Dadan

Dadan

Charting AlUla’s Rich History in Dadan

Amongst the most significant discoveries in all of AlUla is the city of Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms. The city, which was built meticulously from stone and astride the valley’s oasis, dates back between the late 9th and early 8th century BCE (Kingdom of Dadan) and 5th–2nd century BCE (Kingdom of Lihyan).

National Geographic Documentary Premiere

Watch Lost Treasures of Arabia: The ancient city of Dadan, the first ever feature length documentary uncovering the secrets of this ancient 9th Century BCE civilisation. The Ancient City of Dadan is an amazing story of a more than 2000-year-old civilisations produced by National Geographic CreativeWorks.

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360 Experience

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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What You Can't Miss
One of the most exciting displays is more than a dozen tombs cut into the red-rock cliff faces, east of the city. From afar, these look like simple dark rectangles. A closer look reveals skilfully crafted funerary monuments, including the seated lion sculptures that mark the famous Lion Tombs. Lions symbolised power and protection and may have marked the burial of an elite member of society, perhaps even a member of royalty. These tombs are up to 50 metres above ground level, spurring the imagination of how they were carved without modern construction equipment.
Other Special Places To See
As a modern visitor to Dadan, you will discover evidence of defence, agricultural and water-management innovations. Even the date palms grown as crops can still be seen here today.

Inscriptions feature terms relating to agriculture, including the seasons, types of produce, water and parcels of land. Around this ancient valley, you can observe other inscriptions in Dadanitic. These writings detail the everyday lives of these once-great civilisations, from their religious practices and social activities, to the laws and edicts that governed them.

Discoveries of sculptural items through archaeological excavations in Dadan, suggests that a sculpture school or workshop may have existed in the area. Several statues are life-sized or larger, with some measuring up to 2.7-metres tall. They are all similar in appearance, depicting men with strong limbs, defined stomachs and broad shoulders, with hands clenched, the left foot forward and a stern gaze. Researchers do not know exactly who the statues represent, but it is likely they were carved for high-status members of society.
Visitor Information
To avoid disappointment, we recommend you book Dadan tickets online before arrival. 

Alternatively, you may purchase your tickets at the information desk located at Winter Park, before starting your experience at the Dadan visitor centre.

Experiences at Dadan and Jabal Ikmah

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 Experience Dadan & Jabal Ikmah 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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Explore the Dadan Heritage Trail to Old Town

The Heritage Trail from Dadan South, arriving to Old Town and passing by AlWadi area is 3 km long and will offer visitors an extraordinary nature stroll through the AlUla farms, suitable for families and nature-lovers of all ages.

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AlUla Moments 2022 - 2023

Unlock the wonders of AlUla and explore the extraordinary landscapes and unique events and festivals offered year-round - a year full of art, wellness, heritage, adventure, sports and music. Get ready for the extraordinary.

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Explore Jabal Ikmah

Discover the wonders of Jabal Ikmah, AlUla’s Open Library

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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 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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