There’s more to do in AlUla than meets the eye. We’ve spoken about it before, with its archaeological wonders, incredible landscapes and more. But that really is just the tip of the iceberg for this region. AlUla also offers some amazing experiences far beyond what you will see in most itineraries. The Explorer Society member and Arabian expert Antonio recently visited AlUla and put together a list of additional experiences that he loved whilst wandering around the area.

Al Diwan and Jabal Ithab

Religious or ritual practices at Hegra were concentrated around Jabal Ithlib, a natural mountain outcrop to the east of the city. There’s a certain time of day in Jabal Ithlib (Mid-Morning for us) when the sun comes filtering through the narrow, 40m-high Siq corridor between towering sandstone rocks. This sun lays out a light-filled path and creates a starburst effect that imbues this already majestic spot with an otherworldly glow.

View Inside a Nabataean Tomb at Hegra

There are over 100 carved tombs that are scattered around Hegra, however you can only go inside one of these. It’s worth it as you get a closer look into this forgotten civilisation and how they buried their dead. This particular tomb is found on Jabal AlBanat, one of the largest clusters of tombs. In total there are 29 carved on all sides of this sandstone rock.

Breakfast at Princess Noura’s Farm

Enjoy a Saudi Arabian style home-made breakfast at Princess Noura Farm with beautiful Saudi hospitality. The majority of the food served is grown locally on the farm that surrounds the house. Following your breakfast, you can wander amidst gorgeous palm trees that offer over 26 types of high-quality dates and indulge in a wide range of food items including jam, vegetables and fruits.

Harrat Viewpoint

Scale the black lava stone terrain of Harrat Uwayrid, and you’ll be rewarded with views over Dadan, AlUla Old Town, AlUla Fort and the AlUla Oasis. Stand at what feels like the edge of the world, meditate, and reconnect with nature. Arrive before sundown to soak up the sights and sounds of the golden hour, when the sky’s orange glow adds a magical touch to everything you see. Stay for sunset and watch the sky slowly fill with thousands of dancing stars.
Note: During the AlUla Moments Season, nestled within this outlook, you’ll find OKTO, an upscale, authentic Greek restaurant developed by top-rated chef, Ntinos Fotinakis. Bringing an array of fresh ingredients from Greece to the table you can indulge in the artful explosion of flavours in every dish.

Seasonal experiences

Concert Season at Maraya

If you are lucky enough to visit AlUla during the AlUla Moments season, make sure you book some tickets to any concert available, regardless of language or interest just to experience an evening at Maraya – the world’s largest mirrored building. As you pull up to the entrance, you are greeted by a traditional Saudi welcome with horses at the entrance before entering this spectacular event space. Dress to impress here! If possible, enjoy dinner at Maraya Social, Michelin Star Chef Jason Atherton’s Restaurant.

AlUla Citrus Festival

Taking place during the peak of the harvest season over two weekends, the festival is an excellent opportunity for visitors to taste the ripest fruits the oasis has to offer. Buy fruits directly from the farmers, taste the tang of freshly squeezed juice and find local, family-owned businesses selling citrus-based products, like soaps and jams. Enjoy the atmosphere under the AlUla Oasis Trees as traditional Saudi Arabian music is performed amongst this relaxing atmosphere.