What Does AlUla Hide? Discover the Stories the Rocks Carry

by Alexandra Mansilla

What Does AlUla Hide? Discover the Stories the Rocks Carry

26 Sept 2024

One of the first attractions that comes to mind when we think of Saudi Arabia is, of course, AlUla. Tucked away in the northwest corner of Saudi Arabia, AlUla is quickly becoming one of the coolest places to visit. It has everything — stunning desert landscapes, ancient ruins, and a history that stretches back thousands of years.

AlUla seamlessly blends natural beauty with incredible historical sites. So, let’s dive into what AlUla hides, what it was before, and what we see today. The attractions themselves will tell us the story.

Hegra (Madain Salih): A Piece of the Nabatean Legacy

If you have heard of Petra in Jordan, you will know the Nabateans were masters of carving cities out of rock. Well, AlUla’s Hegra (also called Madain Salih) was their second-most important city after Petra. The city has been beautifully preserved, and with over 110 rock-cut tombs scattered across the desert, walking through Hegra feels like stepping into another world.

The most famous tomb here is Qasr al-Farid, which translates to "The Lonely Castle." And it really lives up to its name — it is this huge, solitary tomb carved out of a single block of rock, standing alone in the desert. It is surreal and breathtaking, especially when you think about how they built something so elaborate in such a harsh environment. If there is one thing that Hegra teaches you, it is that the Nabateans were seriously ahead of their time.

Photo: Ali Lajami

AlUla Old Town

Another spot that is worth your time is AlUla’s Old Town. It is made up of ancient mudbrick buildings that were lived in for hundreds of years, right up until the 1980s. Walking through the narrow alleys of the old town, you really get a sense of what life was like back then. The market area, or souq, was a bustling hub for traders, especially during pilgrimages to Mecca.

At the top of the town, you will find AlUla Fort, which has an amazing view of the entire valley and the oasis that has kept this area alive for centuries. It is wild to think that this town has endured so many changes and still retains that sense of history.

Photo: Richard Mortel

Jabal Ikmah: The Ancient Open-Air Library

If ancient inscriptions and languages pique your interest, Jabal Ikmah is going to blow your mind. Sometimes called an "open-air library," this cliffside is covered in thousands of inscriptions carved into the rocks in languages that range from early Arabic to Dadanitic. They are a fascinating mix of religious decrees, personal musings, and even some pretty ordinary day-to-day notes carved into the stone for eternity.

Standing there, reading the ancient carvings, you feel this connection to the people who lived here thousands of years ago. It is like they left behind their thoughts for us to discover. Jabal Ikmah isn’t just history — it is humanity, written on the rocks.

Photo: Richard Mortel

Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil)

AlUla isn’t just about ancient ruins — Elephant Rock is proof that nature can create masterpieces, too. This massive rock formation, shaped exactly like an elephant with a long trunk, is one of the most iconic sights in AlUla. For centuries, it has been a natural landmark for travellers crossing the desert.

The best time to visit is at sunset when the golden light hits the rock just right. The whole place glows, and it is almost magical. Elephant Rock is a perfect reminder that AlUla’s beauty isn’t only man-made — nature plays its part, too.

Photo: Richard Mortel

Dadan: The Forgotten Kingdom

Then, there is Dadan, the capital of the ancient Dedanite Kingdom. Although it is not as well-known as Petra or Hegra, Dadan is one of those hidden gems full of surprises. Archaeologists are still uncovering much of the site, but one of the coolest finds so far is the Lion Tombs — rock-cut tombs guarded by carvings of lions, reserved for the elite of the Dedanite society.

What is amazing about Dadan is that we are still learning about this ancient kingdom. Every new discovery adds another layer to AlUla’s history.

by Alexandra Mansilla