AlUla Moments, what to explore during the summer
Northwest of Saudi Arabia nestled within the Valley of Villages (Wadi Al Qura), lies the city of AlUla. An agricultural oasis beloved for its abundant ancient history, cultural landmarks, awe-inspiring air and notably; the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra. During summer, the weather is pleasant and non-humid by day then cool and refreshing by night when temperatures drop to around 10°C; perfect to enjoy a bright starry sky in calming ambience.
Getting there
The AlUla International Airport (ULH) is located at a distance of only 35km away from the city’s center equal to a 30-minute drive; making reaching the city easy and accessible. Flynas is connecting AlUla and Cairo through direct flights starting the 6th of October this year, alongside flydubai it also offers trips from Dubai to AlUla. Saudia also connects several major cities within the Kingdom to AlUla, such as Jeddah, Dammam and Riyadh. Once visitors arrive and get settled at their accommodation, there is an abundance of incredible things to see and do.
Accommodations
AlUla offers luxurious experiences in a unique historic setting with mystical flair, from wellness getaways, world-class hotels, sightseeing experiences and more. Pool access is one of the top wants in summer travel, and hotels in the area offer luxury accommodations featuring pools, curated living spaces, and stunning views of the surrounding beauty of AlUla. Some of our top picks are:
- Habitas AlUla: A hotel championing sustainability in its practice, lying in an oasis within Ashar Valley’s desert canyons it features 96 rooms divided into three tiers; Canyon Rooms, Alcove Rooms and premium Celestial Rooms. It also offers a fitness center, yoga deck, restaurant, wellness center as well as a swimming pool. Habitas also holds weekly outdoor screenings of historical and cultural films and documentaries.
- Shaden Resort: An assortment of 121 luxury rooms and villas, each with its own terrace or balcony looking out at a spectacular view. Some are also available with their own private pool, and the resort offers restaurants of a variety of cuisines to suit all tastes.
- Banyan Tree AlUla: Officially opening in the 3rd and 4th quarter of this year, this desert retreat will offer pool villas of one, two or three bedrooms overlooking a backdrop of the city’s magnificent mountains. It also presents fine dining experiences and a luxury spa.
What to do
With AlUla Moments just around the corner starting in September, it is the best time of year to drop a visit and experience a variety of exciting events at Azimuth, AlUla Wellness Festival, Ancient Kingdoms Festival, Winter at Tantora and more firsthand.
A must on your trip is visiting Old Town; roam among the old mudbrick structures which date back to the 12th century CE with some being as recent as the 20th century as the area was inhabited within recent history. A storyteller or rawi accompanies you on a guided tour, reciting tales of life within Old Town as well as its significant history. Make sure to stop by the Old Town market to shop crafts by local artisans and try the delicious food!
Dubbed an open-air museum, AlUla is also known for its preserved tombs and monuments signifying ancient civilizations such as the Nabataeans. Of the most significant is Hegra also known as Madai’n Saleh, inscribed in 2008 as Saudi’s first of six total World Heritage Sites. It features 111 tombs with 94 decorated and some bearing date inscriptions, as well as water wells and cave drawings. The site was a trade route acting as a bridge between Arabia, the Mediterranean and Asia; thus, many of the decorative and architectural elements resemble those that are Egyptian, Assyrian, Hellenistic and Phoenician. Many languages were also discovered in carvings around the area, such as Greek, Latin, Thamudic, Lihyanite and Nabataean.
A one-of-a-kind destination rich in history, natural beauty and luxury, a trip to the city is sure to be an unforgettable adventure. Let Sana Tourism craft your perfect AlUla visit this summer, we handle every detail so all that’s left for you to do is enjoy your time! Get in touch now with any inquiries.