al-Ula

Top 7 attractions in AlUla

1. AlUla Old Town Village

Step through time in AlUla Old Town, once a crossroads of civilizations along ancient incense routes. Its maze of mudbrick houses, shops, and narrow alleys leads up to a 10th-century fort that overlooks the valley. Nearby, the AlJadidah Arts District highlights modern artisans and cultural revival within the old town setting.

2. AlUla Oasis (Wadi AlQura / Valley of Villages)

The Oasis lies nestled in Wadi AlQura, where thriving date palms, olive groves, citrus trees, and agricultural terraces stand in stark contrast to the surrounding desert. Natural springs and ancient irrigation channels sustain life here, making it a peaceful and green heart of the region.

3. Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil)

About 11 km northeast of AlUla, Elephant Rock towers 52 meters. This natural sandstone formation has been carved by millennia of wind and water into the unmistakable shape of an elephant, and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the region.

4. Raqasat (Dancing Rocks) in Jabal Al Rukkab

In the Raqas Valley among the Jabal Al Rukkab massif, you’ll find swirling, spiral rock formations known as Raqasat or “Dancing Rocks.” Nearby canyons, hidden petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings), and dramatic vistas reward adventurous explorers.

5. Hegra (Madâin Sâlih)

Not far from AlUla lies Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient Nabataean necropolis features over 110 rock-cut tombs with elaborately carved facades, offering a connection to the same builders who built Petra in Jordan.

6. Dadan & Jabal Ikmah

Explore Dadan, an ancient city of the Lihyan and Dadanite kingdoms, and nearby Jabal Ikmah, an outdoor “library” of inscriptions in Aramaic, Dadanitic, and Thamudic scripts dating back centuries. These sites offer deep insight into pre-Nabataean history.

7. Maraya (The Mirrored Concert Hall)

A modern architectural wonder, Maraya holds the Guinness World Record as the largest mirrored building. It blends seamlessly into the desert landscape while serving as a concert and event space that reflects the scenery around it.