Hegra

Remembering the past

Reach back into the past and encounter AlUla’s ancient cultures and learn about how people lived. Observe expertly carved stone blocks – or betyls – that acted as representations of the gods. Away from Hegra’s captivating tombs, this ancient Nabataean city also boasts examples of ancient engineering and craftsmanship such as wells and stone-lined water channels. Defensive walls, gates and towers that once encircled the city show the Roman influence at Hegra.

Read More

Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site

Populated since before the 1st millennium BCE, Hegra is renowned for its more than 110 well-preserved burial tombs carved from desert rock in which the Nabataean elite were laid to rest. Some chambers carry inscriptions describing the person laid within – perhaps a healer, a military figure, or a local leader.

Limited-time exhibitions

For the first time, visitors can come face to face with an over 2,000-year-old Nabataean woman. ‘Hinat’, as she is affectionately known by the archaeologists, was excavated from one of Hegra’s tombs in 2008. A small exhibition at the Hegra Visitor Centre gives an insight into the creation of the world’s first reconstruction of a Nabataean woman and explores her life in this once vibrant city at the heart of the Incense Road. This special exhibition commemorates Hegra’s 15th Anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Know Before You Go 

Insights to help make Hegra part of your AlUla experience

Location

Location

Hegra, Saudi Arabia

The best way to explore the ancient city of Hegra is by joining an organised tour, either in a private vintage Land Rover or on a coach. These tours include visits to various tombs within the site complex and start from SAR 95, with a duration of approximately two hours. Self-driving is not allowed.

Read More

All visitors must adhere to the designated walking paths around Hegra. It is prohibited to enter non-designated areas, including the tombs. There is still much to be discovered, and entering the tombs or touching the engravings may cause irreparable damage.

Read More

Guided coach or Land Rover tours stop at all the best sites, including Jabal Ithlib, Jabal Banat, Tomb of Lihyan son of Kuza, Jabal Ahmar and Jabal Khuraymat.

Read More

As there are a limited number of tours each day, it is highly recommended that you pre-book your tour. Purchasing tickets at the visitor centre is also possible, according to availability.

Read More

Yes, there is free parking located at Hegra South Gate. Tour meeting points are also located here. Alternatively, visitors may go to Winter Park in AlUla and take a coach to the tour meeting point.

Read More

Please only take photographs. Do not remove or take anything from the tombs or from the ground. Visitors who mistreat the monuments will be asked to leave.

Read More

The Hegra Visitor Centre offers guests a taste of traditional Arab hospitality; based on the seasons, this may include dates and other dried fruits, fresh juices, and Saudi coffee. There is also an exhibition space and a gift shop.

Read More

Children over 8 years old are welcome.

Read More

Smoking is prohibited anywhere near the heritage sites, except in designated smoking areas located along the tour route.

Read More

Bottled water will be provided on the tour, but visitors are also encouraged to bring their own water bottles.

Read More

Cancelled experiences up to 3 days before the scheduled tour will be refunded (excluding credit card fees). Experiences cancelled within 1-3 days before your tour may be rebooked if time slots are available, but you will not be eligible for a refund. Tours cancelled on the day of the tour cannot be refunded or rebooked.

Read More

Everything you need to know

Be inspired and informed ahead of your visit

Read More

Practical information

Take the pain out of planning your holiday with these useful facts and travel tips

Learn more

Things to do

Discover show-stopping natural wonders, thrilling adventures, hidden valleys, and a labyrinthine Old Town

Learn more

Food and drink

World-class chefs, mouth-watering menus, and spectacular scenery combine

Learn more

What's on

Explore everything from music and wellness festivals, sports and heritage events and art exhibitions

Learn more