla through cultural activities, artisan shops, and local specialties, to name a few.

 

THE ELEPHANT ROCK (JABAL ALFIL)

It’s fantastic to witness this well-known geological masterpiece during the day or at night. As the sun sets, the sky’s colors dance, and this magnificent red elephant takes on an epic hue. Take the ideal photo or stick around for some late-night stargazing.

There are numerous hollow seating areas strewn around this well-known site, perfect for gatherings of friends or family.

 

ALJADIDAH VILLAGE

AlJadidah is a bustling cultural hub with many eateries, stores, and other establishments. The walkable area includes lovely murals that add an aesthetic touch, and the road is lined with the largest hand-painted carpet in the world for visitors to enjoy. Explore five separate squares with distinctive atmospheres: Art Square, Gathering Square, Muayada Square, Qanat Square, and Oasis Square. 

WHERE TO STAY IN ALULA

Habitas AlUla

• Canyon villas are encircled by cliffs that provide views of the surrounding desert and the property.
• The expansive living spaces in Celestial Villas are perfect for relaxing, hosting guests, and enjoying the breathtaking views of blazing sunsets against sandstone cliffs.
• Sandstone canyons are up close to Alcove Villas. View the vast desert from your private patio while gazing at the night sky.

 

Let Inspired Travel Design through Virtuoso give exclusive access to one of AlUla’s finest. Let’s chat!