Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area (23,000km²) includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back 7,000 years.
The most well-known and recognised site is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and comprises 111 well-preserved tombs, many with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement. Current research also suggests Hegra was the most southern outpost of the Roman Empire after the Roman’s conquered the Nabataean kingdom in 106 CE.
In addition to Hegra, AlUla is also home to ancient Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms and considered to be one of the most developed 1st millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula. Also AlUla Old Town, a labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes developed from at least the 12th century, and Hijaz Railway built by the Ottomans in the early 20th century, key sites in the story and conquests of Lawrence of Arabia.
Rich of this outstanding heritage both natural and cultural, AlUla is becoming a unique destination in this part of the world, mixing remarkably heritage, arts, nature and adventure for unforgettable moments.
Website : afalula.com