What to do in AlUla: Explore the World’s Largest Living Museum

DISCOVER ALULA: SAUDI ARABIA’S STUNNING LANDSCAPES AND RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE

Welcome to AlUla, one of the world’s great natural masterpieces. This historically rich oasis at the crossroads of the Silk Road and the Incense Route has also been called the world’s largest living museum. Its dramatic rock formations, sand-swept dunes, and lush valleys of swaying palm trees are places of extraordinary beauty.

A visit to AlUla offers the prospect of combining historical sites and culture with natural wonders and adventure. This guide to what to do in AlUla covers the region’s highlights, but planning a tour of AlUla can be complex, so we suggest getting in touch to discuss the best way to combine your sightseeing when booking a tour of Saudi Arabia.

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WHAT TO SEE IN ALULA

ANCIENT HEGRA

Seeing the remarkable rock-hewn tombs of ancient Hegra is a highlight on any visit to AlUla. ‘Lost’ to the world until Charles Montagu Doughty’s ‘rediscovery’ in 1876. Also known as Madain Saleh or Al-Hijr, Hegra’s tombs are now Saudi Arabia’s crowning cultural tourist attraction. This magical UNESCO World Heritage site has a total of 111 monumental tombs carved into its perpendicular cliffs (94 of which are decorated). Although ancient Hegra is frequently compared with its older and larger sister city, Petra in Jordan, Hegra’s tombs are in a better state of preservation.

Built by the Nabataean Arabs as their southern capital, Hegra is a short drive from modern AlUla. It is set in a spectacular desert landscape studded with sandstone monoliths. The city was constructed around the 1st century AD to protect the Nabataeans’ lucrative long-distance camel caravans, which brought precious trade goods from south Arabia to their principal settlement of Petra.

Two of Hegra’s finest tombs are located at Qasr Al-Bint, a group of tombs dedicated to women and translated as the Palace of the Daughters. This site features the largest tomb facade in old Hegra. Other highlights include Jabal Al Ahmar, home to 18 tombs, some recently excavated, and Jebel Ithlib, where the cave-like Diwan (a cult centre) is situated next to a narrow gorge (siq) leading to a magnificent amphitheatre of rock.

Equally unmissable is the monolithic Tomb of Lihyan Son of Kuza, Hegra’s largest tomb. Around 22 meters tall and left unfinished, with rough, chisel marks skirting its lower third, the tomb is sometimes referred to as Qasr al-Farid (Lonely Castle) by the locals because of its distant position from the other tombs.

OLD ALULA

The atmospheric mud-brick ruins of AlUla’s old town lie just north of the modern-day settlement. The township was founded before the 12th century AD and occupied until the early 1980s. The maze of over 900 houses, 500 shops, five town squares, and a fortified citadel dates back more than a thousand years and is best explored on foot.

A walking tour is the best way to learn about the Old Town’s settlers and pilgrims, as well as their motives and methods in building the settlement. See Tantora Square, where the central sundial played an essential role in the lives of the agricultural community that relied heavily on the land. Don’t miss the climb up to 10th-century AlUla Castle for panoramic views of the old town.

LION TOMBS OF DADAN

Chiselled into the cliff-face, among AlUla’s numerous tombs, are the famous Lion Tombs of Dadan. The ancient Kingdom of Dadan was one of the most developed cities in the Arabian Peninsula during the 1st millennium BC. This site was first the capital of the Dadanite and then the Lihyanite kingdoms and one of the most important centres of the caravan trade. The area was previously just a basin covered in dust and sand. Now, it is a live excavation site where archaeologists continue to discover more about this little-known era in Arabian history.

ROCK ART

Discovering the region’s well-preserved rock art is an indisputable highlight of any visit to AlUla. Much of it can be explored on the AlUla Rock Art Trail, a 1.6-kilometre walking trail that takes you past ancient inscriptions and engravings. The trail is set amongst a stunning natural landscape of desert and rock and is particularly atmospheric at night when torches guide exploration of the artworks.

Some of the most accomplished rock art can be seen at Jabal Ikmah, where hundreds of inscriptions and writings on the cliffs and rock faces date mainly from the Dadanite and Lihyanite periods. Five different languages have been found at Jabal Ikmah, including one that is a precursor to modern Arabic. The inscriptions help decipher the way of life and the things that mattered to the people who once lived in AlUla.

MARAYA CONCERT HALL

Perhaps one of the most surprising things about AlUla’s ethos is its commitment to contemporary art. Each year, AlUla hosts the Desert X exhibition, an incredible display of modern art installations. A more permanent feature of the AlUla landscape is Maraya Concert Hall, a spectacular 500-seat venue within a giant mirror cube that reflects the surrounding desertscape.

Although the contrast between the natural beauty of the rugged red rock backdrop and the ultra-modern man-made structure couldn’t be greater, the reflective surfaces render the building almost invisible at times. Maraya translates as mirror or reflection in Arabic, and the architectural wonder is the largest mirrored building in the world. Constructed in 2019, architect Florian Boje says the mirrored surface serves as “a way to create a dialogue between nature, history and the future.”

NATURAL ROCK FORMATIONS

In addition to impressive desert scenery, AlUla is home to some of Saudi Arabia’s most dramatic rock formations. Shaped by the elements over centuries, some of these mother-nature-produced wonders are as impressive as AlUla’s man-made attractions. One of the most recognisable geological formations is Jabal AlFil, or Elephant Rock, named due to its striking resemblance to a huge elephant with its trunk planted firmly in the desert.

A popular way to enjoy the grandeur of Elephant Rock is from the adjacent café, where comfortable sunken seats provide fine views while enjoying a drink and some delicious traditional sweet treats. Madakhil Rock Arch (Rainbow Arch) is located in the north Madakhil region. Nearby, the skinny stone pillars of AlGharameel and the Dancing Rocks of Raggasat Valley reach skyward.

TOP ALULA ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES

The list of things to see and do at AlUla does not stop there; there are numerous additional activities to enhance your visit.

ALULA STARGAZING

The dark skies of AlUla’s remote desert location present the ideal environment for stargazing. Far from artificial lights, AlUla is said to be one of the best places in the world for star-watching and astronomical adventure.

HOT AIR BALLOON

Hot air balloon rides in AlUla offer a magical experience, soaring over dramatic desert landscapes, ancient rock formations, and verdant oases. As the sun rises or sets, the views are breathtaking, blending natural beauty with AlUla’s historical charm. It’s a serene adventure, perfect for capturing unforgettable moments from above.

DUNE BUGGY SAFARI

Bounding across the sands while travelling at speed in an expertly chauffeured dune buggy is an unforgettable thrill for visitors to AlUla looking for an adrenaline-fuelled desert adventure.

WALKING AND HIKING

AlUla’s many hiking and walking trails provide endless options for stretching your legs. From gentle AlUla Oasis walks through date palms and citrus groves to more challenging adventure trails, there are paths suitable for all abilities, from families to experienced trekkers.

CYCLING

A leisurely-paced ride through the sand dunes on fat-tyre bicycles is one of the more dynamic ways to enjoy AlUla’s unique landscapes.

ZIPLINING

A must for adrenaline junkies, Saudi Arabia’s most thrilling AlUla zipline reaches speeds of one hundred kilometres an hour as it glides over the AlUla mountain and desert landscapes.

4WD ADVENTURES

Set off on a 4WD adventure through the desert canyons and magnificently weathered terracotta-hued mountains – the best way to explore AlUla.

HELICOPTER RIDES

And for the ultimate AlUla bucket list moment, nothing could be more exhilarating than a helicopter ride over AlUla’s landmarks.

ALULA EVENTS & FESTIVALS

ALULA MOMENTS

AlUla Moments is the umbrella name given to the series of sporting and cultural events, concerts and cutting-edge art exhibitions that are held throughout the year in AlUla.

WINTER AT TANTORA

Winter at Tantora is a vibrant winter festival celebrating culture, music, and art. It features live concerts, immersive exhibitions, and culinary experiences, all set against AlUla’s stunning landscapes.

Festival dates: 18 December 2025 – 10 January 2026

ALULA ARTS FESTIVAL

AlJadidah Arts District is the creative hub of AlUla, and the annual AlUla Arts Festival transforms AlUla into a hub of creativity, featuring immersive exhibitions, contemporary installations, and performances by global artists.

Held in the desert landscape of AlUla, Desert X is a highlight of the AlUla Arts Festival. This international contemporary art exhibition offers an immersive art experience with large-scale installations by artists from around the world. The exhibition fosters dialogue between art, nature, and the desert environment, exploring themes such as cultural exchange, identity, and sustainability.

Festival dates: In 2025, AlUla Moments took place from January 16 to February 22. Similar dates are expected to be announced for 2026.

DAKAR RALLY

The Dakar Rally is the largest and longest motorsports race in the world, and for the past six years, the Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia route has passed through the remote deserts of AlUla. This thrilling event is a highlight for motorsports enthusiasts.

Event dates: 3 January – 17 January 2026

AL FURSAN ENDURANCE RACES

The Al Fursan Endurance Cup features desert horse races that showcase the skill and endurance of the jockeys against the beautiful AlUla landscape.

Event dates: Dates are yet to be announced, but the next Al Fursan Endurance Cup is expected to take place in February 2026.

ALULA SKIES

The AlUla Skies Festival celebrates the breathtaking beauty of AlUla’s skies with a range of aerial and stargazing experiences. Visitors can enjoy hot air balloon rides, helicopter tours, and thrilling skydiving adventures. Nighttime brings guided stargazing sessions, night hikes and drone shows, allowing guests to explore the wonders of the cosmos in the clear desert sky.

Event dates: Awaiting 2026 dates but anticipated to be around April 2026 as part of the AlUla Moments festival season. Please contact us for an update.

ALULA CAMEL CUP

The AlUla Camel Cup celebrates the rich heritage of camel racing in a thrilling modern spectacle. Set in AlUla’s stunning desert landscapes, the event features elite camels competing for prestigious titles. With vibrant cultural displays and a festive atmosphere, it’s a unique blend of tradition, sport, and entertainment for all.

Event dates: Awaiting 2026 dates; expected to be in April.. Please contact us for an update.

ANCIENT KINGDOMS FESTIVAL

The AlUla Ancient Kingdoms Festival immerses visitors in the rich history of AlUla, Hegra, Dadan, and Khaybar, showcasing ancient traditions through guided tours of archaeological sites and interactive experiences. The festival celebrates the cultural crossroads of past civilisations, blending heritage with storytelling against AlUla’s awe-inspiring desert landscapes and historic sites.

The AlUla Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2026 dates have not been officially announced, but based on the timing of past festivals and the AlUla Moments calendar, it is anticipated to take place between late November 2025 and February 2026.

DAY TRIPS FROM ALULA

There is no shortage of things to see and do in AlUla, and the region’s hotels and resorts provide a comfortable base for several excursions across the region. The distances involved, however, make them long day trips, so if you have the time, it may be preferable to extend your tour of Saudi Arabia and combine AlUla with other provinces in the Kingdom.

HIJAZ RAILWAY TO MEDINA

The Hijaz Railway is part of the Ottoman-era railway that ran from Damascus to Medina. The railroad passed through the Hejaz region of modern-day Saudi Arabia. Following the historic narrow-gauge Hijaz Railway between AlUla and Medina, spotting period trains rusting in the desert is the holy grail of railway enthusiasts.

HARRAT KHAYBAR

It’s a full day, but with an early start, it is possible to visit the volcanoes and lava fields of the Harrat Khaybar as a day trip from AlUla. One of Saudi Arabia’s great natural wonders, the chain of lava fields and volcanoes that line Saudi Arabia’s west coast was formed by the uplifting of the Arabian tectonic plate on the eastern side of the Red Sea rift. This fabulous volcanic landscape extends over some 14,000 square kilometres and features a 100km long north-south orientated line of vents, including scoria, cones, lava domes, maars, and basalt lava flows. The white-coloured volcanoes of Jabal Abiyadh and Jabal Baydah, along with the nearby black cone of Jabal Qidr, make an amazing spectacle.

WADI AL DISAH

Partway between AlUla and Tabuk is the Valley of the Palm Trees (Wadi Al Disah), a place of spectacular natural beauty. The Al Disah Valley extends for some 15km and is framed by giant columns of rock and perpendicular smooth cliffs that rise high above the lush vegetation, water pools and palm trees. It’s no surprise that Wadi Al Disah is often featured on lists of Saudi Arabia’s great natural wonders and is one of the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia.

AlUla is one of our favourite regions to visit in Saudi Arabia, and we hope that you have enjoyed this roundup of things to see and do there. If we have inspired you to visit AlUla but you’re unsure of how to make it happen, contact our Saudi Arabia travel experts, who have unparalleled knowledge of the country. Alternatively, browse our extensive collection of luxury tailor-made holidays and private tours of Saudi Arabia.