One of Northwest Arabia’s most exceptional heritage sites
The Old Town is part of the AlUla Old Town Village, awarded title of Best Tourism Village by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Explore its labyrinth of tightly packed streets, hundreds of mudbrick houses and mighty fort, and you feel a palpable sense of its history as a once-thriving settlement on ancient incense-trading routes
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One reason the Old Town evokes such a deep sense of emotion is that it was actually inhabited in the not-so-distant past. Built on a slight elevation, the town is also overlooked by a 45-metre-high fort, a defensive lookout dating back to around the 10th century. In the 12th century, AlUla Old Town became an essential settlement along the pilgrimage route from Damascus to Makkah. The city gradually replaced Qurh, to the south of AlUla, and is favourably mentioned by travellers from the 12th to the 20th centuries, when modern AlUla was constructed nearby.
The houses were designed to be attached to one another, providing fortification, which points to defence being a priority for the city's early inhabitants. At one point, the city was accessed by 14 gates, which were opened in the morning to welcome travellers, pilgrims and other visitors, and closed each evening. The ancient city’s recent occupation has enabled researchers to begin to gather oral histories, painting a picture of what life was like inside its walls. These stories will one day be available to visitors who can look forward to tapping into AlUla Old Town Village’s living memory.
Whats On AlUla
21 SEP - 22 SEP
Azimuth 2023
Azimuth is back with its incredible lineup of international acts, regional favourites and one-of-a-kind Sand Floor. This 21 & 22 September, get ready to dance until the sun comes up to new and returning artist sets.
Now in its third edition, the AlUla Wellness Festival focuses on the restorative power of art, nature and silence and will be led by world-class industry experts and wellness practitioners dedicated to creating healing and holistic experiences.
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.
Join an expert guide (Rawi) for an hour-long tour and learn more about the fascinating history and daily life inside Old Town.
The tour is currently unavailable due to restoration work but will return in October 2023. Follow @AlUlaMoments on Social to be the first one to know when this tour is back.
Stroll along Old Town Market Street and follow in the footsteps of the merchants who traced this ancient route for thousands of years. A historic marketplace still thrives here today, offering shoppers everything from local handicrafts to freshly squeezed juice.
The dining experience at Entrecôte Café de Paris brings a taste of the finest French cuisine to AlUla Old Town. Their world-famous steak frites and secret sauce make this set menu special.
Located in AlUla Old Town, Origin Cafe is brewing some of the best coffee from around the world. It is the perfect place to sit back, take a deep breath and enjoy a cold brew or Chemex. If you want to keep exploring, get your drink to go. Most known for serving speciality coffee, so give their coffee of the day a try.
A high-end Saudi Arabian dining concept serving dishes inspired by old Arabian Peninsula spices and time-honoured traditions, matched with a modern twist and exemplary service.
Sample local date varieties, sip speciality coffee and eat authentic desserts in AlUla Old Town at Tomoor AlUla. This high-end cafe honours AlUla's history by serving eight date varieties, all grown locally on lush farms. Look up in awe at the sandstone canyons from outdoor and rooftop seating.
Mouthwatering croissants and scrumptious cinnamon rolls fill the cases at Wacafe. Grab the perfect cup of coffee and settle in at this great AlUla Old Town café.
ACME’s unique burgers and delicious bites bring fun new flavours to AlUla’s Old Town. From refreshing drinks to savoury snacks, an exciting menu awaits kids and adults alike.
A new café in AlUla Old Town, SHI Lounge is overflowing with ambience, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. Chill after a busy day exploring AlUla or keep the night going after dinner with friends.
This dining option is currently unavailable but will return back to AlUla soon. Follow @AlUlaMoments on Social to be the first one to know when this dining option is back.
Once the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom and Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra’s stunning collection of over 100 monumental sandstone tombs stands in silent testimony to AlUla’s rich and fascinating heritage.
Meaning ‘mirror’ in Arabic, Maraya is a stunning piece of architecture set in the desert canyon of Ashar Valley. The state-of-the-art structure is officially the world’s largest mirrored building and host to a roster of art exhibitions and star-studded concerts.
Gaze up at the breathtaking geological phenomenon of Elephant Rock. Sunset sees the skies burst into colour and the magnificent rock formation turn red, while night brings stargazing under the landmark’s looming silhouette.
AlJadidah is a vibrant cultural hub of shops, cafes and public art in AlUla Old Town Village. Beautiful murals add to the colour and creativity of this easily strollable area, which also features the world’s largest hand-painted carpet.
Inhabited until the not-so-distant past, Old Town is a fascinating labyrinth of tightly packed streets lined with mudbrick houses, shops and squares. Above it all, a 10th-century fort still watches over the town and its scenic desert valley.
Cultivated for millennia, this spring-fed oasis today remains a lush and fertile plain with sustainable farming at its core. Picturesque trails and a collection of cafes and restaurants also offer a wealth of walking and relaxation opportunities.
The capital of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms, the city of Dadan stands amongst the most significant discoveries in AlUla. Dating back to the late-9th century BCE, the ancient site was meticulously built from stone in the region’s valley oasis.
Officially recognised by UNESCO for its historical significance, Jabal Ikmah has been dubbed an ‘open-air library’ due to it featuring the largest concentration of Dadanitic inscriptions carved on rock faces in the world.
As well as a natural marvel of majestic rock formations and scenic canyons, Ashar Valley is home to some of AlUla's top accommodation, high-end shopping and the award-winning Maraya – the world’s largest mirrored building.
A crossroads of civilisations and oasis city on incense-trading routes, people have inhabited AlUla for thousands of years. Today AlUla Old Town Village encompasses its fascinating mudbrick Old Town, the lush Oasis and vibrant AlJadidah Arts District.
Check out the new Experience AlUla app to really make the most of your visit to this extraordinary destination. With fast and easy-to-navigate information, interactive features and bookable experiences, you have the best of AlUla at your fingertips.
