In the Middle East, Luxury has a New Name – Al Ula

Al Ula in Saudi Arabia is redefining luxury travel in the Middle East. With an intriguing blend of history, adventure, and indulgence, this historic Saudi Arabian city is a must-visit destination for travel enthusiasts, luxury seekers, cultural explorers, and anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.

Tucked away in the middle of the Arabian Desert in northwestern Saudi Arabia, Al Ula is filled with 2000-year-old Nabataean tombs, prehistoric rock art, ancient ceremonial monoliths, unique flora and fauna, and a charming old town—all amidst a stunning Martian landscape.

From soaring above ancient tombs in a hot air balloon to staying in glamorous resorts in the heart of the desert, Al Ula’s myriad experiences promise to take your breath away. Here’s how you can immerse yourself in the splendor of this extraordinary destination, albeit in a luxurious manner.

Fly Over the Nabataean Tombs of Hegra in a Hot Air Balloon 

Imagine drifting gently above the majestic Nabataean tombs of Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hegra’s tombs, carved meticulously into sandstone mountains, hold secrets from over 2,000 years ago. These were built in the 1st century by the ancient Nabataean people, who ruled over northwestern Arabia, including the territories of Hegra in Saudi Arabia and Petra in Jordan. Because of the similarity in architecture, Hegra is often considered the sister city of Petra.

Hundreds of tombs surrounded by the tranquil desert landscape present the most mesmerizing sight from above. The intricate façades of the tombs become even more breathtaking from the top.

An early morning hot air balloon ride is the best way to get a tranquil, bird’s-eye view of Hegra. That’s because early mornings offer the best views as the soft sunrise washes the landscape with honey-hued light, perfect for photography.

Make sure to book your hot air balloon ride in advance, as this experience is incredibly popular!

Cruise Through the Desert in a Vintage Land Rover 

Step into a vintage Land Rover and feel the warm desert breeze as you drive through Hegra’s stunning landscapes. This exclusive desert drive takes you past golden sand dunes, towering rock formations, monumental tombs, and endless open skies.

Guided by expert tour guides called Rawis, this experience combines history and natural beauty. The Rawi tour guide will give you rich insights into the region’s history and lots of local myths and stories that’ll allow you to relate to the majestic tombs in front of you.

Feel like royalty as your car glides over serene desert trails, each moment offering Instagram-worthy views. But remember to bring your sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen because it can get pretty sunny and hot in the desert during the day.

Discover Al Ula’s Unique Wildlife 

Go on an incredible wildlife safari adventure in AlUla and discover unique flora and fauna in the region.

If you’re thinking the desert is devoid of life, think again. Al Ula is home to over 500 species of animals and 2000 species of plants. From graceful Arabian gazelles and nimble Nubian ibexes to an array of bird species, Al Ula is full of wild wonders.

The Arabian Desert is also home to the critically endangered Arabian leopard saving which is a key priority of the Royal Commission of Al Ula (RCU). Through Al Ula’s Rewilding the Desert Program, the RCU aims to restore and revitalize the original landscape of Al Ula and bring back the Arabian leopard into its original landscape.

Who knows, you may see an Arabian leopard lurking silently behind those 500-million-year-old rocks on the safari. Keep an eye out!

Stay in Glamorous Desert Resorts 

Al Ula’s natural surroundings resemble the craggy terrains of Mars, and located in the middle of this extraordinary landscape are some of the Middle East’s most luxurious accommodations.

Habitas Al Ula offers a sanctuary built in harmony with the natural environment. With a focus on sustainability, this eco-luxury resort blends minimalist design with irresistible comfort. From immersive wellness programs to alfresco dining under the desert stars, Habitas helps you disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself.

For an ultra-indulgent experience, book your stay at Banyan Tree Al Ula. Located in the heart of Ashar Valley, this resort’s luxury tented villas offer breathtaking vistas and an authentic Arabian experience.

Be sure to book a stargazing session during your stay—Al Ula’s clear skies make it one of the best places in the world to witness the wonders of the night.

Dabble in Traditional Arabian Arts and Crafts 

Unleash your creativity and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Al Ula by participating in traditional arts and crafts workshops.

Organized by Madrasat Addeera (an old girls’ school that’s now a thriving art and design center), these hands-on art workshops allow you to connect with the local community and learn about traditional Saudi craftsmanship.

From pottery and jewelry making to weaving colorful rugs and creating intricate palm baskets and bookmarks, these workshops provide a unique opportunity to create something special with your hands. Skilled artisans guide you through every step, sharing stories of their craft and techniques passed down through generations.

Don’t miss the chance to shop for a unique Al Ula souvenir at the Old Town, where you’ll find numerous boutique shops selling handmade crafts from the region.

Ride a Chopper to Marvel at Ancient Monoliths 

The history of Al Ula predates the Nabataean civilization by many thousand years. During the prehistoric era, Al Ula saw the building of many ancient monoliths called desert kites and mustatils.

Desert kites were used for large-scale hunting and look exactly like kites when seen from above. Mustatils, on the other hand, are colossal rectangles built of stones often used for ceremonial and funerary purposes.

The best way to see these prehistoric monoliths is from a chopper. In Al Ula, take to the skies in a helicopter for an exhilarating ride over Al Ula’s most fascinating, yet lesser-known, landmarks – the mustatils and the desert kites.

From above, these ancient structures reveal interesting geometric patterns and thoughtfully constructed enclosures in the vast desert, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient civilizations.

Al Ula is more than just a travel destination—it’s an experience that is a wonderful mix of luxury, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re flying high over Hegra or unwinding at a five-star resort, every moment in Al Ula feels like stepping into a different world.

Written by Soumya Gayatri.
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