HEGRA
Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Populated since before the 1st millennium BCE, Hegra is renowned for its more than 110 remarkably well-preserved burial tombs carved from the surrounding desert rock. These tombs served as the final resting places for the Nabataean elite, with some chambers bearing inscriptions that reveal the identities of those within — healers, military figures, and local leaders. The city’s legacy extends beyond its tombs. Expertly carved stone blocks, known as betyls, stand as representations of Nabataean gods, reflecting the spiritual life of the time. Ingenious examples of ancient engineering, such as wells and stone-lined water channels, showcase the community's ability to thrive in the desert landscape. Defensive walls, gates, and towers surrounding the city reflect the influence of Roman design and the strategic importance of Hegra. Hegra is a place where history, craftsmanship, and culture converge — a lasting testament to the ingenuity of its ancient inhabitants.
ALULA OLD TOWN
AlUla’s Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys and hundreds of mud-brick houses, standing shoulder to shoulder like an impenetrable fortress. These structures, shaped by time and history, date back almost a millennium. The town’s winding paths and clustered dwellings reflect a settlement steeped in heritage and tradition. Originating in the 12th century, Old Town flourished along ancient incense trading routes and played a pivotal role on the pilgrimage path from Damascus to Makkah. Its 14 gates once regulated the flow of travelers and traders, all under the watchful eye of a 45-metre-high fort, a steadfast defensive structure dating to the 10th century. AlUla’s Old Town stands as a testament to centuries of human resilience, commerce, and community, preserving the echoes of a bygone era within its mud-brick wall
- MARAYA
Maraya, an architectural wonder in AlUla’s Ashar Valley, has quickly become an icon of modern design. Meaning “mirror” in Arabic, this awe-inspiring structure features a facade composed of 9,740 reflective glass panels, allowing it to seemingly vanish into the surrounding sandstone cliffs and reappear with changing light. This optical illusion lends Maraya a futuristic aesthetic while maintaining a sense of timeless simplicity and purity. Designed as a multi-purpose venue for concerts, events, and conferences, Maraya's connection to its environment is further enhanced by a 26-metre floor-to-ceiling facade that opens to reveal sweeping panoramic views of the Ashar Valley. A masterpiece of ingenuity and harmony, Maraya reflects not only the beauty of its natural surroundings but also the innovative spirit of AlUla.
- HARRAT UWAYRID
Perched atop a volcanic mountain, Harrat Viewpoint offers one of AlUla’s most breathtaking panoramas. From this elevated vantage point, gaze out over deep canyons, lush green oases, and striking rock formations stretching to the horizon. Overlooking landmarks like the Old Town and the expansive valley below, the viewpoint opens in the late afternoon, providing the perfect setting to witness the golden hues of another unforgettable Saudi sunset.
- ALULA CAMEL CUP TRACK / MUGHAYRA HERITAGE SPORTS VILLAGE
Mughayra Heritage Sports Village stands as a vibrant hub for the preservation and revival of Saudi Arabia’s rich sporting heritage. Nestled within AlUla’s stunning landscapes, this venue has hosted some of the most significant heritage sports events in the region. Among these is the AlUla Falcon Cup, where over 2,000 elite falconers competed, displaying centuries-old falconry skills and vying for a share of a remarkable $16 million prize pool. The village is also home to the celebrated AlUla Camel Cup, an event honoring one of the region’s oldest traditions — camel racing. This competition, known as the "Champion of Champions," draws top racing camels from around the world to showcase their speed and endurance. Through these prestigious events, Mughayra Heritage Sports Village not only honors the legacy of traditional Arabian sports but also reinforces AlUla’s role as a guardian of the Kingdom’s cultural identity.
- DADAN
Dadan, one of AlUla's most remarkable archaeological discoveries, was once the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms over 2,000 years ago. This ancient stone city, carved into striking red rock cliffs, features renowned tombs skillfully cut up to 50 metres above ground. Painstaking excavations have revealed Dadan's significance as a hub of trade and agriculture along the incense route. Today, visitors can explore this stunning site while archaeologists continue to unravel its secrets and inscriptions, offering a deep dive into the rich history of northwest Arabia.
- ALULA OASIS
Amid AlUla's golden desert sands, lush date palm groves thrive, producing over 90,000 tonnes of dates annually and serving as a cornerstone of the ecosystem. These groves once offered shade, fuel, and shelter to merchants and pilgrims traveling to Dadan or Hegra, while supporting the livelihoods of local communities. Beneath the canopy of 2.3 million date palms, 200,000 citrus trees flourish, yielding oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and kumquats. These trees, in turn, protect aromatic herbs like basil and mint, while crops of barley, wheat, figs, and olives benefit from the region's natural spring water.
- ELEPHANT ROCK
Jabal AlFil as it is known in Arabic, AlUla’s iconic elephant-shaped rock, rises 52 metres into the sky, its sandstone sculpted by millions of years of wind and water erosion. At dusk, this striking formation is bathed in a magical crimson glow. Visitors can fully appreciate the spectacle by relaxing near a fire pit, enjoying food and drink, and embracing the desert’s evening chill.
- JABAL IKMAH
Jabal Ikmah, a treasure trove of ancient inscriptions, reflects the enduring power of the written word in human history. Etched into its cliffs and rocks, these detailed stories have inspired generations and offer a window into past civilizations. This spiritual site’s significance was recognized by UNESCO, earning a place in their Memory of the World Register.