Published 29th Jun. 2026
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Saudi Arabia’s doors and deserts are now open to curious travellers, thanks to the introduction of tourist visas in 2019, making this the perfect time to discover the ancient oasis city of AlUla in the northwest of the country. With over 200,000 years of history to uncover and ancient tombs still being discovered, you never know what you’ll stumble across in the city’s surrounding. Roam vast sandstone landscapes and spot wonderful wildlife by day, then unwind under star-filled skies come night. Ready for a Saudi Arabian adventure? Read on to discover the best things to do in AlUla…
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First up on our list of things to do in Alula: explore ancient wonders and modern marvels. Start at Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, where over 100 tombs rise from sandstone cliffs, carved by the Nabateans – an ancient civilisation known for their architectural artistry. Each inscription reveals a society that thrived in the desert over 2,000 years ago (how they coped in 40-degree heat, without air conditioning, we don’t know).
While Hegra reveals the past, history is being made today at Saudi Arabia’s Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building. Selfie fans, prepare yourselves: Maraya’s reflective facade transforms the desert into a futuristic backdrop, where old meets new.
Image by Paul Biris / Getty Images
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A guided tour is next on our roundup of things to do in AlUla. Learn about the Nabateans, Dadanites and Lihyanites with the help of local guides, also known as Rawis (storytellers) and discover how the roots of Islam are woven into AlUla’s history. Hear about Bedouin life, ancient trade routes, desert survival and the myths that once made people believe AlUla was cursed. For centuries, this ancient city was largely avoided until archaeology and tourism reshaped its story.
Wander along Old Town Market Street, where the scents of spices mingle with the colours of handmade jewellery, textiles and crafts, each carrying a story of their own. Today, hidden relics are still being uncovered, so you never know what new histories might come to light.
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Image by Emily_M_Wilson / Getty Images
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Fancy a change of scenery? Explore AlUla’s oasis, where lush date palms and pockets of greenery await. Stroll along the peaceful trail or relax in the shade, just as ancient communities did centuries ago. Discover more than two million date palms, which produce a whopping 90,000 tonnes of dates every summer and savour the scents of oranges, lemons, figs, basil, mint and olives.
Among the palms, al-muzari (farmers) tend the fertile soil, and today visitors can enjoy dining experiences featuring local specialities such as kabsa or date-filled ma’amoul, made from ingredients hand-picked from the oasis.
Image by Sergio Amiti / Getty Images
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Wildlife-watching is a must when planning things to do in AlUla. In Sharaan Nature Reserve, gazelles bound across the plains, foxes peek from rocky crevices, Nubian ibex navigate steep slopes and elusive Arabian wolves prowl secluded valleys. Look up, and you might spot flashes of colour as vibrant bee-eaters flit across the sky. And thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, there’s growing hope that the critically-endangered Arabian leopard will one day return to the desert.
To experience the desert the old-school way, there’s nothing quite like a camel ride in AlUla. Treated as trusted companions, camels are central to local life. Time your visit right and you can catch AlUla’s annual Camel Cup, where these desert athletes sprint across the sands at surprising speeds. You may even find yourself backing a favourite.
Image by Westend61 / Getty Images
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Looking for the perfect way to end an evening in AlUla? Head to Elephant Rock, known in Arabic as Jabal AlFil. Rising 170ft, it’s one of AlUla’s most iconic natural landmarks and, as the name suggests, it really does look like an elephant. Naturally sculpted over millions of years by wind and water erosion, it’s especially striking at sunset, when the desert glows golden.
Nestle in the sunken seats surrounding the rock and watch the day fade. While alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia, smoothies, juices and teas from nearby stalls make for the perfect refreshment. Be sure to stick around after dark when Elephant Rock is illuminated by a blanket of stars.
Image by Sungkom / Getty Images
Header image by Jonathan Pozniak / Gallery Stock
Travelling with us means enjoying a trip that has been meticulously crafted by our team of experts, each knowing their specialised country like the back of their hand. Tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind, we can customise itineraries based on your taste, be that an architecture aficionado, a food fanatic or an environment enthusiast. Working hand-in-hand with local Concierges and guides, we’ll uncover spots perfect for you. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, our curated experiences are supported by an array of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline and an app full of recommendations.
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Last updated: March 2026 by Lucy Bailey, our Saudi Arabia Specialist. Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, the FCDO currently advises against travel to certain parts of Saudi Arabia, although travel is still possible to major hubs such as Al-Ula, Jeddah and Tabuk. It’s always important to check the travel advisories issued by your government before travelling to any foreign country. For the latest advice, please visit:
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