Discover an immersive destination where you can witness natural wonders, experience an adrenaline rush through abseiling, and, if you're feeling daring, take on the thrilling zipline. Explore the hidden valleys of AlUla and the labyrinthine Old Town, offering something for every travel enthusiast. An ancient city in Saudi Arabia located in the Madinah region of North Western Saudi Arabia, AlUla, is one of the most popular tourist spots. The city also takes pride in becoming Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, the ancient city provides plenty of thrilling and exciting opportunities for tours and adventure sports. 

Top Things to Do in Al Ula

Whether you are travelling to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage, business, shopping, or leisure, you should never miss visiting Al Ula. Al Ula is one of the most magical places you can ever visit. 

Experience the Moonlit Nights of Al Ula

Have you ever witnessed the beauty of a vast sky lit with stars in an open place? Al Ula offers vast open spaces and idyllic locations for stargazing. If you are seeking an escape from city lights, immerse in the peaceful desert landscape while witnessing stunning constellations. Explore the magic of stargazing in Al Ula; it's a sight you will remember!

The beauty of the night sky is often lost in the hustle and bustle of the city, where artificial lights shine bright and hide the natural wonders above. However, deserts offer a serene escape from the light pollution of urban areas, allowing you to witness a breathtaking display of stars like never before. Without any external light sources, the sky in deserts comes alive with a mesmerizing display of twinkling stars, revealing the true depth and beauty of the cosmos. It's no wonder that stargazing in deserts has become a popular activity for those seeking a peaceful and surreal experience under the stars.

Tourists visiting Al Ula can go for a short walk under the bright moonlight and set up camp to enjoy a barbeque night with friends and family. The best time to camp in Al Ula is from October to March. 

Al Ula Skies Festival

Al Ula offers some of the most beautiful views in the world. From lush green gardens to vast deserts, tourists can find diverse landscapes in Al Ula. Various volcanic planes and ancient heritage sites offer a perfect escape from mundane city life. Hop into the hot-air balloon and enjoy viewing Al Ula from above. Al Ula Sky Festival is a two-week fun-filled festival that is organized to celebrate the sky. 

If you are looking to experience the breathtaking beauty of Al Ula from a bird's eye view, then there are few things better than soaring through the sky in a hot-air balloon or helicopter. The feeling of weightlessness and the panoramic view of the landscape below will make you feel like you are on cloud nine. In fact, the sight of 60 hot-air balloons ascending into the sky at once is truly a sight to behold and is perfect for capturing stunning photos and videos that are sure to impress your friends and followers on social media.

The Skies Festival also organizes the world's longest drone show, which is held under Arc Rock. The festival takes place from 27th February to 12th March every year. 

Explore Famous Al Ula Old Town

Old Town is an ancient marvel, boasting a complex network of around 900 mud-brick houses, 400 shops, and 5 town squares. The Old Town is a sight to behold, with its breathtaking beauty and intricate detail. You can take a stroll through its streets, which are steeped in curiosities and expertly crafted objects d'art. Remains of most of the buildings are made of stone, and mud bricks are still there.  

The Old Town, which dates back to the 12th century, is located on a trade and pilgrimage route from Damascus to Makkah. Due to its strategic location, the town welcomed a huge number of pilgrims daily. It has 14 gates, which are opened every morning and closed in the evening. Exploring the Old Town can be a wonderful experience for many. 

Hegra: UNESCO Heritage Site

Step into the ancient city of Hegra and explore Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than 110 well-preserved tombs were made from desert rocks by nomadic traders known as the Nabataens. Al Ula is a showstopper with the most well-preserved and widely recognized tomb of Lihyan, carved using a single rock in the first century BCE and mysteriously never completed. Visitors can explore the site by bus or Land Rover, which glides smoothly on the sand, and witness 29 tombs at Jabal Al Banat. These tombs are adorned with flowers, and some are beautifully decorated with ancient Greek motifs, such as eagles and urns. Jabal Ithlib, on the other hand, features a carved diwan, where a narrow passageway between two imposing geological formations leads to ancient ritual sites.

Jabal Alfil

One of the most popular attractions in Al Ula, located in the heart of the Arabian desert, is a mesmerizing structure known as Elephant Rock. Rising three stories tall, it is also referred to as Jabal Al Fil, and is believed to be more than one million years old. The Elephant shape is the result of natural weathering over time, with a single large block of rock forming the structure. The trunk of the rock is believed to have been shaped by wind and rainfall. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful sunset view of the rock from the seating areas surrounding it. Additionally, there is an onsite cafe that serves delicious burgers and refreshing drinks to visitors.

Final Thoughts

Al Ula is a city that boasts many exciting opportunities for adventure and exploration, promising many unforgettable experiences that cater to the most discerning of tourists. Al Ula has something for everyone, from camping amidst the vast expanse of rugged terrain to soaring through the air on a thrilling zipline ride. The city's unparalleled hospitality and rich culture add to its allure, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that envelops every visitor. Whether seeking an immersive cultural experience or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, Al Ula is the perfect destination for a truly unforgettable trip.