AlUla is one of Saudi Arabia’s pearls located where the Silk Road the Incense Road and the Spice Road converge. Unwind under endless starry skies as you meander through the desert among craggy rock formations and ancient rock tombs. Ask Saudis about their nation’s pearls and they will tell you with great pride about Al Ula’s beauty. The Biblical city which is where the Silk Road the Incense Road and the Spice Road converge developed into one of the most significant locations in the Nabatean kingdom. Besides the breathtaking Hegra ruins and a plethora of angular wind-sculpted rock formations in the surrounding desert, AlUla is the ideal location for relaxing in an opulent canyon villa or beneath an endless sky. So, choose cheap Umrah packages from UK and explore Al-Ula during religious trip.
Explore Hegra the recently revealed Petra
The 131 rock tombs in Hegra were relatively unknown to the surrounding Bedouin tribes for two millennia until a recent revival of interest in this archaeological wonderland from the Nabataean kingdom. Word of mouth since in Jordans Petra another Nabataean city where you can stroll in procession there are still more desert animals than tourists at the Unesco World Heritage Site at Hegra. AlUla is roughly a half-hour drive from Hegra.
Cultural Importance
Besides being a historical and natural monument, AlUla is a centre for art and culture. The ancient stone workmanship and engravings in the locale give knowledge into the way of life and beliefs of individuals who lived here millennia prior. Visitors are constantly enamoured and propelled by Alula’s imaginative inheritance, which deftly mixes the old and the contemporary. The festivals held in AlUla are another reason for its fame. One such event that blends music art and history is the Winter at Tantora Festival. The AlUlas draw an eclectic international audience in still enthral and inspire visitors atmosphere created by this celebration. With its extensive offerings and appeal on a global scale, the festival has developed into a major occasion that enthrals guests and leaves them with priceless memories.
Explore AlUla the Old City on foot
Nearly nine hundred mud houses make up the maze-like old town of AlUla. It feels like a trip back in time to explore the alleyways of AlUla when pilgrims were passing through on their way from Damascus to the sacred Mecca where the Incense Road merchants sold their wares.
Travelers sought relief from the heat and strength of the tenth-century Musa bin Nusayr Castle and the Rock Mosque in the ancient AlUla restaurants where the aroma of spices carried echoes of bygone eras. AlUlas new event space is called AlUla Moments. To honor Alula’s history divulge its mysteries and celebrate both domestic and global cultures, the brand debuted four new festivals at the end of 2021.
AlUla has experienced social gatherings and cultural celebrations for 7000 years having been the home of some of the most advanced ancient kingdoms in history. AlUla Moments is hosting five major festivals and numerous major events in 2023–2024. These include the Ancient Kingdoms Festival Winter at Tantora Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup AlUla Wellness Festival AlUla Arts Festival and AlUla Skies Festival.
· Watch Elephant Rock’s sunset
The artistry of the Nabataeans is evident to anyone who has visited the Hegra rock tombs but nature is the ultimate sculpture enthusiast. One could spend an entire day gazing at the erratic hues of the Siamese Twin Rock Face Rock and Elephant Rock in particular. Wind and water have eroded these erratic rock formations. Remain seated and observe as the golden light of the lowering sun appears to animate the fifty-meter-tall sandstone creature.
· Relax at the Canyon Villa Habitas
The ninety-six villas of Habitas AlUla are tucked away among the palm trees of a millennium-old oasis in the Ashar Valley. The Nabataeans and other ancient tribes were the first to locate the desert canyons where this five-star resort is situated. The stresses of daily life are insurmountable even though you might think so too. As soon as you enter the lobby of the Canyon Villa which is styled after a khaima, the Bedouin traditional tent you can relax with Saduta carpets, Arabic coffee and fresh dates. You will notice that everything at Habitas is centred around the following themes: music wellness, adventure, culture learning and cuisine.
· Admire the Maraya Mirage
No, it isn’t your imagination because you have spent too much time lost in the desert. Though AlUla has a fascinating past the most amazing thing about the building is how new it is. The 9740 square meter Maraya concert hall is the largest mirror building in the world reflecting the surrounding sand dunes and mountain gorges. The 10000-square-meter concert hall is a remarkable example of how contemporary Arab architecture melds with its surroundings reflecting the Ashar Valley’s surrounding natural beauty. The 500-seat concert hall has already hosted performances by well-known international performers like Alice Keys and Andrea Bocelli.
· See ostriches and gazelles
Although safari tourists would not instantly connect the kingdom with desert scenery, a surprising variety of species can be found there. To protect this abundant biodiversity, the Sharaan Nature Reserve is in the midst of an ambitious attempt to reintroduce the critically endangered Arabian leopard to the Hijaz Mountains. Get an Umrah visa make reservations for a tour and go on a 4WD trek into the region if luck holds you might spot an ostrich or mountain gazelle.
· Discover the night sky with the Bedouins
Escape to a Dark Sky Discovery Site by travelling far into the desert and embracing your inner nomad. Here you can still experience complete darkness and gaze up at the starry sky just like the Bedouins did many years ago. Additional star attractions include sleeping in a Bedouin tent riding a camel under the moon and enjoying stories by the campfire.
· Walk the Trail of Oasis
The interior of the kingdom offers additional opportunities to avoid the summertime heat. The swaying greenery and cool shade of palm trees are especially inviting after discovering the surprises of the surrounding desert in AlUla. Experience the delightful aroma of dates and citrus fruits during a stroll along the uncomplicated and calming Oasis Trail a verdant haven that has supported life in a cork-dry environment for millennia.
Take in an aerial perspective of the desert. The skies over the surrounding desert landscape of AlUla are without a doubt this region’s high point. You can survey millennia of history and a landscape made of rolling desert dunes black extinct volcanoes and mysterious rock formations spanning millions of years from an aerial perspective. With a sound appropriate for the barren landscape, you glide over the mirrored walls of Maraya the train of the Hijaz Railway and the rock tombs of Hegra.
