Al Ula’s scenic “Gesamtkunstwerk” is not limited to the per se impressive reliefs of the sandstone formations. These are embedded – sometimes quite literally – in an equally fascinating terrain of basalt rock of volcanic origin. Entire ridges are covered in the dark grey to anthracite-coloured material and form a remarkable contrast to the warm tones of the sandstone formations. Harrat Uwayrid is one of those.
The drive to the plateau and to a gorgeous viewpoint, which is around 1,200 metres above sea level, is impressive in itself and at times demanding in terms of driving skills. The viewpoint itself offers a trendy restaurant and café, from whose loudspeakers the beats of hip music boom, a trendy sky viewing lounge and telescopes with which you can observe the starry sky, for example. Seating groups near the escarpment invite you to linger and enjoy the fantastic view into the distant horizon.
