Experience Saudi Arabia’s never seen before jewel in the desert

I recently returned from Saudi Arabia on a 10-day trip sponsored by Travel + Leisure, Saudi Tourism Authority and the Royal Commission of AlUla. The purpose of the trip was to showcase Saudi as an emerging leisure destination with AlUla as the gateway to the country’s never before seen cultural and Unesco heritage sites dating back to the 6th century BC. Saudi Arabia only opened to leisure tourism in 2020 so it is an exciting time to be pioneers in the destination.

10 Things to Do in AlUla

1. Explore Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hegra was built by the Nabateans, the same civilization that built Jordan’s Petra. Explore the very well preserved tombs across 52 hectares in vintage Land Rovers. Daily visitors are limited and advance ticket reservations are required.

2. Catch the Sunset at Elephant’s Rock

Standing 52 meters tall, the trunk and body of this red sandstone beast were shaped through water and wind erosion that was caused over millions of years.

3. Ride a Helicopter

It’s only 30 minute ride but a true eye-opener as you see teverything that makes up AlUla: the Desert, Oasis, Old Town, Ashar Valley and Hegra.

4. Meander through Old Town

With nearly 900 houses, 400 shops and 5 town squares, the Old Town of AlUla still contains remnants of some of the original stone and mudbrick buildings constructed here.

5. Support Women’s Education and Empowerment in AlUla

Madrassat Addeera is a vocational school for young Saudis and was the first school for Saudi women. There are currently six workshops devoted to teaching 11 crafts. Each student commits to a two-year program and receives a monthly stipend.

6. Ride a Camel and Stargaze with the Bedouins

In a far away location lives the Bedouins who will let you ride their camels, serve mint tea, prepare dinner for you and teach you about the stars as you lie on thick carpets on the desert sand.

7. Cool off in the Oasis

The tree of life in the desert are date trees and they are in abundance here at the oasis. Not just providing much needed shade but also food, medicine and construction materials.

8. Experience Art in Desert X AlUla

Desert X AlUla places visionary contemporary artworks by Saudi and international artists amidst the extraordinary desert landscape of AlUla.

9. Attend an open-air concert

With Jabal Ikmah as the backdrop, the stage is set for a beautiful musical performance under the stars.

10. Stand in awe at the world’s largest mirrored building, MARAYA

The only question is where to take your picture because there are no wrong angles. This concert hall is also home to Maraya Social, chef Jason Atherton’s rooftop restaurant.

What surprised me most about Saudi Arabia? The people we met were friendly and our chance encounters were genuinely curious. The country is clean and there are a lot of varied activities and experiences. The culinary scene was the biggest surprise. All the restaurants we ate at were superb in quality, flavor, freshness and innovation.

Best time to go to AlUla - December through March when the all the festivals and activations have been set in place. Contact me if you’re interested and I can plan it for you.