How AlUla, A 2,000-Year-Old-City In Saudi Arabia, Took My Breath Away

After a brisk walk, with only a scarf to protect me from the blazing sun, I stood in the shade of a towering mountain, home to a mausoleum that had been left untouched for 2,000 years before we found it.  Its sandy colours flare high in the harsh summer sun, and the carvings come to life against the rocky boulders and shrubbery of the desert, spread as far as the eye can see. Mountains large and small rise out of the flat landscape, as the sand begins to fill my eyes. Hegra, an ancient city that pokes out of a desert just north of AlUla in Saudi Arabia, takes travellers on a journey to a civilisation that once thrived, before it was lost in the sands of time. 

Exploring AlUla

Perfumes and ittar today may be regular commodities, but many centuries ago too, they were used across cities and temples galore. There was a small problem though—these sources of incense were scarce, with a few regions including Arabia being the primary suppliers. This supply and demand forms the genesis of the Incense Road, a trading route that connected a network of major ancient trading regions. On the back of this, a civilisation, wealthy and prosperous, emerged in the deserts of Jordan. They were called the Nabateans.

Largely a nomadic tribe, their hold on this Incense Road allowed them to settle and build a kingdom that spanned nearly 800 km. Petra in Jordan was their capital, but in the south, Hegra, also known as Mada'in Salih, was the base of their life. We drove down the same arid landscape that once facilitated camel-drawn caravans to ply spices and aromatics like frankincense and myrrh across the desert land. We came to a halt in the city of AlUla, one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula where Hegra is situated, and after a quick breakfast, headed off to explore the city's past and present.

AlUla's Old Town

AlUla's old town area is an archaeological trove. With nearly 900 houses, 400 shops and five town squares, the old town is an exceptional relic of the civilization that flourished here. The houses, connected at the roof, allow light to filter in as we walk through a small maze of lanes, to reach the foot of the Musa bin Nusayr Castle. From the top of the castle (and it did take us some time to scale this beast) the entire old town unfolds on the desert-scape. 

The city was an essential settlement along the pilgrimage route from Damascus to Makkah, and I find it almost astounding that this crumbling structure was home to people not too long ago, with the last residents having left the old town only 45 years ago. The Royal Commission for AlUla is undertaking massive research programs to paint a picture of what life really was like for the people that inhabited this region, we are told by our rawi (guide). The usually quiet town also doubles up as a lively market in the evenings, ideal for trinkets and perfumes. 

For a city of its size, AlUla has much to offer. We spend an evening sipping on coffee and sheesha at the Elephant Rock, naturally carved over thousands of years. Next on our itinerary is a stargazing night, which takes us 100 kms from the city to the mystical rock formations of Gharameel, where under a blanket of stars and bedouin stories, we feast on traditional Arabian dinner. 

Ruins of Hegra

In the humid and arid desert canyon, Hegra stands tall, a symbol of human ingenuity and craftsmanship. An important city at the junction of the incense and spice trade routes, it flourished under Nabatean rule. Today, this necropolis is a shadow of the bustling metropolis it once was, with over a hundred well-preserved tombs with decorated facades and inscriptions that now draws travellers to its land. 

On an open jeep tour of the vast area, we make our first stop at Qasr Al Farid, the iconic symbol of Hegra. On one face of the mountain is a carved tomb, said to be of Lihyan son of Kuza who belonged to a prominent Nabataen family. The structure is gigantic, and under its shade, we see that the tomb's construction is incomplete, with rough chisel marks at its base. "It means that the individual who commissioned this never got to be buried here," our guide Alhanouf tells us.

While Petra has been on the map for years, thanks in part to movies that have been shot there, Hegra affords tourists a closer look at the artistic carvings and even the tombs themselves. We visit a few structures, and also enter a tomb with horizontal and vertical spaces made to hold the dead and their belongings. "The size of the tomb speaks about the status of the buried individual. The elite carved out whole mountains, adorned with crown symbols and columns, with sphinxes, eagles and griffins perched at the facade for protection. The poor, they could only get small pit graves high up in the mountains," Alhanouf muses as we walk around the shrubs, closer to the tombs. 

Much more than the structure themselves, it is important to know about the civilisations that stayed here for thousands of years. At Jabal Ithlib, east of Hegra, we find a spacious diwan carved inside the mountain, meant for feasts and meetings. There are wells and stone-lined water channels that speak of Nabatean architectural and agricultural prowess. They were traders, administrators, farmers. It is no wonder then that this rocky outcrop, a treasure trove of history, was chosen as Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

At the souvenir shop in Hegra, we feast on dried fruits, dates and qahwa, as Waleed, one of the proprietors, edges us towards the counter, hoping to make a sale. As we speak amongst ourselves, he overhears us and jumps with happiness. "You from India", he goes and starts waxing eloquent about his love for Bollywood and the Khans. And just like that, I am home.

AlUla is truly what it hopes to be a journey through time.

The Information | AlUla

How To Reach

Fly to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah or Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina. From there, take a domestic flight to AlUla Airport, which is the closest airport to the city. Alternatively, you can also travel by road from Jeddah or Medina to AlUla, which takes approximately six-seven hours. Ensure you have the necessary travel documents, including a valid passport and visa, before planning your journey.

Things To Do in AlUla

Explore Hegra (Mada'in Salih), Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage site, with its well-preserved Nabataean tombs carved into sandstone outcrops, predating Petra. Discover the fascinating rock formations and ancient inscriptions in Jabal Ithlib. Wander through the AlUla Old Town, with its mud-brick houses and narrow alleyways, undergoing restoration. Marvel at the iconic Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil), a colossal natural sandstone formation resembling an elephant. Visit the AlUla Museum to learn about the region's rich history and heritage. Explore the stunning desert landscapes and canyons, perhaps on a guided tour or hike.

Best Time to Visit AlUla

The best time to visit AlUla is generally during the cooler months, from October to April. During this period, the daytime temperatures are pleasant for exploring the outdoor archaeological sites and desert landscapes. May marks the beginning of the hotter season, with temperatures starting to rise significantly, making extensive outdoor activities less comfortable.

Places to Stay in AlUla

AlUla offers a range of accommodations and hotels to suit different preferences. Dar Tantora The House Hotel provides a unique and immersive experience within the Old Town, with exceptional ratings for its location and service. Cloud 7 Residence AlUla offers well-regarded apartments with excellent value and breakfast included. For luxurious stays, consider Banyan Tree Alula or Our Habitas AlUla, both known for their beautiful settings and high-quality amenities. Shaden Resort by Accor is another well-rated option with comfortable amenities.

Where to Eat in AlUla

There are many restaurants in AlUla. You can enjoy a meal with a view at Somewhere, known for its pleasant ambiance and varied menu, open from afternoon until late evening. For a unique dining experience overlooking the landscape, consider OKTO At Harrat Viewpoint, open from the late afternoon into the evening. AlUla Palace Restaurant & Kitchen offers a wide range of dishes and operates throughout the day and night. In the charming Old Town, Entrecôte Café de Paris provides a taste of French cuisine from late afternoon onwards. Finally, OSTURI offers another dining option with a long operating hours, from afternoon well into the night.

This story was first published on April 2, 2022; and it has since been updated.