Plan your AlUla trip
The 5 main sites
Hegra
Saudi's first UNESCO site. 100+ Nabataean tombs carved into sandstone. Tour only via guided tour (Royal Commission); SAR 95.
Elephant Rock (Jabal Al-Fil)
Free, 24/7, self-drive. Most photogenic at sunset. 25 km from AlUla old town.
Dadan
Pre-Islamic capital (Dadanite kingdom). Less visited than Hegra; stunning rock carvings. Combined ticket with Hegra.
Maraya Concert Hall
Largest mirrored building in the world (Guinness). Photogenic from outside; paid entry to the inside.
Old Town AlUla
Adobe village with restored mudbrick buildings. Free to walk; some buildings as boutique hotels.
How to read
- Visitor Pass is required for most sites (SAR 95 for 24 hours; sold at airport or online).
- Photography at Hegra is restricted to certain angles — guides enforce this.
- Winter (Oct–Mar) is peak season; book Hegra tour 7+ days ahead.
- Summer heat can hit 42°C; go at sunrise for outdoor sites.
Limitations
• Hegra tour schedules vary; some sites only open certain days.
• AlUla is 4+ hours from Madinah, 9+ from Riyadh; one-way by road is half the experience.
FAQ
Do I need a guided tour?
For Hegra, yes (mandatory). For Elephant Rock and Old Town, no.
Where to stay?
Habitas AlUla (luxury), Banyan Tree AlUla (5-star), Our Habitas (eco), Shaden Resort (mid-range).
Sources
- Royal Commission for AlUla official site.
- Hegra UNESCO documentation.