Al Ula

OPEN-AIR MUSEUM in the HEART OF THE DESERT

© Dr. Hans-F. Loth

Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia or just want to get an impression of the country? Then you should not miss Al Ula. The town and its gorgeous landscape are lively and have much to be discovered. Al Ula offers an exciting mix of ancient history, culture and modern attractions.

 

 

Al Ula – the ‘Open-Air Museum in the Desert‘ – is definitively one of the centres of tourism in the country, which is experiencing unprecedented growth.

Al Ula – is simply ‘the‘ Dream Destination in Saudi Arabia! But – hurry up – and explore Al Ula as long as it hasn’t turned into a fairground and a tourist trap. Read my recommendations about the best locations and experiences in that beautiful part of the world. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to hidden gems and experiences you can enjoy, learn everything you need to know.

 

Geography

Al Ula is not only the name of the governorate, but also the name of a small town in the north-west of Saudi Arabia about halfway along the Tabuk-Medina line.

Climate

Al Ula has an arid climate.

Language

Arabic and English

Transport

Cars, Cabs.

Airport

Al Ula International Airport is located approx. 25 kilometres (16 miles) south-east of Al Ula.

Religious life

Islam is the state religion, and the basis for the legal system and the government.

accommodation

All hotel categories are available. The new hotels that have been completed so far are making a decisive contribution to the nimbus that Al Ula is increasingly acquiring. More specifically, they are resorts, some of which have been built in fantastic locations and are, in their own way, some of the most beautiful accommodation this planet has to offer. A stay (lasting several days) in Al Ula can therefore be very expensive.

 

Food & Drink

Al Ula offers a sumptuous bouquet of gastronomic specialities. The rich culinary scene also offers an equally diverse selection of restaurant designs, from simple to fine dining

 

Activities & Attractions

Jabal Al Banat – Hegra Al Ula

Jabal Al Banat in Hegra (Al Ula)

Jabal Al Banat, also known as Qasr al Bint, is perhaps the most extensive contiguous burial site in Hegra. Its 30 or so tombs are ...
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The Hejaz Railway Line Al Ula

The Hejaz Railway Line in Al Ula

Al Ula and Mada’in Saleh, the former Hegra, were connected via two smaller railway stations to the historic Hejaz Railway Line, which ran between Damascus ...
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Tomb of Lihyan, Son of Kuza – Hegra Al Ula

Tomb of Lihyan, Son of Kuza – Hegra (Al Ula)

This is one of the most magnificent and mysterious monumental tombs in Hegra, also called Qasr Al Farid. It is the largest (single) tomb of ...
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Jabal Al Ahmar - Hegra Al Ula

Jabal Al Ahmar – Hegra (Al Ula)

The elongated rock formation Jabal Al Ahmar has a number of burial chambers, some of which are arranged on two levels. Three of these chambers ...
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Hegra

Hegra – Mada’in Saleh – World Heritage Site

In Hegra, you will encounter a unique piece of history and  truly impressive ancient monuments. Hegra is part of the spectacular desert area of the ...
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Vessel Hole Rock Al Ula

Vessel Hole Rock – Al Ula

Equally impressive, though perhaps less well-known, is Vessel Hole Rock, situated not far from Elephant Rock. The elongated sandstone rock has a mesa-shaped top, which ...
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The Majestic Elephant Rock (Jabal Alfil) – Al Ula

Never miss some of the most magnificent rock formations and relief landscapes that Al Ula and the surrounding area have to offer. This is the ...
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Falcon Rock Al Ula

Imposing Sandstone Rock Sculptures near Harrat Uwayrid – Al Ula

They are sculptures, in fact – not created by human hands but artfully modelled by nature. I have listed them in a map in my ...
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Art & Culture

Architecture, Culture - Maraya in Al Ula

Architecture, Culture in Al Ula – Maraya

Al Ula and its region “thrive” on its exceptional, striking, unique landscape, shaped over millions of years. Can man – one might ask – add ...
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Culture in Public Space in Al Ula

Al Ula’s Culture in Public Space

The timeless beauty of the eroded rock formations created ages ago, shaped by wind, sun, water and temperatures, this sculpted landscape, which is one of ...
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