Top filming locations in AlUla

AlUla has rapidly become a hub for both local and international productions, in part because of its unique, otherworldly landscapes that make it an ideal location for filmmakers seeking a blend of lush nature, rugged terrain and wide swathes of desert. Here are some of the most compelling and unique filming locations in the city:

1. Hegra: The most prominent cultural site in AlUla is the Nabataean city of Hegra, a sprawling ancient city covering 52 hectares, designated as Saudi Arabia's inaugural UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. It is home to over a hundred monumental tombs, 94 of these skillfully carved with ornate facades.
2. Jabal Ikmah: Often hailed as an open-air 'library,' Jabal Ikmah is host to over 500 inscriptions that belong to the Dadanite and Lihyanite periods. Etched in more than ten diverse languages and scripts, these inscriptions are a precursor to the Arabic language.
3. Elephant Rock: A natural geological icon that watches over the desert, Elephant Rock is a red sandstone marvel shaped by wind and water erosion. The formation's distinctive elephantine shape makes it an intriguing sight.
4. Arch Rock: This unique rock formation, also known as Rainbow Rock, is a bridge-shaped structure sculpted by natural forces. Adding to its charm are the semi-precious desert diamonds—multi-coloured pieces of quartz that can be spotted both embedded in the rock and scattered on the surrounding ground.
5. Gharameel: An hour outside the centre of AlUla, the Gharameel offers an otherworldly sight—dark, thin pillars of stone stretching towards the sky. Accessible only by a four-wheel-drive vehicle, these pillars offer a dramatic backdrop for stargazing.
6. AlUla's Oasis: The Oasis is renowned for its fertile lands and abundant natural resources, bearing the hallmarks of multiple ancient civilisations that once flourished within its borders.