Country : Saudi Arabia 
Population : 5426 
Area : 29261 square km 
Currency : Saudi Riyal (SR) (SAR) 
Land : 100% 
Elevation : 679 M 
Water : NA
Time Zone : UTC+03:00 (AST) 
Map Referred : 
Driving : Left Home / Destinations / Alula Guide
AlUla is a true explorers paradise and a historic destination. The city is home to Saudi Arabia`s first UNESCO Heritage Site. It is located deep in the desert in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia. The ancient tombs, stunning rock formations and cutting-edge art installations make AlUla a natural asset. The silence of the vast desert and the legacy of 7000 years of human civilization makes the city attractive. Although largely off the global tourism radar the destination is an illusion of discovery. We share a virtual travel guide to make your tour of the city in the Medina region complete with popular AlUla things to do and more
| Official Name | : | AlUla |
| Form of Government | : | Absolute Monarchy |
| Official Language | : | Arabic |
| Languages Spoken | : | Arabic, English |
| Ethnicity | : | Arabs (majority) |
| Lowest Point | : | The Persian Gulf, Red Sea (0 m) |
| Highest Point | : | Jabal Sawda (3000 m) |
| Coastline | : | 2640 km |
Famous For: Hegra |Natural Heritage | Museum of Preserved Tombs | Monumenta | Historic Dwellings |Unexplored Human History | 200000 Human History Legacy
Time Zone: UTC+03:00 (AST)
Driving Side: Left
Airports in AlUla: Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Domestic Airport
IziRoam and Java Mifi are affordable packages that can be bought via an app. The Umrah internet package is available online that will give you information on the packages and prices. You can pick a portable Wi-Fi. On payment, the internet wireless device is in use and can connect to 10 devices at a time. Travellers can pay for IziRoam that are on offer for Rp 45.000 for unlimited quota and 150 Mbps download speed.
The walled city of AlUla was founded in the 6th century. AlUla history is more than 2000 years old which was once a bustling civilization. Traverse the maze and history at each turn where abandoned ruins lie in the desert sun. AlUla is an oasis in the desert with fertile soil and plenty of water. It was located along the “Incense Road” and facilitated the movement of spices, silk and luxury items through India, Arabia and Egypt.
The city is located on the site of Dedan and was founded with the ancient North Arabian Kingdom of Lihyan. The old houses were rebuilt but among the remnants, you can still see the traditional Arab architecture. There are some Lihanite markings on them. Muslims believe that Muhammed passed through AlUla which is located north of the holy city of Medina. In the 13th century, the old town AlUla was reconstructed and was inhabited until modern times.
Saudi culture thrives on hospitality and tends to use long greetings with hugs and kisses. The locals are very friendly and warm. They greet you with praises to God. Embraces and kisses are between males. Visitors are served Arabic coffee also known as ‘Kawah’ and dates as a welcoming gesture in an Arabic home. Shoes are removed outside before entering a Saudi home. Do shake hands with the host while arriving and leaving as a polite gesture. It is customary for the host of the Saudi family to put in some pieces of charcoal in an incense cauldron and drop in the resin of frankincense or myrrh. This symbolizes immense respect and honour to the guest. Do not shake the hands of a woman unless she puts out her hand first.
AlUla geography reveals that the city is located in the Wadi Al-Qura Valley. On the west is the lava fields of the Harrat Uwayrid and the sandstone massif of the Jibal Ath-Thumayid. The valley played a strategic role due to the underground water resources. It facilitated the movement of goods along the Frankincense Road and played a major part in the history of the Arabian Peninsula. There are ancient carvings found on the cliffs on the eastern and western sides. This area was inhabited from the Bronze Age and is the world`s masterpiece as one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula.
AlUla is a city in the Medina region in northwest Saudi Arabia. The city lies within the Governorate of `Ula and is one of the seven in the Medina region. The city is located 300 km north of Medina with a population of 5426. AlUla was the capital of the Ancient Kingdoms of Lihyan and Dadan. The governorate has the first UNESCO World Heritage Site called Hegra 22 km north of the city. AlUla is packed with mud-brick stone houses.
AlUla art and music festivals are famous the world over. Winter at Tantora is a festival of arts and music that returns to the kingdom. The other must-visit art and music festivals are AlUla Arts, AlUla Skies and AlUla Wellness Festivals. AlUla is the new cultural destination of Saudi Arabia where art programs are brought to life.
AlUla cuisine serves you rich and varied cuisine with Arabian flavours. AlUla welcomed its first fine dining restaurant by a Michelin-starred chef. The multifaceted concept is a great place to relax, dine and take in glorious views of rock-strewn valleys. Seasonal fruits and locally produced ingredients find a place in the cuisine that is served with high-quality mocktails.
Mutabbaq (stuffed and fried pancakes), Kabsa (rice dish), Jareesh (boiled and crushed wheat with onion, rice, broth and spices), Shakshuka (poached eggs, tomato and onion sauce), Bukhari Rice (biryani rice ), Mutabbaq (meat delicacy).
Hamdiyat (Mirinda Citrus), Saudi Champagne (apple juice, apple, orange, mint springs, lemon, lemonade, 7up & ice), Shaani (soft drink), Sun Top (cola drink), Barbican (non-alcoholic malt drink), Lemonita (fizzy drink), Rani (fruit-based beverage).
Greetings are an important part of Saudi culture and handshaking is a form of greeting between men. The most common greeting is 'Salaam Alaikum!' which means 'May Peace Be Upon You!'. You could reply 'Wa Alaikum As-Salaam!' which means 'And Peace Upon You!'. Mutual respect is shown in public which is an important gesture. In restaurants, there is a separate male section or family section where men can enter only with their family.
