How to enjoy the icons

Discover the insider's tips on the best way to experience AlUla's most popular spots

Elephant Rock

One of the most photographed landmarks in AlUla, Elephant Rock, is a 52-metre tall sandstone formation carved by wind and rainfall over millions of years. Having taken such a long time to be naturally created, Elephant Rock deserves a well thought out viewing. Known in Arabic as Jabal AlFil, Elephant Rock opens daily at 17:00, a magical time when the setting sun transforms the colour of the stone. Inviting fire pits and sunken seating welcome visitors, enabling a comfortable viewing of this geological marvel accompanied by ambient music.

Jabal Ikmah

This marvellous ‘open-library’ is where ancient stories can be read and ways of life imagined. Discover rock carvings and inscriptions at Jabal Ikmah and feel connected to their authors – travellers, merchants and pilgrims who stopped to rest at AlUla. Absorb the stories at this heritage site by taking a two-hour tour, either in a private vintage Land Rover or on a comfortable coach. Tours also include a visit to the ancient city of Dadan and its famous Lion Tombs.

Maraya

Of all the dazzling things to see at AlUla, Maraya may be the landmark that leaves you most happily perplexed. A playful architectural illusion clad in 9,740 mirrored glass panels, Maraya reflects both sunlight and the sandstone canyons of Ashar Valley. The multi-use Maraya is a venue that can be experienced by dining at Jason Atherton’s restaurant on the rooftop, by going to see a concert within its futuristic walls, or attending one of the many business events which take place in its state of the art facilities.

Old Town

The heart and soul of AlUla can be found in the tangle of tiny streets that form its Old Town. Lace up your sneakers and enjoy a 60-minute walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide by your side who will tell stories of how Old Town was built and the people who called this place home since the 12th century. The tour ends with a climb up to the top of AlUla Fort, with impressive views of the old city and thriving Oasis below.

Hegra

An unmissable highlight of AlUla, Hegra is one of the world’s most important archaeological sites and is a magnificent legacy of the Nabataean people who built it. Admire the craftsmanship that went into the carving of stone tombs before applauding the engineering ingenuity seen in the construction of wells, water channels, defensive walls, gates and towers. Soak up Hegra’s history and natural wonders on a variety of tours in a vintage Land Rover, a safari-style open-top 4x4, or a hop-on hop-off bus tour that allows you to then enjoy a leisurely walk around the site with a digital multimedia device as your guide.