• Activities range from night hikes, stargazing and tours of heritage sites Hegra, Dadan, Jabal Ikmah and AlUla Old Town
• AlUla boasts low humidity and cooler temperatures, making it a perfect summer getaway
AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – May 25, 2023:The vibrant holiday destination of AlUla is gearing up to offer visitors an exceptional summer experience. The ancient city is brimming with an exciting range of activities and events, including immersive tours of its historic monuments, majestic landscape, serene hikes amid rocky outcrops, and magical stargazing opportunities.
Located in north-western Saudi Arabia, AlUla boasts low humidity and temperatures that are between 5C to 10C cooler than other cities in the region, making it an ideal escape for travellers in search of a unique experience and some respite from the summer heat.
One of the most significant locations to visit in the summer and throughout the year is Hegra – Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest conserved site of the Nabataeans outside of Petra in modern-day Jordan. Dating back to the 1st millennium BCE, Hegra is renowned for its breathtaking vistas of well-preserved tombs carved into sandstone cliffs, many of which feature intricate decorated facades and inscriptions in several ancient languages. Visitors can opt for a tour of the site in a vintage Land Rover or a comfortable bus, guided by a Rawi, a traditional Arabic storyteller, who will provide in-depth insight into Hegra’s fascinating history.
Another prime destination is AlUla Old Town, recently awarded the accolade of being amongst the Best Tourism Villages 2022 by the UN World Tourism Organisation. An ancient settlement made up of a labyrinth of tightly packed streets, AlUla Old Town features nearly 900 traditional mudbrick buildings, 100 of which have been restored. Visitors can explore remnants of the original structures and enjoy views of the 10th century AlUla Old Town Castle.
For those who want to connect with the outdoors, a leisurely moon-lit night hike through the Hidden Valley is an ideal way to experience the stillness of the Arabian desert and take in the stunning beauty of the constellations with a stargazing trip to experience AlUla’s legendarily clear night skies.
As well as enjoying the magnificent hikes and historic landmarks, guests can also witness the natural wonders of AlUla and relax amid the lush greenery of the oasis and Daimumah – an ancient sustainable farmland. Offering a respite from the sun and an opportunity to revel in a lush sanctuary, this is home to shaded palm groves, fragrant botanical gardens, open fields and working farms that are perfect to stroll through and get lost in.
Adding to its allure as an escape from the city, AlUla offers a range of exceptional accommodation options – from private suites surrounded by sandstone mountains to luxury villas nestled along stunning rock formations –blending world-class amenities, hospitality that reflects AlUla’s welcoming culture, and immersive experiences like no other.
Enjoy elegant stays at Habitas AlUla, Banyan Tree AlUla, cloud7 Residences and Shaden Resort – all of which boast extraordinary Instagrammable pools perfect to take a cooling dip in and recharge. Guests can also elevate their stays at Habitas AlUla and Banyan Tree AlUla with their signature wellness experiences such as massages and holistic rituals.
A trip to AlUla should include a taste of the eclectic range of fine dining options, such as Tama, Harrat, and Saffron available at the destination that offer a truly luxurious and memorable experience.
Summer in AlUla: Highlights
- Dive into Daimumah
What: From the Arabic word for ‘sustainability’, Daimumah is a regenerated area that weaves together art, nature, and heritage in the scenic heart of the Oasis. Walk through picturesque pathways that weave through palm groves, fragrant botanical gardens and open fields that are free to explore. You’ll also pass old mudbrick dwellings and ancient qanats (irrigation channels), together with the crops local farmers still grow here sustainably. Stop for a bite at Daimumah Café and Daimumah Restaurant, which offer a range of delicious dishes that can be enjoyed amid an enchanting setting.
When: Daimumah is free and open to all from 8:00am – 1:00am.
- Explore Hegra
What: Visit Hegra – Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest preserved site of the Nabataean civilisation south of Petra. Featuring hundreds of well-preserved tombs from the 1st millennium BCE into the 1st millennium CE, Hegra is waiting to be explored.
When: From1–May – 22 June 2023, tours are available daily at 8:00am, 9:00am and 4:00pm; Sunrise or sunset Vintage Land Rover tours at 6:00am and 5:30pm. From 3 July – 30 September 2023, tours are available daily at 8:00am, 9:00am and 5:00pm; Sunrise or sunset Vintage Land Rover tours at 6:00am and 6pm.
- AlUla Old Town Tour
What: A Rawi (guide) will lead you through AlUla Old Town, where pilgrims, travellers and permanent settlers congregated through the ages. Guests will learn about Old Town’s settlers and pilgrims, as well as their motives and methods in the city’s construction.
When: Up to 30 Sept 2023, tours are available daily at 3:30pm and 4:30pm.
- Dadan & Jabal Ikmah Tour
What: Take a journey through time to discover the ancient and powerful civilisations of the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, which have built and shaped AlUla. After exploring the ruins, a bus service takes you on a 10-minute drive to Jabal Ikmah, an open library of inscriptions, rock art and petroglyphs set in a stunning desert canyon.
When: Up to 22 June 2023, tours are available daily at 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. From 21 May 2023, regular tours are available daily at 8:45 am and 4:45 pm and for the Vintage Rover tour at 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.
- AlUla Oasis – The Heritage Oasis Trail
What: The lush greenery of the AlUla oasis offers shade and respite for visitors in modern times, much like the spring-fed locale did so for travellers who stopped by years ago. Summer trails and hikes offer an idyllic walk though palm-shaded paths and picturesque scenery, with the chance to try out traditional meals along the way.
When: From–21 April – 30 Sept 2023, guided tours are available daily at 8:00am and 5:00pm. The Heritage Oasis Trail can also be accessed for free with no set hours of operation.
- Hidden Valley Night Hike
What: Find yourself under the stars and immersed in nature with a night hike through the spectacular Hidden Valley. With the help of a guide, venture into the heart of the Sharaan Nature Reserve for a serene and cool 4km walk amid sandstone mountains.
When: From 23 April – 30 September 2023, Thursday to Sunday, meet at 6:00pm and return at 9:00pm.
- Stargazing
What: AlUla offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, with its remote desert terrain providing some of the most pristine dark skies in the world. The area of Gharameel, with its towering rock formations, is especially enchanting for stargazing. Join a stargazing tour for the opportunity to appreciate the dazzling constellations with the guidance of an expert, concluding with a delightful fireside dinner under the stars.
When::Until 30th September, Thursday to Sunday, meet at 6:00pm and return at 9:00pm.
- Camping at Pangaea Farm
What: Immerse yourself in AlUla’s glorious outdoors with a stay at the Pangaea camp site. Surrounded by dramatic rock formations, 50,000 square kilometres of farmland and wide open spaces, this camping experience will allow you to reconnect with nature and feel rejuvenated. Just minutes from Hegra, the Pangaea Adventure Centre features a shared kitchen and bathroom facilities, plus sports gear, board games and chill-out areas.
When::The site is open from 7:00am to 11:00pm. Check-in is any time but provide one hour notice before arrival.
- Wheels Bike Hub
What: Discover AlUla from a fresh perspective at the Wheels Bike Hub, where you can set off along a 26km cycling path that goes from AlAtheeb to Hegra and back. The Wheels Bike Hub includes bike rentals, bikes and accessories for sale, servicing, road assistance, as well as a service shop and the Bike Hub Café where you can reenergise with fresh juices or coffee.
When::Wheels Bike Hub is open Tuesday to Sunday: 6:00am – 11:00am, 4:00pm – 7:00pm. It’s closed on Mondays.
- Sharaan Nature Tour
What: Experience some of AlUla’s best rock formations on the Shaaran Nature Tour, in the comfort of an air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle. With the help of a local guide, explore Arch Rock, Madakel and Malab to see the striking sandstone canyons. From here the guide will showcase AlUla Old Town, AlUla viewpoint and Elephant Rock, before returning to the city.
When::Thursday to Sunday. Pick up is at 8:30am/9:30 am and drop off at 5:30pm/6:30 pm.
- Sharaan Reserve Safari Tour
What: Take an extraordinary three-and-a-half-hour sightseeing tour with a professional guide across the Sharaan Nature Reserve in a vintage, open-top 4×4 vehicle. This protected area features red-rock canyons, broad valleys, open desert areas and rocky outcrops. Enjoy viewing natural sandstone structures, admiring the biodiversity of the desert, and deciphering ancient symbols and rock carvings.
When: Safaris take place daily. Morning safari starts at 6:00am, and the evening safari starts at 3:00pm.
- Sharaan Reserve VIP Safari Tour
What: Discover some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes during a private journey that takes you to unique rock formations and ancient inscriptions. This four-hour sightseeing tour invites up to three passengers in a private party to sit back and relax in an air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle driven by a professional guide. Highlights of the trip include a stop at Raqasat, also known as the Dancing Rocks, and at Mahlab Al Naqah Valley, where snacks, Arabic coffee and refreshments will be provided.
When: Safaris take place daily. Morning tour starts at 6:00 am; while evening tours start at 3:00 pm.
- AlUla Buggies UTV Guided Tour
What: Hop into a buggy and take an unforgettable ride through AlUla’s sandstone mountains. Experienced guides with drive you into narrow canyons, over high sand dunes and across challenging terrain. The trail will take you off the beaten path along various loops of a highly eroded sand mountain.
When: Until 30th September, Thursday to Sunday. Morning tour at 8:00am and afternoon tour at 4:00pm.
Note to editors:
Flying to AlUla:
- flydubai connects AlUla and Dubai via two weekly direct flights, scheduled on Thursdays and Sundays, from Dubai International Airport to AlUla International Airport.
- Within the IATA Summer 2023 schedule, Saudia operates four weekly flights from Riyadh and two weekly flights from Jeddah; and Flynas operates two weekly flights from Riyadh and two from Dammam.
- International visitors can connect via direct domestic routes from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam or from Dubai.
Find out more details at www.experiencealula.com
