Uncover the artefacts, stories and connections that reveal Dadan’s role as a vital crossroads of cultures along the Incense Road, through this new permanent exhibition.

Illuminating Discoveries - Uncovering the Layers of Dadan’s History is an exhibition that invites visitors into the heart of the Dadan archaeological site to explore more than 100 artefacts unearthed during five years of meticulous excavation - many displayed publicly for the first time.

Accessible exclusively as part of the Dadan and Jabal Ikmah Tour or Dadan and Jabal Ikmah Premium Tour, the exhibition - presented in Arabic, English and Mandarin - is a key stop on this immersive guided experience through two of AlUla’s most important heritage destinations.

Guests encounter ancient inscriptions, cliffside tombs, and now this expertly curated display that brings to life Dadan’s role as nexus of cultural practice, global exchange and continued settlement, dating back to before the 1st millennium BCE.

The exhibition unfolds across five themed zones - Crafts and Daily Life, Exchange and Trade, Ancient Beliefs and Rituals, Scripts in Stone, and Umm Daraj. Artefacts range from a Roman or Byzantine bone hairpin and a Greek-style terracotta head to distant languages etched in stone, offering a vivid view of Dadan’s integration into one of the ancient world’s most influential trade networks.

Unearthing Dadan's Secrets

The collection also highlights the sophistication of local life and creativity. Metalwork and spinning tools point to refined daily practices, while rock-carved statues, incense burners and fragments of monumental inscriptions highlight ancient belief. One striking sandstone figure - its eye still set with inlaid bone - stands as a symbol of ceremonial artistry during the Lihyanite period.

The discoveries on display are the result of collaboration between Saudi archaeologists and international institutions including the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), CNRS and AFALULA.

Visitors can experience it by booking the Dadan and Jabal Ikmah Tour or Dadan and Jabal Ikmah Premium Tour, two guided journeys offering exclusive access to the exhibition, via the Experience AlUla website.