REASONS TO LOVE ALULA THIS SUMMER

With the summer hitting its mid-season, there is still time to explore the unique heritage and culture of AlUla before the winter crowds descend.

With growing international recognition, the sites of Hegra, AlUla Old Town, Dadan and Jabal Ikmah as well as the otherworldly nature reserves are in for a worthy trip. Great deals on accommodation, plenty of dining options and a range of adventure activities provide the perfect opportunity for Saudi travelers and neighboring gulf countries to craft their own summer escape.

Known for its cooler temperatures, ideal humidity levels, and its 2.3 million date palm tree oasis for shade, AlUla hides many untold stories for visitors to take back home as a memory to last a lifetime.

The oasis provides fresh water to the valley’s 200,000 citrus trees, allowing them to thrive in the midst of AlUla’s desert.

Its towering canopy of emerald-green date palm trees also helps shade the citrus trees from the sun. Varieties of citrus fruit are cultivated, from sweet lemons to the torounge, which has an origin rooted in ancient times.

The nature reserves are a sight to behold with their expanses of rocky outcrops offering food for the imagination. A eco-system of native wildlife is once again starting to thrive in the wild of the Hijaz Mountains, red-necked ostriches and graceful Idmi gazelles. AlUla also provides a welcoming sanctuary for species like the lanky-limbed Cape hare and a variety of birds.

AlUla is one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula and home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and the southernmost principal city of the Nabataean civilisation – dating back more than 2000 years.

A crossroad of civilisations, the nexus of the famed incense road where a melting pot of cultures exchanged goods and ideas from the era of Dadan to the Roman takeover – each leaving their mark, cementing their legacy.

A more recent settlement is AlUla Old Town. A labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes developed from at least the 12th century. It’s here that people now gather along the Incense Road market street to dine, shop and people watch.

AlUla has recently launched its summer activities campaign (Summer Untold). A range of inclusive hotel packages with great value summer offerings make the city an ideal summer destination for Saudis and GCC travellers looking for luxury unique travel experience.

From ziplining to new abseiling and rock-climbing experiences at the Adventure Hub, to a relaxing afternoon by the pool in luxurious eco-resorts built into the stunning landscapes; adventure-seekers, outdoor enthusiasts, and gourmets will create great travel memories of their own.

Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage.

flydubai and flynas operate international flights into AlUla from Dubai International Airport. SAUDIA operates domestic flights between AlUla and Riyadh, Jeddah and Damman, while flynas operates domestic flights from AlUla to Riyadh and Dammam. Starting from 6th October 2022, flynas will connect AlUla and Cairo via two weekly direct flights.

To book your summer trip to AlUla, visit www.experienceAlUla.com for more info.