Al-'Ula: Oasis, Rock Landscapes and Culture

Al-'Ula brings together an expansive oasis, ancient sites, striking rock formations, and a range of art and events. This means you can choose different focuses when deciding where to go: the oasis and viewpoints shape the landscape, while Hegra, Dadan, and Jabal Ikmah offer different glimpses into history. AlJadidah and Maraya complement these places with galleries, shops, and event spaces.

Oasis and Rock Landscapes

In the AlUla Oasis, 2.3 million date palms provide shade for 200,000 citrus trees. These include oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and kumquats, among others. The figures may change over time. The combination of palms and citrus trees gives the oasis a different character from the surrounding rock landscapes.

In the wider destination of Medina, Harrat Viewpoint sits atop the Harrat Uwayrid volcanic mountain. From there, you can look out over the oasis, the Old Town, and the wider AlUla Valley. By contrast, at Elephant Rock in the wider destination of Medina, the focus is a single natural sandstone formation: rain, wind, and sand shaped it over millions of years into its elephant-like form. The view across several parts of the landscape and the distinctive shape of a single rock offer two different perspectives on the surroundings.

In the wider destination of Medina, Sharaan Nature Reserve lies north of Al-'Ula. Guided tours in 4x4 vehicles have occasionally spotted red-necked ostriches, Nubian ibex, Idmi gazelles, Cape hares, and rock hyraxes there. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed; these species may be seen on such tours, but they may not be visible.

Ancient Sites and Guided Visits

Hegra and Dadan are in the wider destination of Medina. Hegra has more than 110 well-preserved tombs carved into desert rock, where Nabataean elites were buried. Dadan tells a different story: the site was an important hub on the Incense Route. Its evidence includes ancient tombs, inscriptions and architectural traces, as well as rock carvings on cliffs almost 50 meters high. Hegra draws particular attention to the tombs, while Dadan offers a broader range of historical traces.

Jabal Ikmah is also in the wider destination of Medina. You can visit as part of an organized tour in a private premium 4x4 vehicle or by coach; self-driving is not permitted. Since tour arrangements may change, it's best to check them before your trip.

Visitor Centres, Art, and Events

Al-'Ula Visitor Centres are located in the Old Town, at Hegra and Dadan, at Winter Park, and at AlUla International Airport. The Experience AlUla team can help with booking and changing experiences and provide information about events, concerts, cultural sites, and other offerings. Locations and services may change.

The AlJadidah Arts District is right next to the Old Town. There, you'll find boutiques selling fashion, jewelry, and home accessories by local designers, as well as art galleries and studios. Street cafés and food trucks add to what's on offer in the squares. Individual shops and offerings may change.

In the wider destination of Medina, Maraya is a mirrored multipurpose building for concerts, events, and conferences. The events held there vary. This sets Maraya apart from the historic sites: its focus is on events, while Hegra and Dadan showcase archaeological evidence.

Discover more destinations: Medina, 'Anqa'.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Medina.