Introduction

With a much-needed boost from the national government given to its tourism sector, Saudi Arabia is looking to surpass its counterparts in the region in terms of being the best tourist destination in the Middle East.

And there's a lot to be looking forward to if you're a fan of the country, as the government now supports new attractions and festivals, but there's still plenty to discover if you decide to take the off-beaten tracks as part of your kingdom vacation.

The ancient city of Alula dates back millennia and is a remarkably preserved historical and cultural masterpiece. With 200,000 years of undiscovered human history, it was once the capital of the North Arabian Lihyanites and later the Nabataeans, serving as a meeting place for pilgrims, merchants, and explorers. For history lovers, this key location on the incense, spice, and silk routes linking Arabia, Egypt, and India is an intriguing puzzle with countless mysteries to hide.

The cultural oasis of Alula was officially opened to full-time international travelers only in 2020. Saudi Arabia itself began issuing tourist visas for the first time only in 2019. Alula is a key part of the national plan to move away from over-reliance on oil and become a major player in the world tourism market.

In this post, we will direct our navigator's eyes to the charming city of Alula in the Medina region to discover some of the most beautiful places and destinations that the city has to offer.

1. Jebel Khuraibah


The fortress, as well as the three peaks of Jebel Khuraibah, were once part of the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Lihyan. At the foot of the peaks are rock-cut tombs, the most imposing of which is the "Lion Tomb," named for the two carved lions on either side of the entrance. 

Al Khuraibah is a massive headless sandstone figure; climbing to the top of the central peak reveals stone stairs and walls connecting the three cliffs in a ruined fortress city.

There is a small visitor center close to the entry point that is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.

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2. Tantura


It is one of the tourist attractions of the region, combining fascinating natural beauty and cultural heritage. Al-Tantura is located in the center of Alula. Tantura Alula witnesses a magical atmosphere, as the Tantura festival is organized in winter, offering the opportunity to practice a variety of activities for lovers of music, culture, and history.

3. Mount Almejder

This 300 m high mountain east of Alula features stone settlements and caves with pre-Islamic inscriptions and designs but was not accessible at the time of the investigation. Please contact local guides Shahad Bdyr or Fayiz Al Juhani if you wish to visit, as they are likely to know when it will be accessible in the future.

4. Jabal Akma

Explore one of the treasures of Alula Saudi Arabia, "Jabal Akma." 

Jabal Akma in Alula, Medina, is considered the largest open library in the Kingdom because it includes many archaeological inscriptions and heritage writings that narrate historical details that happened in the city of Alula.

5. Alula Heritage and Antique Museum


This small museum is attractively designed, with some intriguing and informative exhibits on the area's history, culture, flora, and fauna, as well as Madain Saleh and the Nabataean culture.

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6. Alula Historic Village

There are prepared plans to transform it into a formal tourist spot in the near future, but for now, you can enjoy wandering freely among the beautiful mud ruins where the people (the ancestors of the current residents of Alula) have lived for centuries. 

In addition to visiting the Alula Fort, it is worth trying to locate the tantura (sundial) and the old mosque. 

The ruins are dissected from the state highway: those on the upper west side have been significantly restored, while the lower east side is wonderfully jagged.

7. Madain Saleh


Madain Saleh, once upon a time, was the capital of the Lihyan Kingdom. It is believed that the Thamud people began to inhabit this place around 800 BC. (i.e., around 2900 years from now).

This area has been discussed both in the Holy Quran and in a Hadith. There is a story of a prophet of Saleh and his camel, which makes it the most popular tourist place to visit in AlUla.

You need to book a 2-hour tour package to enter Madain Saleh at the cost of SR95 per adult and SR45 per child. It will take you to the following areas:

Winter park

Tomb of Lihyan son of Kuza- 72 feet tall

Jabal Albanat- 29 graves

Boar Ithlib

Handcraft pavilion

Jabal Al Ahmar- 18 tombs

8. Elephant Rock


The 50 m high elephant rock, known as Jabal Al feel, is the second most important tourist place to visit in Alula.

They have fenced off the area around the elephant rock, and entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. They have areas with sunken sofas where they will make a campfire for you, there is a drumming workshop for adults and children, and a bar that sells drinks and light snacks.

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Conclusion

Alula is one of the most exceptional places in the Middle East. Its historically significant architecture, artifacts, and beautiful scenery makes it an ideal location for an unforgettable vacation. Alula offers incredible treasures and souvenirs for lovers of Middle Eastern history, medieval architecture, or natural beauty.

There are so many things to know and learn about this amazing country, and it's great that Saudi Arabia remains one of those places where you can find existing pieces of its culture and history even in the modern age.

Times are changing fast in Saudi Arabia. While this monumental effort to become a tourist hotspot, support sustainability initiatives, and preserve the heritage of this historic land by embracing modernity is still in its infancy, now is the best time to book a trip to Alula before this little-known wonder reaches the Conventional world.

See Also:

The Best Activities in Saudi Arabia 

The Best Saudi Arabia Tours

Saudi Tours