AlUla, in the desert of northwest Saudi Arabia, is a green oasis valley of date palms framed by sandstone cliffs, and one of the most remarkable archaeological landscapes in the Middle East. Its star is Hegra, the southern city of the Nabataeans who built Petra, where more than 100 monumental tombs are carved into isolated rock outcrops; in 2008 it became Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around the oasis lie Dadan, capital of the ancient Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms, with tombs cut high into a cliff face; Jabal Ikmah, a canyon of hundreds of ancient inscriptions listed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register; a restored mud-brick old town; the wind-carved Elephant Rock; and Maraya, a concert hall clad entirely in mirrors. The Royal Commission for AlUla manages the sites and runs visits as guided or timed tours, so most sightseeing is booked in advance. AlUla is a small town, about 300 km (186 miles) north of Medina, with its own international airport. It has a hot desert climate: winter days are sunny and mild, about 20–29 °C (68–83 °F), with cold nights, while summer highs reach 41–43 °C (106–109 °F).
Right now in AlUla
- Wed 24–37°C 74–98°F Partly cloudy
- Thu 25–39°C 77–101°F Partly cloudy
- Fri 27–39°C 81–101°F Mostly clear
Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0)
Top tours in AlUla
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AlUla at a glance
- Best months: November to March, with days of about 20–29 °C (68–83 °F) and cold nights that can fall close to freezing in January. Summer is very hot.
- Time needed: two days for Hegra, the old town and Elephant Rock; three or four days with Dadan, Jabal Ikmah, Maraya and an evening of stargazing.
- Getting there: AlUla International Airport (ULH) has domestic flights and seasonal international flights; Medina and Tabuk are about four hours away by road.
- Costs (as of October 2026): the Hegra Day Tour starts at SAR 95 (about US$25), the Old Town tour costs SAR 70 (about US$19) and the Dadan and Jabal Ikmah tour starts at SAR 60 (about US$16).
- Before you go: visas, the dress code, alcohol prohibition and medicine rules are covered in our Saudi Arabia travel guide.
AlUla areas and who each one suits
AlUla Old Town and the oasis
The heart of the valley, with the restored mud-brick old town, the palm groves of the oasis, cafes and boutique guesthouses. Good for walking in the evening and for travelers without a car.
Winter Park and Al-Jadidah
The visitor hub where many tours begin, with shops, restaurants and the Al-Jadidah arts district. Shuttle buses link these areas with the hotels.
Hegra and the north
About 22 km (14 miles) north of the old town, the Hegra area has a few luxury tented camps and resorts close to the heritage site.
The canyons and desert resorts
South and west of the valley, resorts and tented camps sit among sandstone canyons, such as Ashar Valley, with views and dark skies but long drives to the sites.
Top things to see in AlUla
Hegra
Populated since before the 1st millennium BCE, Hegra (also known as al-Hijr or Mada’in Salih) became the second city of the Nabataean kingdom in the 1st century BCE and 1st century CE. More than 100 monumental tombs, carved for the Nabataean elite into the sandstone outcrops, have decorated facades with crow-step designs, eagles and inscriptions; the best known is the solitary Tomb of Lihyan, Son of Kuza (Qasr Al-Farid), carved into a single rock. The site also has wells, water channels and the Diwan, a rock-cut hall for gatherings. Visits are only by booked tour, starting from the Hegra visitor center:
- Hegra Day Tour: about two hours with a Rawi (local storyteller guide), from SAR 95 per person.
- Hegra Premium Tour: a private 4×4 for up to seven guests with a Rawi and a ranger, about two hours, from SAR 1,000 per vehicle.
- Hegra Wildlife and Nature Tour: about two hours, from SAR 150 per person.
- Hegra Geology Hike: a sunset hike every Saturday from 24 October to 12 December 2026.
Stay on the marked paths: entering the tombs and touching the carvings is prohibited, and nothing may be taken from the site.
Dadan
Once the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms more than 2,000 years ago, Dadan has tombs cut into a red cliff face, some nearly 50 m (164 feet) up, including the “Lion Tombs” flanked by carved lions, believed to belong to the elite. Visitors follow designated paths and may not enter the tombs.
Jabal Ikmah
About 10 minutes’ drive from Dadan, this canyon is an open-air library of hundreds of inscriptions and petroglyphs in ancient scripts left by travelers, merchants and pilgrims, recognized by UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. Tours of Dadan and Jabal Ikmah together take two to three hours including transfers and start from SAR 60 with a guide, or SAR 90 with a timed audio guide in English, Arabic, Italian, French or Mandarin, with transport by coach from Winter Park.
AlUla Old Town
The mud-brick old town was inhabited from around the 12th century until the late 20th, with hundreds of houses linked by narrow lanes and a fort on the hill above. Guided tours last about an hour to an hour and a half and cost SAR 70 per adult; a guided twilight walk linking the old town and the oasis runs from 6 November to 12 December 2026. In the evening, the restored lanes come alive with shops, cafes and restaurants.
Elephant Rock
A natural sandstone arch shaped like an elephant, standing in a sandy plain with lounge seating and a cafe. It is open daily from 4 p.m. to midnight; sunset and the hours after dark, when the rock is lit, are the best times.
Maraya
This concert hall, covered in 9,740 mirror panels that reflect the surrounding canyon, hosts concerts and events and offers 45-minute guided tours from SAR 95 per person.
Other things to do in AlUla
- Stargazing: AlUla’s dark skies are ideal for astronomy; a guided Leonid meteor shower viewing at Jabal Ikmah takes place on 15 November 2026, free of charge.
- Hiking and canyons: guided hikes through the canyons and up viewpoints such as Harrat Viewpoint, best from November to March.
- Hot-air balloon and helicopter flights: seasonal flights over the canyons and Hegra (book ahead).
- Oasis walks: paths through the palm groves and farms of the AlUla oasis.
- Wellness: sunset meditation and sound sessions in the desert, from SAR 50 per person on set dates.
- Festivals: a winter calendar of cultural, music and sports events; check what’s on before you go.
Food and drink
AlUla’s restaurants range from casual cafes in the old town and Winter Park to fine dining at the desert resorts, with dishes using local dates, citrus and herbs from the oasis. Try Saudi coffee with AlUla dates, grilled lamb and the traditional dishes served at the Dadan Culinary Arts Centre. Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Many restaurants are busiest after sunset in winter, so book ahead in peak season.
Day trips from AlUla
Khaybar and the lava fields
About 2.5 hours south by road, the volcanic Harrat Khaybar and the oasis town of Khaybar, with its fort, make a long day trip with a guide or a 4×4.
Medina
About 300 km (186 miles) south, roughly four hours by road. Non-Muslims can visit the city outside the sacred area around the Prophet’s Mosque. See our Medina guide.
Tabuk
About four hours to the northwest by road, Tabuk is the gateway to the northern mountains and the Red Sea coast.
Nearby destinations
- Medina292 km
Getting there and getting around
By air
AlUla International Airport (ULH), south of the valley, has domestic flights from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam and seasonal international flights. A visitor center at the airport is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with extended hours for late-night flights. Car rental desks (including Budget Saudi Arabia, Lumi and Alrehaili) operate at the airport, and a limited number of taxis are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrange a transfer with your hotel. You can also fly to Medina or Tabuk and drive to AlUla in about four hours. Since early 2026, regional tensions have led to periodic airspace closures across the Gulf, so flights can be delayed, rerouted or canceled at short notice; check your flight with the airline before you travel.
Getting around
Distances between sites are large (Hegra is about 22 km, or 14 miles, from the old town), so you’ll need a rental car, taxis booked in advance or the shuttle buses. Hegra, Dadan and Jabal Ikmah are visited on tours that include transport from the visitor centers. A bus service connects Eskan with Al-Jadidah via Aziziya, Al-Mahash and Al-Ruzayqiyah, running every 30 minutes during operating hours. Visitor centers at the Old Town (open daily 8 a.m. to midnight), Hegra, Dadan, Winter Park (7 a.m. to 11 p.m.) and the airport handle bookings and information.
Driving
Roads are good, and fuel is cheap. Drive on the right, watch for camels and wandering livestock, especially after dark, and don’t drive off-road into the desert without a guide. Many visitors can use their home license for their first months, and rental companies may ask for an International Driving Permit.
When to go and how long to stay
November to March is the season, with sunny days of about 20–29 °C (68–83 °F); nights are cold, often below 10 °C (50 °F) from December to February, so pack warm layers for stargazing and early tours. October and April are warm to hot, about 33–37 °C (92–98 °F). May to September brings highs of 39–43 °C (101–109 °F); tours run early and late, but many visitors avoid the summer. Rain is rare but can arrive in sudden winter storms that flood wadis and roads.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rain | Highest recorded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20 °C (68 °F) | 6 °C (43 °F) | 4 mm (0.1 in) | 26 °C (78 °F) |
| Feb | 24 °C (76 °F) | 9 °C (49 °F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 30 °C (87 °F) |
| Mar | 29 °C (83 °F) | 15 °C (60 °F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 35 °C (94 °F) |
| Apr | 33 °C (92 °F) | 19 °C (66 °F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 38 °C (101 °F) |
| May | 39 °C (101 °F) | 24 °C (75 °F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 41 °C (107 °F) |
| Jun | 41 °C (106 °F) | 27 °C (81 °F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 45 °C (114 °F) |
| Jul | 43 °C (109 °F) | 29 °C (85 °F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 48 °C (118 °F) |
| Aug | 42 °C (108 °F) | 28 °C (83 °F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 45 °C (113 °F) |
| Sep | 42 °C (108 °F) | 28 °C (82 °F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 44 °C (111 °F) |
| Oct | 37 °C (98 °F) | 21 °C (71 °F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Nov | 28 °C (83 °F) | 16 °C (61 °F) | 26 mm (1.0 in) | 34 °C (94 °F) |
| Dec | 24 °C (76 °F) | 12 °C (53 °F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28 °C (83 °F) |
| Year | 34 °C (92 °F) | 20 °C (67 °F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 48 °C (118 °F) |
Figures are the 1991–2020 climate normals that Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology submitted to the World Meteorological Organization for the AlUla station. For this station they are based on a single year of records (2020), so treat them as a rough guide; “highest recorded” is the hottest day in each month of that year.
Events worth planning around
- Hegra Geology Hike (Saturdays, 24 October to 12 December 2026): sunset hikes through Hegra’s landscape.
- From Old Town to Oasis (6 November to 12 December 2026): a guided twilight heritage walk.
- Leonid meteor shower viewing (15 November 2026): free guided stargazing at Jabal Ikmah.
- Winter events (roughly October to March): concerts at Maraya and cultural, sports and wellness events.
Dates change each year; check the Experience AlUla website.
How long to stay: 2, 3 and 4 days
- Two days: the Hegra Day Tour in the morning, the old town and Elephant Rock at sunset; Dadan and Jabal Ikmah the next morning.
- Three days: add Maraya, a canyon hike and a stargazing evening.
- Four days: add a premium or nature tour of Hegra, a balloon flight or a day trip to Khaybar.
Where to stay in AlUla
- Old Town and the oasis: boutique guesthouses and small hotels within walking distance of the lanes and restaurants.
- Winter Park and Al-Jadidah: mid-range hotels near the tour departures.
- Canyon resorts: luxury villas and tented resorts in the valleys south and west of the town.
- Near Hegra: a few exclusive camps and lodges close to the heritage site.
AlUla has a limited number of rooms, and prices are high in winter; book early, and compare totals with VAT and fees.
Typical costs in AlUla
| Item (as of October 2026) | Saudi riyals | About US dollars |
|---|---|---|
| Hegra Day Tour, from | SAR 95 | $25 |
| Hegra Premium Tour, per vehicle (up to 7), from | SAR 1,000 | $267 |
| Dadan and Jabal Ikmah tour, guided / audio, from | SAR 60 / 90 | $16 / $24 |
| AlUla Old Town tour | SAR 70 | $19 |
| Maraya tour, from | SAR 95 | $25 |
| Casual restaurant meal | about SAR 40–90 | about $11–24 |
| Mid-range hotel room, per night in winter | about SAR 600–1,500 | about $160–400 |
Tour prices are the Royal Commission for AlUla’s published starting prices; meals and hotels are typical ranges. The riyal is pegged at about SAR 3.75 to US$1.
Safety in AlUla
AlUla is safe and quiet, with low crime. The main risks come from the desert climate and the terrain.
- Heat and sun: in summer, highs above 40 °C (104 °F) are common; even in winter the sun is strong. Carry water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and rest in the shade.
- Cold nights: winter nights can be close to freezing; bring warm layers for stargazing and early starts.
- Rocks and heritage sites: stay on marked paths, wear shoes with good grip, and don’t climb on or touch tombs and inscriptions.
- Desert and wadi floods: winter storms can bring sudden flash floods; never camp or drive in wadi beds when rain is forecast.
- Driving: watch for camels on the roads at night, and only drive into the desert with a guide or convoy.
- Dress codes, alcohol and medicines: cover elbows and knees in public, remember that alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia, and get an SFDA clearance permit for controlled medicines before you travel.
- Photography: drones need permits, and the heritage sites may have restrictions; ask before photographing people.
- Flight disruptions: since early 2026, regional tensions have led to periodic airspace closures across the Gulf, and flights can be delayed, rerouted or canceled at short notice. Check your flight with the airline before you travel, and heed the Saudi Civil Defense early-warning alerts sent to phones.
- Emergencies: call 911 for police, ambulance and fire, or 112 from a phone without a Saudi SIM card.
Practical tips for AlUla
- Time zone: Arabia Standard Time (UTC+3) all year.
- Bookings: book Hegra and other tours on the official Experience AlUla website; the call center (+966 920 025 003) answers Sunday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Money and SIM cards: there are several ATMs and a currency exchange at the airport and in the old town; buy a SIM card at Riyadh or Jeddah airport before you arrive.
What to pack for AlUla
Pack comfortable walking shoes with good grip, loose clothes that cover elbows and knees, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and a warm jacket for winter evenings and stargazing. A reusable water bottle, a small backpack and a headlamp for evening events are useful. Carry medicines in their original packaging with a prescription.
AlUla travel FAQ
Can I visit Hegra without a tour?
No. Hegra is visited on booked tours that start from the visitor center, with Rawi guides; the Hegra Day Tour starts at SAR 95.
How long does a Hegra tour take?
About two hours for the Hegra Day Tour and the Premium Tour.
Is Hegra a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. Hegra became Saudi Arabia’s first World Heritage Site in 2008.
What are Elephant Rock’s opening hours?
It is open daily from 4 p.m. to midnight; sunset is the most popular time.
How do I get to AlUla?
Fly to AlUla International Airport, or fly to Medina or Tabuk and drive about four hours.
Do I need a car in AlUla?
It helps, as sites are spread out. Tours to Hegra, Dadan and Jabal Ikmah include transport from the visitor centers, and a shuttle bus links the main areas.
What is the best time to visit AlUla?
November to March, when days are about 20–29 °C (68–83 °F). Nights are cold in midwinter.
Can I go inside the tombs at Hegra and Dadan?
No. Visitors must stay on the designated paths, and entering the tombs or touching the carvings is prohibited.
What is Jabal Ikmah?
A canyon with hundreds of ancient inscriptions and rock carvings, listed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, about 10 minutes from Dadan.
How far is AlUla from Medina?
About 300 km (186 miles), roughly four hours by car.
Sources and last review
Researched and last reviewed on 5 October 2026. Tour types, durations and prices, site descriptions and rules for Hegra, Dadan, Jabal Ikmah and the old town, Elephant Rock’s hours, Maraya tours, events and their dates, visitor center hours, getting there by air and road, airport car rental and taxis, buses and practical information come from the Royal Commission for AlUla’s Experience AlUla website; Hegra’s World Heritage listing from UNESCO; laws, driving and emergency numbers from GOV.UK’s Saudi Arabia travel information (updated 20 September 2026) and the Saudi Press Agency; airspace disruption from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency; climate from the 1991–2020 normals Saudi Arabia submitted to the World Meteorological Organization (one year of data for AlUla); coordinates from Wikidata. Hegra’s history and the Tomb of Lihyan, the old town’s history, Maraya’s mirror count, distances, airline routes, balloon flights, Khaybar, canyon resorts and typical prices are general references and flagged for checking. For entry rules and money, see our Saudi Arabia travel guide.
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