As there is a lot to see and do in the area, we recommend buying your tickets for the various experiences at AlUla in advance. This will ensure you avoid disappointment as tickets may be sold out.

For more information, visit www.experiencealula.com

   Jabal Ikmah

Ticketed Tour  - Jabal Ikmah is commonly known as the ‘open library’ due to the many treasures hidden within this rocky valley. Numerous inscriptions in languages including Aramaic, Dadanitic, Nabataean, Minaic and Thamudic cover the cliff faces and rocks of the area. This area can only be accessed by guided tour as research and preservation work is ongoing.

  Maraya

Ticketed Tour - Ticketed Tour Maraya, which means ‘reflection’ in Arabic, is the world’s largest mirrored building. This state-of-the-art structure is made up of over 9,000 mirrored panels that reflect the surrounding desert canyon’s natural beauty. From a certain perspective, the mirror seems to disappear into the surrounding landscape, making it a great place for photographs.

  Hegra 

Ticketed Tour - It is not often that we get the chance to get so close to history. The largest preserved site of Nabataen civilisation south of Petra, Saudi Arabia has opened Hegra to tourists for the first time. With roots tracing back to the 1st century BCE, this area offers some fascinating insights into Nabataean culture. The well-preserved monumental tombs and the carved facades of sandstone outcrops share similarities with their sister site in Petra, Jordan. Keep a lookout for another interesting rock formation in this area known as Face Rock, which closely resembles a human face.

SWEET CITRUS

AlUla is a fertile oasis that produces all kinds of crops. Citrus crops, in particular, thrive in this area, with 80% of the nation’s harvest being produced here. A total of 29 varieties of citrus fruits and 200,000 trees are grown in AlUla, including oranges, kumquats, pomelos and torounge (a hybrid of lemon and pomelo).

 

  Dancing Rock

Off-road - Only 45 minutes from the city centre, this route will require an appropriately fitted 4WD vehicle. If you have a dune buggy of your own, bring it along for further exploration. Located in Raggasat Valley, these rock formations have been weathered by the elements and now appear to be dancing together.

  Sharann Nature Reserve

Ticketed Tour - The Sharann Nature Reserve is currently closed due to restoration work, but once opened will offer guided tours. The reserve protects 1,500km² of abundant flora and fauna including wildflowers, Nubian ibex, gazelles and birds.

  Rainbow Arch

Off-road - About a 90-minute drive from AlUla, this off-road destination is a definite must! Be sure to have a terrain-appropriate vehicle as the sand banks near the foothills can be tricky. This breathtakingly beautiful rainbow-shaped rock is a short and easy climb and one of the most stunning sunset viewpoints in AlUla. Stay a little longer to watch the stars fill the clear night sky.

PARTICIPATING IN TICKETED TOURS IS A GREAT WAY TO HELP GROW THE LOCAL ECONOMY. IT ALSO ENSURES YOU GET ACCURATE AND DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE SITES YOU ARE VISITING.

 

  Al Gharameel

Ticketed Tour - These thin pillars of stone are the remnants of a huge mountain that once dominated the area. Best appreciated at night, we highly recommend booking the stargazing tour ahead of time. Try to identify and navigate the stars above, just like the Nabataeans who once occupied this land.

DRIVING DIRECTION

Accessing most areas requires a ticket so make sure to buy one online to avoid disappointment. Tickets may be available at Winter Park at the start of the drive, subject to availability.

  1     Begin your journey on the main road at AlUla Winter Park and drive towards Jabal Ikmah*.

  2     Continue straight until you reach the Qaraqir area. Take a left and you will see a security checkpoint. Go on foot and visit the world’s largest mirrored building, Maraya*. Return to the main track for an easy drive to Hegra*.

  3     Turn left at the junction and drive for a further 10km.

  4     From here, you can take a left and explore more of the old Hijaz Railway, or continue straight to stay on the route.

  5     Continue on the main route for a further 5km. You can head to Al Gharameel or Rainbow Arch if you want to extend the trip.