Explore AlUla, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled in the northwest desert. Marvel at ancient tombs from 7,000 years of civilization and stunning rock formations like the 52-meter Elephant Rock. Enjoy the lush AlUla Oasis, adventure sports, and innovative art installations. Each September, experience the Azimuth AlUla festival of art and music set in breathtaking landscapes. Stay in luxury at Banyan Tree AlUla’s tented villas or the desert resort, Habitas AlUla.
Things to Do in AlUla
Al Jadida Arts District
Art is everywhere in this district — a true feast for the senses, with loud music spilling over the balconies and the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. This twinkling, pedestrian-friendly area is also packed with restaurants, cafes, and food trucks.
Al Manshiyah Plaza
Soak up some local character in AlManshiyah Plaza, a lively community with restaurants and cafes, playgrounds for kids, and communal areas for the grown-ups to relax. It’s also home to the carefully preserved AlUla Railway Station and a bustling farmers market.
AlUla Old Town Village
A crossroads of civilisations and oasis city on incense-trading routes, people have inhabited AlUla for thousands of years. By preserving its rich heritage and continuing to flourish as a rural tourist destination, it has been awarded Best Tourism Village by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Today, AlUla Old Town Village encompasses its ancient Old Town, the lush Oasis and the AlJadidah Arts District.
Inhabited until the not-so-distant past, AlUla’s Old Town is a labyrinth of tightly packed streets lined with mudbrick houses, shops and squares. Above it all, a 10th-century fort still watches over the town and its scenic desert valley.
- The Oasis: Ancient civilisations were built around the Oasis for millennia. Today it remains a lush and fertile plain with sustainable farming at its core, together with some idyllic walking trails and a fine collection of cafes and restaurants.
- UNWTO Best Tourism Village: AlUla has been awarded title of Best Tourism Village by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Assessed by an independent advisory board, the prestigious award recognises outstanding examples of rural tourism which boast rich cultural and natural assets while displaying an exceptional commitment to sustainability.
Ashar Deck at Our Habitas
Open-air lounge in the heart of Ashar Valley: a place to gather, relax and unwind, guests are welcome to come together, make new connections, play board games and enjoy a selection of handcrafted beverages. Mixologists highlight healthy elixirs, smoothies, fresh juices, speciality teas and coffee, alongside small plates and homemade ice creams.
Maraya
Reflecting AlUla’s beauty, the world’s largest mirrored building. Step into the realm of Maraya, an architectural marvel in AlUla’s Ashar Valley. This mirrored wonder, blending into the sandstone cliffs, offers a surreal experience as it appears and disappears with your every step.
Holding an Guinness World Records title, Maraya’s state-of-the-art structure is covered in 9,740 mirrored panels. As sunlight dances across its surface, the building merges seamlessly with the desert like a mirage, embodying a perfect union of modernity and nature.
Inside Maraya, a 26-metre floor-to-ceiling facade unveils breathtaking panoramic views of Ashar Valley. This multi-purpose venue, meaning ‘mirror’ in Arabic, not only hosts events but also stands as a testament to innovative design and environmental harmony. Maraya is not just a building, but a living artwork, masterfully intertwining the cutting-edge with the natural beauty of AlUla, offering an unforgettable visual spectacle.
AlUla Wellness Festival
In the heart of AlUla’s enchanting landscapes, where nature meets history, the AlUla Wellness Festival invites you from October to November to a transformative experience. Escape the stresses of daily life and immerse yourself in a serene atmosphere that nurtures both mind and body.
The largest festival of its kind in the Middle East will feature some of the world’s most renowned yoga, meditation and art therapy instructors. The two-week festival focuses on recreation and relaxation, providing visitors with positive energy and healing.
The festival extends beyond wellness sessions, featuring live musical performances, interactive cultural and artistic workshops, and culinary experiences inspired by nature, with healthy dishes crafted to delight. Set against the stunning backdrop of AlUla’s ancient oasis, it offers a comprehensive experience for those seeking relaxation and recreation.
