AlUla

Home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first World Heritage Site, with Nabataean rock tombs, the ancient city of Dadan, a mudbrick old town and giant sandstone formations scattered across a desert oasis.

AlUla lies in Medina Province in northwestern Saudi Arabia, a north–south sandstone canyon oasis in the Hejaz mountains, about 300 km from Medina. It was a key stop on the ancient Incense Route: in the 1st millennium BCE the kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan flourished here, in the 1st century CE the Nabataeans carved rock tombs at Hegra to the north, and in 2008 Hegra became Saudi Arabia's first World Heritage Site; from the medieval period a mudbrick old town was also built in the oasis. The area breaks down into several parts: (1) the old town, the oasis heritage trail, the Jadidah arts district and the Harrat Viewpoint, concentrated in the south of town; (2) the ancient city of Dadan and the Jabal Ikmah rock inscriptions north of town; (3) Hegra further north, which can only be entered on an official guided bus; and (4) the Ashar Valley area, home to Elephant Rock and the Maraya mirrored concert hall, as well as the Sharaan Nature Reserve about 35 km to the northeast. Getting there: AlUla International Airport has domestic flights from Riyadh, Jeddah and elsewhere, plus some seasonal international flights; between sights you need to drive or use official shuttles, and most sites must be booked in advance on the Experience AlUla website. Climate: from October to March daytime temperatures are 20–28°C with cooler nights, making it the best season, and winter brings the hot air balloon festival and other "Winter at Tantora" events; summer often exceeds 40°C. We suggest 3–4 days. Note: dress modestly; women do not need a headscarf but should cover shoulders and knees; do not climb on or touch rock carvings at the sites; the desert has big temperature swings at night, so bring a jacket.

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