Major city · Saudi Arabia
AlUlaالعلا
Go to AlUla for two to three nights for Hegra's rock tombs and the desert scenery, best from October to March.
- Weather
- see forecast
- Best months
- Oct–Mar
- avoid Jun–Sep (very hot)
- Airport
- ULH
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 5
- Saudi Arabia ↗Apply for the tourist eVisa only on the official visa portal (visa.visitsaudi.com); lookalike sites charge extra.
- Saudi Arabia ↗Dress modestly in public: loose clothing covering shoulders and knees; women are not required to wear an abaya but should cover up.
- Saudi Arabia ↗Alcohol is banned: do not bring it in, and do not buy it from anyone.
- Saudi Arabia ↗Shops close for about 20–30 minutes at prayer times; plan around them.
- Saudi Arabia ↗Makkah is closed to non-Muslims; checkpoints on the approach roads turn cars back.
AlUla is an oasis region in north-west Saudi Arabia with Hegra, the country's first UNESCO World Heritage site. It also has the old town, sandstone canyons and rock art at Jabal Ikmah. Many sites require pre-booked tours, and the region is still building out its tourism infrastructure.
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about AlUla, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?SAR (riyal) is pegged to the US dollar at about 3.75.Saudi Arabia-wide
- SIM or eSIMSTC, Mobily and Zain sell tourist SIMs at arrivals; passport and fingerprint registration are required.Saudi Arabia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is desalinated and treated; most people drink bottled water, sold everywhere for SAR 1–2.Saudi Arabia-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 10% if no service charge; small change at cafés.Saudi Arabia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F/G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Saudi Arabia-wide
- RestroomsWestern toilets with a hand shower in malls, hotels and mosques; squat toilets at older fuel stations.Saudi Arabia-wide
- Emergency numbers911 Unified emergency · 999 police · 997 ambulance (red crescent)Saudi Arabia-wide
- Sundays & holidayscheckShops close for 20–30 minutes at each of the five daily prayers (not required by law since 2024, but many still do — check); Friday midday is closed.Saudi Arabia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportULH AlUla International (Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz) (Small airport; flights from Riyadh and Jeddah).
- Getting aroundcheckSights are spread across the valley, so book tours or hire a car with driver; check the official operator for current site access.
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ULH AlUla International (Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz) (Small airport; flights from Riyadh and Jeddah)
Weather and climate
AlUla: next 7 days
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Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Sights are spread across the valley, so book tours or hire a car with driver; check the official operator for current site access.
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
AlUla Old Town area
Walkable restaurants and the heritage quarter.
Desert resorts
Remote luxury stays; a vehicle or tour is needed for everything.
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Watch out
- Book Hegra and most experiences ahead through the official platform.
- Desert nights are cold in winter and days hot in summer.
- Flights are limited; book well ahead in the Oct–Mar peak season.
- Photography may be restricted at some archaeological sites; follow guide instructions.
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for AlUla. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Mar · avoid Jun–Sep (very hot)
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast
- 4 things to watch out for
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- officialExperience AlUla
- secondaryWikivoyage — AlUla