An expansive, open-air, living museum and a land of legend. AlUla is home to a series of fascinating historical and archaeological sites that span over 200,000 years of human history and successive ancient civilizations, all the way back to the stone age. With such a rich history there are countless sites and experiences for visitors to see. Unfortunately, visitors’ time in AlUla may be limited so we have listed the region’s most iconic sites below to ensure you make the most of your trip to this truly fascinating destination.
Read on to find out more.
Unquestionably, one of AlUla’s most iconic attractions is Maraya (the meaning for mirror in Arabic). The largest mirrored building in the world and a true architectural wonder, Maraya blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape and rises from the sand like a mirage. While the building stands as art itself, it was also designed as a fully functioning multi-purpose venue and concert hall. Maraya has been host to a number of festivals drawing all different types of artists from all around the world including performances from global superstars such as Bocelli, James Blunt, Alicia Keys and Maria Carey. This architectural illusion is one you must see with your own eyes to believe.
AlUla is home to the world famous Hegra which is Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it no surprise this is one of the region’s most iconic sites. Here you will find more than 110 surviving rocks strewn throughout the desert, intricately carved out of the sandstone rocks which punctuate the desert horizon. Be humbled by the almost incomprehensible levels of craftsmanship of the Nabataeans at the Tomb of Lihyan son of Kuza, Jabal Ithlib with its ‘Diwan’, a large gathering room carved into the rocks of the mountain, and the Siq canal that leads to the central area of the mountain that has many carvings and inscriptions that may be linked to ancient religious practices. The best way to explore Hegra is to take a Vintage Land Rover Tour and then enjoy the Hegra Wildlife and Nature Tour experiencing Hegra through the lens of the natural world with a safari-style tour in an open-top 4x4 looking out for the Arabian Gazelles, Nubex and Ibex.
Indeed, another renowned site in AlUla is Elephant Rock. This incredible elephant shaped rock formation rises 52 metres into sky, with its warm-hued sandstone shaped by wind and water erosion over the course of millions of years. For an especially magical experience, visit at dusk when the fading sun casts an enchanting deep crimson light over the trunk and body of this spectacular geological wonder. Visitors can find a seat nearby and keep themselves warm at a welcoming fire pit whilst enjoying something to eat and drink.
Next up on the list is Dadan, one of the world’s largest archaeology programmes. The ancient city of Dadan is considered to have been one of the most developed 1st millennium BCE cities in the Arabian Peninsula. A pre-Arabic oasis city carved from spectacular sandstone mountains and once home to the Dadanite and Lihyanite Kingdoms dating back 7,000 years. The allure of a mystical ancient city that is yet to be truly uncovered is intoxicating to any culture buff or history lover, and it is estimated that only as little 5% of Dadan has been uncovered to tell its stories! Today, visitors can view the iconic Lion Tombs set into the majestic red rocks and some of the gentle ongoing excavation of this ancient city. Each tomb is set approximately 50 metres high and guarded by lion sculptures. It is said that these tombs likely held the remains of elite and royal members of the Dadanites.
A tour of Dadan can be combined with Jabal Ikmah, a site equally as impressive. Also known as the open air library, Jabal Ikmah is a small valley which, on either side its rock faces are covered in ancient inscriptions and rock art depicting stories of past civilisations that once called AlUla home or those merchants and pilgrims that transited through on the Incense Road. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the largest concentration of ancient inscriptions in AlUla at this unforgettable site.