Al-'Ula: Oasis, rock landscape and cultural heritage

Al-'Ula brings together an extensive date palm oasis, historic sites and striking rock formations. These create a variety of impressions side by side: citrus trees shaded by palms, nearby tombs and inscriptions, and sculpted sandstone with sweeping views. When planning your trip, it is worth considering in advance whether you would prefer to focus on cultural heritage, landscapes or organised excursions.

Oasis, palms and citrus fruits

In the AlUla Oasis, 2.3 million date palms provide shade for 200,000 citrus trees. They bear oranges, grapefruits, lemons and kumquats. The combination of date palms and citrus trees makes the oasis a distinctive landscape; the stated tree numbers and fruit mix may change over time.

Rock formations also shape the character of the area beyond the oasis. Nearby Elephant Rock is a natural sandstone formation that took on its elephant-like shape over millions of years through rain, wind and sand. The nearby Harrat Viewpoint is on the summit of the Harrat Uwayrid volcano. From there, the view stretches across the oasis, the old town and the wider AlUla Valley. These two sights are quite different: one centres on a single rock formation shaped by erosion, while the other offers views across a much larger landscape.

Tombs, inscriptions and historic sites

Nearby is Hegra, with more than 110 well-preserved tombs carved into desert rock. Nabataean elites were buried there. Dadan was once an important hub on the Incense Route. Its archaeological remains include ancient tombs, inscriptions and architecture, as well as rock art on cliffs nearly 50 metres high. The sites offer different ways to explore history: Hegra is defined by its rock-cut tombs, while Dadan brings together several types of archaeological evidence.

Jabal Ikmah is also close to Al-'Ula. It can be visited as part of organised tours, either in a private premium 4x4 vehicle or by coach; self-driving is not permitted. Check the current tour arrangements before your trip. Choosing an organised tour is therefore part of planning your excursion.

Rock landscape and wildlife sightings

The nearby Sharaan Nature Reserve is north of AlUla. During guided tours in 4x4 vehicles, red-necked ostriches, Nubian ibex, Idmi gazelles, Cape hares and rock hyraxes have occasionally been spotted there. Sightings are not guaranteed. If you include nature experiences in your trip plans, bear in mind the difference between the rock landscape described and the possibility of wildlife sightings: the animals listed are only spotted occasionally.

Old Town and AlJadidah Arts District

The AlJadidah Arts District is right next to AlUla Old Town. It has boutiques offering fashion, jewellery and home accessories by local designers, art galleries, studios, street cafés and food trucks in the squares. As individual shops and offerings may change, it is worth checking the latest information before your visit.

AlUla Visitor Centres are located in the Old Town, at Hegra and Dadan, in Winter Park and at AlUla International Airport. The Experience AlUla team can help with booking and changing experiences and provide information about events, concerts, cultural sites and other offerings. Locations and offerings may change; check in advance which information point is right for your visit.

Choosing the right holiday rental for your trip

When choosing a holiday rental, you can focus on the experiences that matter most to you. If you mainly want to explore the Old Town and AlJadidah Arts District, check that your accommodation’s location suits this focus. For trips to Hegra, Dadan or Jabal Ikmah, consider which destinations you plan to visit and which tour arrangements are currently available. If the landscape is your main interest, you can consider the oasis, Harrat Viewpoint and the reserve further north as distinct attractions.

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