What to Expect & FAQs
For Your AlUla Visit
Although you will be among the first visitors in modern times to see the extraordinary heritage sites, beautiful wilderness, and epic landscapes, AlUla has been famous as a welcoming place for thousands of years.
The ancient Dadanites and the Nabataeans greeted pilgrims and those travelling historic routes, with hospitality and a safe place to stay along their journeys. That’s true of the people of AlUla today. Everyone you meet has a smile for you and wants to tell you a story or show you a special place.
Travel & Booking Your Trip
Are visas currently available?
Citizens from 49 countries are eligible for a tourism visa, which can be secured on the Visit Saudi website. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, especially from countries with new variant coronavirus, travellers should check with their carrier before booking.
What are the vaccination requirements to travel? to AlUla?
Saudi Arabia will reopen its borders to international tourists from 1 August 2021.
Tourism visa holders who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to enter the country from 1 August, 2021 without the need to quarantine. Travelers will need to provide evidence of a full course of one the four vaccines currently recognized: two doses of the Oxford/Astra Zeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccines or a single dose of the vaccine produced by Johnson and Johnson.Travelers who have completed two doses of the Sinopharm or Sinovac vaccines will be accepted if they have received an additional dose of one of the four vaccines approved in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia has opened a web portal at https://muqeem.sa/#/vaccine-registration/home for visitors to register their vaccination status. The site is available in Arabic and English.
Travelers arriving in Saudi Arabia are also required to provide a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure and an approved paper vaccination certificate, certified by the official health authorities in the issuing country.
What are the COVID-19 protocols put in place?
When will flights resume to AlUla?
Currently, Saudia Airlines, flydubai, and flynas are offering direct flights to AlUla.
Please visit Flying to AlUla page for the most up-to-date information.
Where can I get a PCR test?
How do I get to AlUla?
Saudia Air flies between AlUla and Riyadh, Jeddah and Damman. flydubai flies between AlUla and Dubai. flynas files between AlUla and Riyadh, Kuwait and Duabi. The nearest airport is AlUla International Airport (ULH), which is located around 35 kilometers southeast of AlUla. Improvements to the AlUla airport including VIP lounges and other upgrades have recently been completed, as has a new visitor centre on the site.
AlUla is a 10-hour drive from Riyadh, 7 hour drive from Jeddah, 3 hours 20 minute drive from Medina and just over 3 hour drive from Tabuk Airport. It’s also only a 2.5 hour drive to the Red Sea which visitors can add on to their trip.
Where do I go to book my trip to AlUla?
How do I get around once I arrive in AlUla?
- Careem, download the app from Google Play or IOs Store
- Safwa Green Taxi - 920004507
- AlUla Guide Tours - 966540522257
- Arnawa - 966592100072
- Rent a car from the airport with Alwefaq from the airport
- Lumi Rental - 920000572
Other transport includes bus transportation from Winter Park to Hegra and Dadan, which can be included in your ticket.
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES
Operational Hours at Winter Park VC:
Daily from 7:00 AM till 6:00 PM
Operational Hours at the Old Town VC:
Daily from:
8:00 AM till 10:00 AM
3:00 PM till 05:00 PM
8:00 PM till 12:00 AM
Operational Hours at Dadan VC:
Daily from:
8:00 AM till 10:00 AM
3:00 PM till 05:00 PM
Operational Hours at the Airport VC:
Covering all flights except one on Saturdays SV1630 as the flight arrives and leaves during Iftar time
What are the dining options in AlUla?
Booking Tours & Attraction Tickets
When will the heritage sites be open for visitors?
What activities are available in AlUla?
Is there a discount on the tickets prices for AlUla locals and residents?
How do you book other experiences in AlUla?
Cancellation & Contact Information
Where can I leave feedback about my experience in AlUla?
Where are the options to contact someone about travelling to AlUla?
Whom do I contact if i need information about refunds?
How can I change or cancel a booking?
Where do I contact if i need to change my travel plans or if I miss a bus?
Accommodation Information
What are the accommodation options?
- Shaden Resort offers comfortable accommodation in an incredible location.
- Sahary AlUla Resort has tradition Bedouin style rooms.
- Banyan Tree AlUla (previously know as Ashar Resort) will offer luxurious one, two and three-bedroom Pool Villas overlooking iconic AlUla landscapes. Opening Q4 2021.
- Habitas AlUla, This eco-friendly resort blends in seamlessly with AlUla's landscape, bringing guests closer to the culture, heritage and environment around them. opening in Q4 2021.
Could you recommend places for camping?
About AlUla
What events will be available? Is Winter at Tantora coming back?
LOCAL CUSTOMS & WHAT TO WEAR
We suggest that both men and women dress in comfortable, loose clothing with walking or hiking shoes to travel around AlUlas varied terrains and landscapes.
In the winter months starting December to February, AlUla nights can get chilly. We recommend wearing full sleeve shirts with comfortable trousers, and if needed, a sweatshirt or jacket, especially if you are planning to be late into the night in the desert.
Women can easily travel independently around AlUla and do not need to wear a headcover or an abaya.
For couples travelling together, proof of marriage won't be required.
Please note the sale, purchase and consumption of alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia, and it is illegal to bring alcohol or drugs into the country. Visitors should avoid using profane language or gestures, respecting local customs and traditions.
CURRENCY
WEATHER
May through September is much hotter in this desert climate, with temperatures ranging from 20–35 degrees Celsius (60–95 degrees Fahrenheit).
LANGUAGE
General Enquiries
Is there roadside assistance available in AlUla?
SAED is now available in AlUla for roadside assistance.
Contact them and they will help with a flat tire, lock-out, battery, collision, and towing. They’ll even bring you fuel, oil, fluid, and water when you need it.
Call +966 55 060 6811 to request assistance
To make the process as fast as possible, it is helpful if you can have the following information ready for customer service team when calling:
-
The name and contact phone number
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Specific location of the vehicle and nearest landmark
What measures will AlUla be taking to ensure safety standards in line with the pandemic?
Where does the admission price go?
Hospitals and Healthcare Clinics
There are also many well-equipped pharmacies in AlUla city.
For emergencies, please go to Prince Abdulmohsen Hospital in AlUla or call the Saudi Red Crescent to request an ambulance 997.
Special Occasions and Holidays
RAMADAN: During the holy month, Muslims are fasting from sunrise to sunset. You will find that most restaurants are closed during the day, however, hotels will be able to deliver room service. Takeaway and delivery services are also available at some restaurants. Most restaurants will open for iftar, the evening meal during which Muslims break their fast after Maghrib, or sunset prayer. Shops will be open only a few hours in the day and reopen late in the evenings. The start of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the new moon. In 2021, the month of Ramadan is likely to be over the period 13 April to 12 May 2021, however, dates may vary slightly.
EID AL FITR HOLIDAYS: To celebrate the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the Eid Al Fitr. Eid Al Fitr in AlUla is a time for family and friends to come together and enjoy meals, celebrations, and many local activities. During the first three of five days, most businesses remain closed and restaurants may have shorter operating hours, but it is a wonderful time to be in AlUla and celebrate with the locals with many activities to do. In 2021, Eid Al Fitr is likely to fall on 12, 13, or 14 May, depending on the sighting of the moon.
EID AL ADHA HOLIDAYS: This is the second of the Eid celebrations in the Muslim calendar and is known as the greater Eid. A celebration a day after the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage, it falls on the tenth day in the final month, Dhu-al-Hijjah, of the Islamic Lunar Calendar. As the dates of Hajj also vary slightly from year to year, so does the actual day of Eid Al Adha. Normally, five days before and after Eid, most businesses remain closed and restaurants may have shorter operating hours. In 2021, Eid Al Adha is likely to fall on 20, 21, or 22 July, depending on the sighting of the moon.
SAUDI NATIONAL DAY HOLIDAY: This special day is to celebrate the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is held annually on 23 September. All businesses are closed for this national holiday, however, each year this day is celebrated with many special events and activities around the country and is a special time to visit Saudi Arabia.
GROCERY STORE
ELECTRONICS & WI-FI
Wi-Fi hotspots are located at specific locations and all hotels. However, for visitors coming from outside Saudi Arabia, we recommend purchasing a local mobile SIM card from a telecom provider at Riyadh or Jeddah airports.
How do I apply for a job in AlUla/heritage sites?

We are here to help you Experience AlUla in the best possible way. Have a question or enquiry? We would love to hear from you.
FAQ's and What to Expect
Learn about AlUla's culture and explore trip ideas and day-by-day itineraries of what to do.
PCR Testing Site
PCR testing is readily available in AlUla at our mobile laboratory. Book online, available in multiple languages, including English and Arabic. Open 8 am – 11 pm, with at-home testing options.
Questions About AlUla
Have a general enquiry about visiting AlUla? Please call a representative at 00 966 920 025 003 available between 9:00 am to 9:00 pm daily.
Booking Changes
Do you wish to go on a later date? Contact a representative at 00 966 920 025 003 to help make your changes. available between 9:00 am to 9:00 pm daily.
Register for our e-newsletter
As AlUla opens as a year-round destination, subscribe to our e-newsletter to be one of the first to know when we open our heritage sites, launch new experiences and announce special events.