Al Ula is a historical and cultural treasure in Saudi Arabia, where you can discover ancient civilizations, stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. In this travel guide, we will introduce you to some of the things to do in Al Ula as well as the best tourist attractions in Al Ula. Whether you are interested in history, nature, art or adventure, Al Ula has something for everyone. You can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra, the largest preserved site of the Nabataean civilization south of Petra. You can also visit the Old Town of Al Ula, where you can see the traditional mud-brick houses and learn about the local culture and heritage. Al Ula also offers many outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, horse riding, camel riding and stargazing. You can enjoy the scenic views of the sandstone mountains, the lush oasis and the desert valleys. Al Ula is also home to many cultural and artistic events, such as the Winter at Tantora Festival, which features concerts, exhibitions, workshops and more. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Al Ula and the best things to do in Al Ula that you should not miss.
Looking for things to do in Al Ula? Discover the best tourist attractions in Al Ula:
1. Hegra: An ancient city with impressive rock-cut tombs and inscriptions dating back to the Nabataean kingdom.
2. Jabal AlFil (Elephant Rock): A natural rock formation that resembles an elephant trunk and head.
3. Old Town of AlUla: A historic town with mud-brick houses, mosques and markets that showcase the traditional life of AlUla.
4. Maraya: A giant mirrored concert hall that reflects the surrounding desert landscape and hosts cultural events.
5. Al Diwan: A carved rock chamber that served as a meeting place and a religious sanctuary for the Nabataeans.
6. Harrat Viewpoint: A scenic spot that offers panoramic views of the volcanic landscape and the rock formations of AlUla.
7. Winter Park: A visitor center that provides information, tickets and transportation for the various attractions and tours in AlUla.
8. Dadan & Jabal Ikmah: Two archaeological sites that reveal the history and culture of the ancient kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan, known for their trade and writing.
9. Jabal Ithlib: A sacred mountain that contains rock-cut altars, temples and reliefs dedicated to the Nabataean gods.
10. Sharaan Nature Reserve: A protected area that hosts diverse wildlife, such as gazelles, ostriches and ibexes, as well as hiking trails and camping facilities.
11. Wadi Al Disah: A valley that features stunning rock cliffs, palm groves and water springs, ideal for hiking, biking and picnicking.
12. Acacia Trail by Night: A night hike that takes you through the sand dunes and the sandstone mountains of the Sharaan Nature Reserve, where you can spot nocturnal animals and enjoy the starry sky.
13. Stargazing at Gharameel: A tour that lets you observe the constellations and planets with a telescope and a guide, while having a traditional dinner by the fire.
14. Hidden Valley Night Hike: A magical hike that leads you to a secluded valley surrounded by towering rocks, where you can experience the silence and beauty of the desert at night.
15. Sharaan Reserve Safari Tour: A safari tour that takes you on a vintage 4×4 vehicle across the Sharaan Nature Reserve, where you can encounter rare and endangered species and learn about their conservation efforts.
16. AlUla Day Tour: A comprehensive tour that covers the main attractions of AlUla, such as Hegra, Elephant Rock, Old Town, Maraya and more, with a guide and transportation included.
17. Full-Day Tayma Tour from AlUla: A day trip that takes you to the oasis town of Tayma, where you can explore its historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Tayma Museum, the Haddaj Well, the Al Hamra Fort and the Babylonian inscription of Nabonidus.
18. AlUla Adrenaline Rush: A tour that offers thrilling activities for adventure seekers, such as zip-lining, rock climbing, bungee jumping and paragliding over the stunning scenery of AlUla.
19. Uncover History: A tour that focuses on the historical and archaeological aspects of AlUla, such as Dadan, Jabal Ikmah, Hegra and Al Diwan, with expert guides and interpreters.
20. Half day Hegra Experience: A half-day tour that gives you an in-depth look at the ancient city of Hegra, its tombs, inscriptions, temples and stories, with a guide and audio-visual devices.
21. Elephant Rock Tour in AlUla: A tour that takes you to see one of the most iconic landmarks of AlUla, the Elephant Rock, where you can take photos, admire its shape and learn about its formation.
22. Half day Dadan & Jabal Ikmah Tour: A half-day tour that introduces you to the ancient kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan, their trade routes, writing systems, art and religion, through their archaeological sites at Dadan and Jabal Ikmah.
23. Morning Safari From AlUla: A morning tour that takes you on a 4×4 vehicle across the desert terrain of AlUla, where you can enjoy the sunrise, see wildlife and visit some hidden gems along the way.
24. Coffee and Tea Party in Aljadidah: A cultural experience that invites you to a local house in Aljadidah, where you can taste authentic coffee and tea, learn about their preparation and etiquette, and chat with the hosts.
25. Full-Day Guided Tour in Al Ula City: A full-day tour that shows you the best of AlUla city, its history, culture, architecture and cuisine, with visits to the Old Town, the Maraya, the AlUla Museum and more, with a guide and lunch included.
26. 3-day Private Al-Ula Historical Tour: A three-day tour that offers a private and personalized exploration of AlUla’s historical and cultural attractions, such as Hegra, Dadan, Jabal Ikmah, Elephant Rock, Old Town and more, with a guide, accommodation and meals included.
27. Hiking Adventure in The Hidden Valley AlUla: A hiking tour that takes you to the Hidden Valley, a secluded and scenic spot in the Sharaan Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy the views, the nature and the tranquility of the desert.
28. Wadi Al Disah Full Day Tour with Hotel Pickup: A full-day tour that takes you to the Wadi Al Disah, a valley that offers stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking and picnicking, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
29. Summer Adventure: A tour that combines adventure and nature in AlUla during the summer season, with activities such as zip-lining, rock climbing, hiking and camping in the desert.
30. The Best of AlUla: A tour that showcases the highlights of AlUla’s attractions, such as Hegra, Elephant Rock, Old Town, Maraya and more, with a guide and transportation included.
31. Discover AlUla: A tour that lets you discover AlUla’s history, culture and nature at your own pace, with a flexible itinerary and a choice of attractions to visit.
32. Explore AlUla: A tour that allows you to explore AlUla’s attractions in depth, with more time and detail at each site, such as Hegra, Dadan, Jabal Ikmah, Elephant Rock and more.
33. Azimuth: A music festival that features international and regional artists performing on a sand floor stage surrounded by the desert landscape of AlUla.
34. AlUla Desert Blaze: A running challenge that takes place in the hottest month of the year in AlUla’s desert terrain, with distances ranging from 5 km to a full marathon.
35. High Tea at Maraya: A culinary experience that offers you a chance to enjoy a high tea service at the Maraya concert hall, with a selection of teas, sandwiches, pastries and desserts.
36. Camel Ride at Hegra: An activity that lets you experience the ancient way of traveling in the desert by riding a camel through the archaeological site of Hegra.
37. Cycling Tour at Wadi Al Disah: An activity that lets you explore the valley of Wadi Al Disah by bike, with a guide and equipment provided.
38. Rock Art Tour at Jabal Ikmah: An activity that lets you see some of the oldest rock art and inscriptions in Saudi Arabia at Jabal Ikmah, with a guide and transportation provided.
39. Sunset Picnic at Elephant Rock: An activity that lets you enjoy a picnic at one of the most scenic spots in AlUla, the Elephant Rock, where you can watch the sunset over the desert horizon.
40. Hot Air Balloon Ride over AlUla: An activity that offers you a bird’s eye view of AlUla’s landscape by flying on a hot air balloon over its rock formations, valleys and oases.
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