Heritage

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Explore Hegra with a rawi and learn the stories of the rock art found amongst the stone.

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

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

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.

Weave your way through the beautiful AlUla Oasis. This 2-hour tour is self-guided and at your leisure.

Hop in a vintage Jeep and explore the miles of tombs within Hegra.

Take a seat in our comfortable and stylish sunken seating, sit back and enjoy the view of our most famous geological formation Elephant Rock as she looms large over you.

Lace up your hiking-shoes and hit the mountains for a half day journey led by an expert guide through the rocky terrain.

AlUla is a fantastic place for stargazing. At AlGharameel, you can enjoy a traditional bedouin set-up, with an expert guide on hand to tell you about the stars and constellations, and how they relate to AlUla’s culture and history.

Weave your way through the beautiful AlUla Oasis, at your own pace. This 2 hours tour is self guided and at your leisure.

Operated by: Jaddah Adventures Hike up to Alfath mountain peak to catch an unforgettable view of AlUla oasis, millions of palm trees below you.

Follow the pack leader on a leisurely bike ride crossing through the sand dunes and surrounded by AlUla’s unique landscapes

Walk between farms in the fresh AlUla air to discover sun-lit markets where local farmers and artisans sell wares from citrus-infused delicacies to pottery. Make a day of this experience by renting a digital bike to explore further and enjoying refreshment at Pink Camel.

AlUla Fresh offers a fantastic tour around the agriculture of AlUla. Get back to nature by picking fruits, planting seeds and enjoying a seating area in the farm

One for thrill seekers, test your nerve by whizzing through the air on the zip line at Harrat Mountain.

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.

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.

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.