Heritage

Heritage

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The World's Largest Living Museum

AlUla’s magnificent landscape is scattered with traces of those who have occupied the region through the millennia. From the kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan, to the Nabataean trading hubs and into the Islamic era, AlUla’s heritage is richly woven with many threads of past and present civilisations.

An important crossroads of the incense-trading routes, AlUla has always drawn travellers, too, who come to rest and rejuvenate among its fertile oases and hospitable people. It remains a welcoming place to stop, commune and recharge.

Explore AlUla's Heritage Sites

Where pilgrims, travellers and permanent settlers congregated through the ages. AlUla Old Town

Look up at the fort above while walking through the labyrinth of streets of AlUla Old Town that was occupied from the 900s CE until the 1980s. Nearly 900 two-storey mud brick houses, 400 shops, five squares and a mosque populated the oasis town. It was a key stop along the Islamic pilgrimage route from Damascus to Makkah. Travellers, traders and pilgrims would be met outside the town’s walls.

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Charting AlUla’s Rich History Dadan

Before the Nabataeans, AlUla was the capital of the ancient kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan, which controlled the caravan trade in the first millennium BCE. Dadan linked southern Arabian kingdoms producing valuable aromatics to the growing markets in the Mediterranean world. See remarkably well-preserved tombs, expertly carved from a towering red-rock mountain face that overlooks the valley oasis. A special highlight is the famed Lion Tombs marked by seated lion sculptures.

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The Awe-Striking Inscriptions of AlUla Jabal Ikmah

What was part of the caravan way station served as a record keeper of sorts with carvings providing information to researchers about the way of life of the Dadanites, Lihyanites and others. Hundreds of inscriptions referring to journeys, pilgrimage, ritual and offerings can be found here. Rock art depicting humans, chariots, harps, camels, bovines, goats, scorpions and ibex can all be spotted.

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Saudi Arabia's First UNESCO World Heritage Site Hegra

The Nabataean site of Hegra, was the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, dating back to the first century BCE. Today, visitors will find that more than 100 well-preserved monumental tombs remain, most with elaborate facades carved from rock formations that are scattered throughout this immense desert landscape.

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The Diwan and Jabal Ithlib

Religious or ritual practices at Hegra were concentrated around Jabal Ithlib, a natural mountain outcrop to the east of the city.

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Jabal AlBanat

Over 100 monumental tombs are carved into the rocky outcrops surrounding the ancient city of Hegra. Jabal AlBanat has one of the largest clusters of tombs; 29 tombs are carved on all sides of the sandstone rock.

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Jabal AlAhmar

Among Hegra’s outcrops is Jabal AlAhmar, a name referring to the red hue of the rock. This location has 18 tombs, of which, a few were recently excavated.

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Dadan

Due to the proximity to incense trade routes, Dadan was one of the most developed 1st-millennium BCE cities in northern Arabia.

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Jabal Ikmah

Jabal Ikmah, a mountain near to the ancient city of Dadan, the capital of Dadanite and Lihyanite Kingdoms, has been described as a huge open-air library.

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Old Town

With nearly 900 houses, 400 shops and 5 town squares, the Old Town of AlUla still contains remnants of some of the original stone and mudbrick buildings constructed here.

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Heritage Tours and Experiences

1 Hour Tour AlUla Old Town Tour

Take a tour or with a Rawi (guide) through AlUla Old Town where pilgrims, travellers and permanent settlers congregated through the ages.

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Shopping & Dining AlUla Old Town Market

Stroll through the outdoor market and shop local artisans, traditional crafts and cafes.

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2 Hour Tour Dadan & Jabal Ikmah Tour

Start your journey through time at Dadan, the ancient Kingdom of the Lihyanite and Dadanite civilisations. Next, take a 10-minute drive to Jabal Ikmah situated in a stunning desert canyon.

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2 Hour Tour Hegra Vintage Land Rover Tours

Explore Hegra with our Rawi as you are driven around in a vintage 4x4 Land Rover, each suitable for up to 7 guests.

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1 Hour Experience Dadan Vintage Land Rover Day Tour

Explore the ancient capital city of Dadan and examine tombs, excavation sites and thousands of early Arabic inscriptions on the Vintage Land Rover Dadan Tour.

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2 Hour Tour Hegra Tour

Visit Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the largest preserved site of the Nabataean civilisation south of Petra.

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Plan and Book Your Trip

Learn about the different options to make the most of your time at AlUla. You can book your trip through our preferred booking partners or book your trip yourself by exploring AlUla accommodations and thrilling experiences.

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AlUla

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× AlUla Old Town and AlJadidah - AR

AlUla Old Town and AlJadidah - AR

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AlUla Old Town and AlJadidah - EN

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Jabal AlFil

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Maraya

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Explore The World's Masterpiece

A DESERT OASIS BECKONS NATURAL WONDERS Nature & Outdoors

There’s a sense of openness, vastness and quiet that invites visitors to wander in AlUla – among dramatic rock formations, sand-swept dunes, lush valleys and ancient basalt lava flows.

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Thrilling experiences and outdoor excursions Adventure

By day, tour heritage sites, enjoy mountain hikes and experience thrills on zip line tours and dune buggy rides. By night, relax with stargazing and other activities.

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A Land of Wondrous Inspiration Arts & Culture

From contemporary artists creating pieces made for the stunning desert backdrop to local artisans continuing the tradition of ancient handicrafts, the spirit of creativity and ingenuity can be discovered in every corner of AlUla.

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Plan Your Trip To AlUla

Flying to AlUla

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What to Do

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Where to Eat

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Where to Stay

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