Why AlUla
A 22,500 km² region in northwest Arabia. Open to foreigners since 2019. The first UNESCO site in KSA — the Hegra necropolis (Madâin Sâlih) with 130+ Nabataean tombs, the sister site of Jordan’s Petra. Premium desert resorts: Habitas AlUla, Banyan Tree.
Hegra (Madâin Sâlih)
UNESCO site. 130+ tombs carved into rock by the Nabataean kingdom in the 1st century BC.
AlUla Old Town
An abandoned mud-brick town, restored as a cultural quarter with restaurants and galleries.
Elephant Rock
A natural rock formation shaped like an elephant. Stunning at sunset.
Maraya Concert Hall
A mirrored building in the desert (Guinness record). Hosted Andrea Bocelli, Lionel Richie.
Top hotels
- Banyan Tree AlUla — premium villas in Ashar canyon. From ~$1,500/night.
- Habitas AlUla — eco-hotel in the desert. Luxury-camp design.
- Shaden Resort — traditional resort with villas. Mid-range.
⟢ Getting there
Direct flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to AlUla airport (UHAB) — 1.5 hours. Season — October to April (summer up to +45°C).