Why AlUla Is One of Saudi Arabia's Most Popular Tourist Places

AlUla has become one of the most recognised tourist places in Saudi Arabia, but there is more to see than just one attraction. The area brings together ancient history, unusual rock formations, an old oasis and desert landscape that are very different from a modern city. It was also an important place for earlier civilisations and trade routes, which is why visitors can find both natural and historical attractions in the same area.

Hegra

Hegra is one of the places most closely connected with AlUla. It was an important settlement of the Nabataean civilization, and many of its tombs were carved into sandstone rock.

Some of the tombs have large decorated entrances that can still be seen clearly today. The surrounding desert around them makes the site feel very different from an archaeological site surrounded by a modern city. Hegra is also Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock is one of AlUla's most recognisable natural landmarks. Its shape is similar to an elephant standing with its trunk close to the ground.

This formation was created naturally by erosion. The surrounding open desert makes it easy to see the size and shape of the rock.

Old Town

AlUla Old Town gives a different view of the area. Instead of ancient tombs and large rock formations, it contains old mud-brick buildings and narrow streets.

The settlement developed around the oasis, where water and fertile land supported agriculture. The old houses and lanes show how people built communities around the resources available in the area. Visit Saudi describes the preserved Old Town as having more than 900 mud-brick houses.

The Oasis

The AlUla Oasis is an important part of the area's history. It is full of Date palms and farmland and it brings a noticeable change to the dry surroundings, and the oasis helped support settlements for generations.

Why Visit?

AlUla stands out because several different experiences come together in one destination. There is ancient history at Hegra, natural scenery around Elephant Rock, traditional architecture in the Old Town and the long history of farming around the oasis.

If you are planning to visit Saudi Arabia, check the current entry requirements for your nationality before travelling. If you are eligible, you can also check the requirements for a Saudi Arabia eVisa before making your travel arrangements.

AlUla is therefore more than a desert destination. Its archaeological sites, old settlement and natural surroundings explain why it has become one of the country's most talked-about tourist places.