Don’t Skip Saudi Arabia: A Guide to AlUla
The reactions a Westerner receives when telling their circle that they are visiting Saudi Arabia can be polarizing! From the surprised to the excited to the anxious, it’s evident from the responses that this is a drastically misunderstood destination.
Maraya
Don’t let the mixed reactions stop you from visiting Saudi Arabia. This is a must-visit destination for any travel lover. With a rich, deeply religious culture, flavorful cuisine, and unbelievable archeology, there is a lot for a visitor to learn during their experience.
Learn about how we immersed ourselves in the history and stunning sites of Saudi Arabia and some of our tips and tricks.
Entry requirements for Saudi Arabia
Every visitor to Saudi Arabia needs to apply for a tourist visa. It costs about $140 and you will receive the results back within minutes.
You have to apply through the official e-visa website, where you can easily pay with a credit card. Apply for Visa HERE
What Should I Wear in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is a conservatively religious country and modest dressing is paramount. Your favorite “going-out” summer clothes will bring you unwanted attention.
Avoid showing any cleavage. Wear long, loose bottoms and an opaque top that covers your shoulders and midriff. To ensure you’re always comfortable, a flowing shawl is a wonderful solution to drape around your arms.
Men, please remember that modest dressing also includes you! Skinny jeans and tank tops are only acceptable in certain touristic areas, like when you are walking through your hotel.
Feeling Safe
Wherever I went, people were overwhelmingly kind and helpful. I felt completely safe walking through the cities and traveling from city to city.
The crime rate is very low and the people are very respectful of their laws and moral customs. As long as you remain respectful as well, you will have no problems navigating Saudi Arabia.
How to Arrive at AlUla
Located in the Medina Region of north-western Saudi Arabia, AlUla is an important archeological city popular with tourists. There are a few different ways to get there.
The easiest is touching down at AlUla airport. However, this is a new, smaller airport that currently hosts mostly domestic flights.
There are flights to a few select international cities like Dubai, Cairo, and a seasonal flight to Paris. The airport is growing rapidly and more cities will likely be added in the coming years.
I flew into Jeddah -King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) one of the main airports in Saudi Arabia. Doing this meant driving a total of seven hours through the desert to arrive in AlUla.
There is also an airport in Medina (MED), that would cut the drive in half.
day 1- Jeddah’s Old Town
We arrived in Jeddah to spend our first night in Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city. Eager to explore, we traversed through the streets of Al Balad, or the Old town of Jeddah.
This is a must-see and gives visitors a glimpse of life before the oil boom. The coral-stone 7th-century buildings evoke a feeling of the old world that made me feel like I was back in the old market days.
Before the modern world arrived, this was the center of Jeddah and an important part of the pilgrimage. You can still feel this liveliness amongst the crumbling buildings and street cats that juxtapose with the facades that have been renovated and kept up to date.
Pick up some delicious traditional bread and browse the souvenirs in the shops.
Stop by important sites like:
Masjid Shaffie
Bait Nassif
Nassif House Museum
Saidi Bakery
Day 2- Arrive in the ancient city of AlUla
After waking up feeling rested in Jeddah, we drove to this ancient walled city. More than 2,000 years old, the crisscrossing houses and windy alleys of this early civilization are surreal.
Until very recently, the archeological sites of AlUla were off-limits to tourists. Now, Saudi Arabia is ready to open this peek into humankind’s past to the rest of the world.
Walking through the old town’s sand-colored stone houses, I was transported back to the ancient incense trade routes that stopped here. We were so humbled to have the chance to explore this historic open-air museum.
Where to Stay?
Although it’s an ancient city, there are plenty of modern amenities in AlUla!
First, we stayed at Habitas Alula, a sustainable hotel full of luxury experiences in the Ashar Valley. There’s nothing like climbing out of your comfy bed and stepping outside of your Villa to the shuffling sands of the desert, dwarfed by the surrounding warm rocks. The serene resort pathways lead guests to the yoga deck, wellness and fitness center, restaurant, and access to a vast swimming pool. One of the most incredible places I’ve ever stayed.
We also stayed at Habitas Caravan to enjoy the full glamping experience. Stay in a retro fully outfitted Airstream with a private deck area and amazing scenic views.
Habitas Caravan
Must Do Activities and Sightseeing in AlUla
Maraya Concert Hall - the largest mirrored building on earth that reflects the desert like a mirage
Jabal AlFil or the "Elephant Rock"
Hegra - an untouched ancient city carved into the rocks- toured with Experience AlUla
Enjoy the amenities and built-in adventure at Habitas AlUla - This includes trampolines embedded in the canyon floor, swinging on the hill, cooling off in the sky-mirrored pool, and taking a thrilling e-bike cruise through the sun-soaked desert.
Visit the old town of AlUla
Harrat Viewpoint - Climb to the top of the volcanic mountain for sweeping views of the AlUla oasis
AlUla Museum
Oasis trail - Three kilometers of free trail through farms and ancient walls to explore the heritage of the region
Roaming Wildlife - Have the chance to see ostriches, gazelle, ibex, eagles, and maybe even an endangered Arabian leopard.
Hegra
Must Eats in AlUla
Exploring these archeological sites under the intense desert sun will work up an appetite. Good thing the culinary scene in AlUla is full of fresh, intensely flavorful dishes with something for everyone.
Here are a few of the places we loved:
"Somewhere" Restaurant
Okto restaurant
Le Maschou
Myazu
Annabel’s AlUla
History and culture will envelop you during your stay in AlUla and Jeddah. Don’t wait too long to explore the wonderful scenery, stunning nature, and historical gems of this largely undiscovered destination.
