07.03.20
Al Ula: Everything You Need To Know
If you want to explore some truly incredible prehistoric and archaeological sites in the Middle East, then Al Ula is your next travel destination. Parts of Al Ula date back all the way to the Bronze Age. Located along the incense road, the walled city was founded in the 6th century. It would go on to become Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re thinking about visiting, here’s what you need to know.
When To Go
Before you book your plane tickets, it’s important to know that most of Al Ula’s historical sites are closed to the public until October of 2020. Until then, some much needed conservation work is underway. Previously, sites were open select days during the Winter at Tantora Festival for three months. Saudi Arabia hopes to breathe new life into the region, bringing upscale resorts, restaurants, and entertainment to draw in tourists.
What To See
Aside from the walled city, Al Ula offers quite a few points of interest for visitors. Though ticketing and prices have not yet been announced, here are some of the not-to-miss attractions:
Madain Saleh
Saudi Arabia’s answer to Jordan’s Petra, Madain Saleh once served as the southernmost Nabatean kingdom settlement. If the architecture of the two sites seem similar, it’s because these two archaeological gems both belonged to the Nabatean kingdom. Madain Saleh may be smaller, but no less spectacular. The settlement is peppered with some 131 rock cut tombs, often carved into huge stand-alone rocks.
Ikmah
Also called the Library of Lihyan, here you’ll find ancient Lihyanite inscriptions carved right into the rock face. The info gleaned from these carvings have been crucial in helping to understand the history and culture of the people who once lived here.
Elephant Rock
Especially lovely at sunset, when the light hits the huge formation just right, this is a great quick-stop.
How Long Should You Stay
To really give Al Ula its due, most people in the know suggest spending at least 4 days.
You Will Defs Like These too
Title Break
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Possimus incidunt ea cupiditate. Magnam atque officia fuga qui, deleniti iure quisquam rem. Unde ad ullam modi fugit non. Temporibus blanditiis perspiciatis maxime officiis magnam iure dolorem error eveniet aperiam deserunt dolore autem quos officia, aliquid eius aut necessitatibus repellendus! Fugit veritatis laudantium ipsum voluptate perferendis nisi nihil fuga sed! Cumque ipsam, pariatur ad unde cupiditate possimus tempora aliquid distinctio eum illum, temporibus aut veniam labore eveniet suscipit saepe omnis animi velit nobis magnam commodi sequi vitae nemo nostrum. Amet, nobis aut repudiandae illo debitis ducimus atque officia doloribus expedita. sint explicabo, nemo tenetur assumenda repellat expedita reprehenderit cumque! Itaque fugiat nemo dolore tenetur repellendus reiciendis, aut reprehenderit aliquid veniam quae iusto incidunt earum quam totam illum, quisquam at, voluptatibus fuga maxime nobis similique error? Iure, minus, veritatis doloremque vero earum, sint dolorem voluptate repudiandae repellat culpa numquam?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Possimus incidunt ea cupiditate. Magnam atque officia fuga qui, deleniti iure quisquam rem. Unde ad ullam modi fugit non. Temporibus blanditiis perspiciatis maxime officiis magnam iure dolorem error eveniet aperiam deserunt dolore autem quos officia, aliquid eius aut necessitatibus repellendus! Fugit veritatis laudantium ipsum voluptate perferendis nisi nihil fuga sed! Cumque ipsam, pariatur ad unde cupiditate possimus tempora aliquid distinctio eum illum, temporibus aut veniam labore eveniet suscipit saepe omnis animi velit nobis magnam commodi sequi vitae nemo nostrum. Amet, nobis aut repudiandae illo debitis ducimus atque officia doloribus expedita. sint explicabo, nemo tenetur assumenda repellat expedita reprehenderit cumque! Itaque fugiat nemo dolore tenetur repellendus reiciendis, aut reprehenderit aliquid veniam quae iusto incidunt earum quam totam illum, quisquam at, voluptatibus fuga maxime nobis similique error? Iure, minus, veritatis doloremque vero earum, sint dolorem voluptate repudiandae repellat culpa numquam?
Title Break
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Possimus incidunt ea cupiditate. Magnam atque officia fuga qui, deleniti iure quisquam rem. Unde ad ullam modi fugit non. Temporibus blanditiis perspiciatis maxime officiis magnam iure dolorem error eveniet aperiam deserunt dolore autem quos officia, aliquid eius aut necessitatibus repellendus! Fugit veritatis laudantium ipsum voluptate perferendis nisi nihil fuga sed! Cumque ipsam, pariatur ad unde cupiditate possimus tempora aliquid distinctio eum illum, temporibus aut veniam labore eveniet suscipit saepe omnis animi velit nobis magnam commodi fugiat nemo dolore tenetur repellendus reiciendis, aut reprehenderit aliquid veniam quae iusto incidunt earum quam totam illum, quisquam at, voluptatibus fuga maxime nobis similique error? Iure, minus, veritatis doloremque vero earum, sint dolorem voluptate repudiandae repellat culpa numquam?
Omaya Michelle
- Eclectic soul
- Staying Mindful
- Ardently Artistic
