About Al-Ula
al-Ula, officially AlUla, is an ancient Arabian oasis city and governorate located in Medina Province, Saudi Arabia, 350 kilometres northwest of the city of Medina. Situated in the Hejaz, a region that features prominently in the history of Islam as well as several pre-Islamic Semitic civilizations, al-Ula was a market city on the historic incense trade route that linked India and the Persian Gulf to the Levant and Europe.
Places to visit in Al-Ula
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Hegra
Historic · 13 mi from centreSaudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Nabataean city of more than a hundred monumental tombs carved into sandstone. Access is by guided tour only, so reserve ahead and bring sun protection.
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Elephant Rock
Nature · 7 mi from centreA towering sandstone formation shaped like an elephant with its trunk touching the ground. It is best visited at sunset, when the rock glows and lounge seating around it fills with visitors.
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AlUla Old Town
NeighborhoodA maze of hundreds of mud-brick houses and narrow lanes beneath a hilltop fort, inhabited until the late 20th century. Climb to the fort for views, and visit in the evening, when cafés open along the restored street.
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Jabal Ikmah
HistoricA canyon whose rock walls are covered with ancient inscriptions in Dadanitic and other early Arabian scripts. Visit with a guide who can explain the inscriptions, and bring water, since there are few facilities.
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Dadan
HistoricThe excavated capital of the ancient Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, with tombs carved into the cliffs above. Guided tours explain the ongoing excavations; morning visits avoid the strongest heat.
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Maraya
LandmarkA concert hall entirely clad in mirrors, reflecting the desert canyon in which it stands. It is best seen and photographed in the late afternoon light, and its rooftop restaurant offers canyon views.
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Sharaan Nature Reserve
NatureA large protected area of canyons, mountains and plains where native species such as the Arabian leopard are being reintroduced. Explore with an organized tour, since roads are rough and distances are long.
Things to do in Al-Ula by type
11 tours, tickets and experiences across 2 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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City tours 9 experiences AlUla Uncovered: Adventure Among Natural Wonders and Ancient Stories - Small Group Tour -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 2 experiences Helicopter Tour with Optional Transfer
- Over 6 hours 1
- Small group 1
Top experiences in Al-Ula
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 11 available.
Visit Hegra with Optional Transfer
From $29 per adult
Visit Dadan and Jabal Ikmah with Optional Transfer
From $18 per adult
Visit Alula Old Town - with Optional Transfer
From $22 per adult
Visit Elephant Rock - Walking Tour
From $56 per adult
Alula Stargazing or Moon Night Experience - Half-Day Tour
From $160 per adult
Zip line Experience in the Al Ula Mountains with Optional Transfer
From $60 per adult
Helicopter Tour with Optional Transfer
From $251 per adult
Discover Al Ula - Full-Day Tour
From $182 per adult
Discover Dissah - Full-Day Tour
From $520 per adult
Discover Khaybar - Full-Day Tour
From $216 per adult
Best time to visit Al-Ula
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Al-Ula is November to March, when average daytime highs are around 68–80°F and rain falls on about 1 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Al-Ula weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 94° 73° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 94° 75° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 96° 79° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 95° 76° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 93° 71° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 94° 70° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Saudi riyal (SAR)1 US dollar ≈ ر.س3.75
- Language
- Arabic
- Calling code
- +966
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Asia/RiyadhUTC+3
- Capital
- Riyadh
Getting around Al-Ula
Uber and Careem are available. Don't count on being able to grab one at Al-Ula International Airport though.
Al-Ula travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Al-Ula?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Al-Ula is November to March, when average daytime highs are around 68–80°F and rain falls on about 1 days a month.
What is the weather like in Al-Ula?
August is usually the warmest month in Al-Ula, with average highs of 106°F (41°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 40°F (5°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 6 mm of rain.
What currency is used in Al-Ula?
Al-Ula uses the Saudi riyal (SAR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ر.س3.75.
What time zone is Al-Ula in?
Al-Ula uses the Asia/Riyadh time zone (currently UTC+3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Al-Ula?
Uber and Careem are available. Don't count on being able to grab one at Al-Ula International Airport though.
What are the best places to visit in Al-Ula?
Top sights in Al-Ula include Hegra, Elephant Rock, AlUla Old Town and Jabal Ikmah. Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Nabataean city of more than a hundred monumental tombs carved into sandstone. Access is by guided tour only, so reserve ahead and bring sun protection.
What are the top things to do in Al-Ula?
Popular experiences you can book in Al-Ula include Visit Hegra with Optional Transfer, Visit Dadan and Jabal Ikmah with Optional Transfer and Visit Alula Old Town - with Optional Transfer. Destina Holidays offers 11 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Al-Ula?
The most popular types of experiences in Al-Ula are city tours (9), outdoor activities & adventure (2), day trips & excursions (1) and art & culture (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
