Al-Ula

Al-Ula (ٱلْعُلَا al-ʿUlā), officially branded AlUla, is a city in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia.

Understand

Located at the northern tip of the Hejaz, Al-Ula is an ancient oasis town best known for its many Nabatean historical sites, most notably the UNESCO World Heritage site of Madain Saleh (Hegra), a rock-hewn city built by the same civilization as Jordan's Petra.

Long obscure, in 2017 the Saudi government set up a Royal Commission with the stated aim of turning Al-Ula into a world-class tourist attraction. Investment since has been fast and furious, with a cluster of 10 luxury hotels springing up.

Get in

By plane

• 1 Al-Ula International Airport. (ULH  ^IATA) Connections to major regional hubs including Dubai, Doha, Jeddah and Riyadh. (updated Dec 2024)

The nearest major airport is at Medina, around 300 km away.

By bus

Saptco runs direct buses to Al-Ula from major towns including Jeddah (8 hr) and Riyadh (13½ hr).

See

Most visitors come to Al-Ula to see Madain Saleh (Hegra), 22 km away and covered in a separate article.

• 1 Old City of Dadan. Remnants of an old Nabatean city, very close to the modern day town of Al-Ula. Highlight are the Lion Tombs of Dadan, carved tombs into the rocks with large lions carved at each side. The lion sculptures can only be observed by installed binoculars from about 170 m, because the structure is very fragile. Tour includes the visit at a small museum at the Dadan Visitor Center and a visit at the archaeological excavation site. It can only be visited as part of a day tour. Around SR 60 per person, often bundled together with Jabal Ikhmal. (updated Jun 2024)
• 2 Rock Carvings of Jabal Ikhmal. Ancient petroglyphs that were carved into the nearby mountains and rocks by ancient travellers and pilgrims. The tour includes a participation at rock carving workshop where visitors can carve their names in old Nabatean language into rocks, which they can take home as souvenirs. It can only be visited as part of a day tour. Around SR 60 per person, often bundled together with Old City of Dadan. (updated Jun 2024)
• 3 Dadan Heritage Trail (walk from the Old Town of Al-Ula). A picturesque trail close to the old city of Dadan, through a date plantation with many historical farm ruins and gardens. Free admittance. (updated Jun 2024)
• 4 Old Town of Al-Ula (about 5 km south of the Winter Park Visitor Center and 2 km north of the New Town of Al-Ula). The historical town center of Al-Ula, a cluster of ancient houses mixed with new buildings that were made looking old. Has a large selection of fancy souvenir shops, restaurants, cafés and accomodations. A small castle overlooks the town. Free admittance. (updated Jun 2024)
• 5 Restored Hejaz Railway Station of Al-Ula (Al Manshiyah) (on the northern side of Al-Ula). Facilities all set up and ready for tourists, but are locked tight as a drum! This location will likely be developed as a tourist attraction. (updated Jun 2024)
• 6 Harrat Viewpoint (about a 20-minute drive west of the old town of Al-Ula). A scenic viewpoint at Mount Harrat overlooking the whole valley of Al-Ula. There is also a parking lot and fancy restaurant at that same spot. Free admittance. (updated Jun 2024)

Buy

• 1 Market Street Al-Ula. The tourist street in the Old Town of Al-Ula. There is a wide selection of souvenirs such as clothes, handicraft, beauty products, jewellery and such. (updated Jun 2024)

Sleep

A cluster of 10 ultra-luxury hotels between the city and Madain Saleh is in various stages of completion. Rates are very seasonal: during the winter peak you can expect to pay north of US$1000/night, but in midsummer the same hotel will go for $300.

• 1 Banyan Tree AlUla. Luxury tented villas set in a wadi in the middle of the desert, about 10 km north of town. The rock pool wedged into a narrow valley is spectacular. 2000 SAR. (updated Dec 2024)

Connect

• 1 Experience Al-Ula (Official local government tourist and booking agency), Winter Park Visitor Center (about 5 km north of Al-Ula Old Town), ☏ +966 559799839. 07:00-17:00. (updated Jun 2024)