Northwest of Medina, on the Incense Route lies the oasis city of AlUla (own spelling: Al-ʿUla). Once an important trading point and capital of the Lihyan Empire, today dates and citrus fruits are grown around the 80 springs. Far from the noisy megacities, you'll find yourself in an interesting mix of old and new. We have five reasons why AlUla is worth a visit.

Hegra

Hegra by night. © Royal Commission for AlUla

Huge tombs, ornately decorated and carved into the stone - if you only think of Petra in Jordan, you're wrong. The Nabataeans also settled in Saudi Arabia. AlUla's first UNESCO World Heritage Site impressively demonstrates the architectural and artistic skills of past civilizations. Several hundred tombs can be explored in the huge area. A highlight is the Qasr Al-Farid, one of the largest and most unique tombs, which takes up an entire rock alone.

Animal and nature reserves

The endangered Arabian leopard finds its own sanctuary in AlUla. © Shutterstock

228 plant, 23 mammal, 30 bird and 31 reptile and amphibian species are native to AlUla. It is important to protect them and therefore five reserves have been set up so far, in which the plant and animal world find retreat possibilities. On guided safaris you can discover them. Special attention is given to the endangered Arabian leopard. Separate zones are being created for it, where it can reestablish itself, and at the same time a recovery of the population is being actively promoted - since 2021, four young animals have already been born.

Old Town AlUla

View over the Old Town. © Royal Commission for AlUla

A labyrinth of densely packed mud houses and above them a fortress from the 10th century. The Old Town is a highlight, especially in the evening, when the oasis town really comes to life as dusk falls. Numerous handicraft stores, artists' booths, exhibitions, restaurants and cafes enliven the old part of the town. The scent of fresh fruit, almonds, local dates and citrus fruits wafts around your nose as you stroll through the narrow streets in pleasant temperatures. Here, too, the Arabs show their hospitable side - even as a woman you don't feel uncomfortable.

Events

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Experience AlUla استكشف العلا (@experiencealula)

Together with the Royal Commission for AlUla, numerous events take place. Either in the famous hall of mirrors Maraya, or in the oasis itself. Art exhibitions, the Skies Festival, concerts, sporting events and much more fill the calendar of events and ensure that this place is an attractive travel destination throughout the year.

Desert camping deluxe

© Banyan Tree AlUla

What would a trip be without stylish accommodation? Since October 2022, the Banyan Tree AlUla offers desert glamping (camping) at its best. The resort is located in the Ashar Valley, a pristine valley near the oasis. It stretches along rock formations and offers a unique spa with a stone pool, as well as numerous activities such as ziplining, sunrise rides, and tours of archaeological sites. In the evening, you can marvel at the unforgettable starry sky above as the desert wind blows around your nose and you hear wild animals in the distance.

Banyan Tree AlUla
Wadi Ashar, 43563AlUla Saudi Arabia
Tel: +966 14 512 0000
Web: banyantree.com
Price: Villa from € 607