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People Shaping
AlUla's Future
CHAPTER 3
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A Visual Journey through AlUla
CHAPTER 2
CONTINUE YOUR ALULA DISCOVERY
IN COLLABORATION WITH
Discover the magic of AlUla as we unveil its treasures from A to Z. Immerse yourself in the rich history of ancient civilisations and trace the Incense Road's original trade routes. From natural wonders such as Elephant Rock to modern marvels such as Maraya, AlUla beckons with tales of Nabataeans, vibrant festivals and stargazing. With each letter, this alphabet reveals the extraordinary destination’s wealth of nature, history, wellness, modern art and more.
The A-Z of AlUla
Perfect for adrenalin-seekers looking to immerse themselves in a spectacular landscape, AlUla provides world-class views, valleys and vistas over which to zipline.
Zipline
Z
AlUla transforms into an artistic oasis during the biennial art festival Desert X AlUla. Renowned artists infuse creativity into the desert's raw beauty through unique installations, exploring ecological, cultural and spiritual themes.
Desert X AlUla
X
A very useful word when visiting Saudi, meaning everything from "let's go", "ok" and "hurry up", to "hello" and "goodbye".
Yalla
Y
An epic destination in its own right, this location will open in 2026 as the Valley of the Arts. The 65-square-kilometere open-air gallery will house permanent artworks by some of our generation's most prominent artists.
Wadi Alfann
W
Ashar Valley’s epic landscape has been formed over millennia by the elements. This valley is also home to Maraya and some of AlUla's most coveted stays, including Banyan Tree AlUla and Our Habitas AlUla (pictured).
Valley of Ashar
V
AlUla is home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first Unesco World Heritage Site, and Jabal Ikmah, recognised by Unesco for Memory of the World status. These, and many other historical sites, contribute to the recognition of AlUla's historical importance on a global scale.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
U
Unique to AlUla, the torounge is an ancient native citrus fruit used by the Nabataeans in cooking and for medicinal purposes. It looks like a cross between a lemon and a pomelo.
Torounge
T
AlUla's low-light policy and vast open landscapes make it one of the world's best stargazing spots. Especially spectacular at locations like Gharameel.
Stargazing
S
One of AlUla's many awesome rock formations, Rainbow Rock is a mind-bending sandstone arch and a magnet for astro-photographers.
Rainbow Rock
R
A pre- and early-Islamic city from 400 CE, where archaeologists have recently started excavations to uncover what would have been an extensive township.
Qurh
Q
Long known as a much-needed resting place for the people of centuries past, AlUla today is home to thriving contemporary communities. To visit the region is to encounter the deep warmth of true hospitality offered by the people of AlUla, set against the backdrop of breathtaking natural landscapes.
People
P
AlUla has multiple lush oases, which historically acted as places of welcome respite and hydration for weary travellers. Now home to some of the region's rich agriculture, the oases also provided the perfect conditions for farming during the hottest periods in the year.
Oasis
O
The Nabataeans were an ancient civilisation dating back to the 1st millennium BCE. They left an indelible mark in AlUla with their intricate rock-cut architecture, seen today in tombs and inscriptions. Explore the moving remnants of their civilisation, such as Hegra, as you step into the past at this archaeological wonder.
Nabataeans
N
Recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's largest mirrored building, Maraya is a contemporary architectural marvel. Its reflective exterior mirrors the stunning surroundings of the canyons and sand dunes like a desert mirage, an image that has become synonymous with AlUla.
Maraya
M
AlUla may be known for its breathtaking nature and historical sites, but it also has a thriving culinary scene. Find delicious bites to suit every palate, from comforting Middle Eastern classics and cardamom-scented Arabic coffee to world-class patisseries and fine dining.
Local Cuisine
L
This ancient oasis born from volcanic activity has captivating landscapes, old town forts and Stone Age burial sites. A vertiable must-see.
Khaybar
K
Often called the open-air library, Jabal Ikmah is one of four key heritage sites visitors can enter. Here, you'll find hundreds of age-old inscriptions and petroglyphs left by ancient travellers, telling their tales of pilgrimages and cultural rituals.
Jabal Ikmah
J
An ancient trade route that passed through the AlUla oasis and beyond, the Incense Road was an important historical junction. Camel caravans transported aromatics, spices and cultural treasures, leaving a lasting imprint on the region's history and trade.
Incense Road
I
A Unesco World Heritage Site, incredible Hegra is home to many ancient Nabataean tombs. The site is even more special at sunset.
Hegra
H
One of AlUla's best stargazing spots, Gharameel has a lack of light pollution which allows for breathtaking views of constellations and planets, as well as a rare view of the Milky Way. No telescope necessary!
Gharameel
G
AlUla has a diverse range of endemic flora and fauna, creating a unique ecosystem in the region. An ambitious rewilding programme is set to restore and maintain this balance, and to release native animals back into AlUla's expansive nature reserves.
Flora and Fauna
F
A geomorphological wonder shaped by water and wind over millions of years.
Elephant Rock
E
Cultivated in abundance, date-bearing palms can be seen all over AlUla, and contribute to the region's agricultural richness. Often served alongside Arabic coffee, dates are an essential symbol of generosity and gratitude.
Dates
D
A lively showcase of local culture, the annual Camel Cup in AlUla captivates visitors with camel races, traditional performances and a vibrant atmosphere.
Camel Cup
C
During the Bronze Age, AlUla was a thriving hub, evidenced by the discovery of archaeological artefacts and structures that offer glimpses into the region's ancient socio-economic and cultural dynamics.
Bronze Age
B
AlUla Old Town
Oasis
Dadan
Elephant Rock
Maraya
Hegra
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AlUla's Old Town’s atmospheric winding paths seeped with memories dates back almost a millennium.
AlUla Old Town
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AlUla boasts multiple lush Oases, which historically acted as welcome places of respite and hydration to weary travellers.
Oasis
LEARN MORE ABOUT ALULA
Two millennia old, the ancient city of Dadan was the capital of the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms. Home to the skilfully carved Lion Tombs.
Dadan
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A geomorphological wonder shaped by water and wind over millions of years.
Elephant Rock
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A contemporary architectural marvel in it's own right, Maraya's mirrored walls also house AlUla's premier event spaces. It's grand concert hall has welcomed countless world-renowned musicians.
Maraya
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the incredible Hegra is home to many ancient Nabataean tombs. The site is even more special at sunset.
Hegra
The rich history of AlUla's ancient civilisations is revealed through its landscapes, architecture and artefacts. The archaeological offerings of the region are still being unearthed today. These findings paint a diverse picture that gives insight into modern, early and pre-Islamic culture, from the ancient North Arabian kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan to the Nabateans and even a Roman presence. In this film, Amal the Rawi, an Arabic storyteller, takes us to the spaces in AlUla that tell us stories about the people of the past.
A for Ancient Civilisation
