Placed on the travel lists of many thanks to viral videos of travelers jumping on trampolines in the middle of the desert, with beautiful rock formations in the background, AlUla—located in northwest Saudi Arabia—is truly a sight to see.
AlUla has several luxurious desert resort hotels, well-preserved historic and cultural sites, and a range of outdoor activities that let you fully soak in nature.
Living in Doha, it wasn’t Instagram that put AlUla on my radar. Instead, I discovered Our Habitas while looking into their property in Qatar. That’s when I came across their AlUla location in Saudi Arabia and instantly knew I had to stay there, and spoiler alert—it absolutely did not disappoint.
Booking my flight just two days before departure, I spontaneously said yes to a weekend in AlUla. I had a fabulous time, and in this AlUla travel guide recap, I’ll share everything you need to know about traveling to AlUla and what my experience was like.
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Visa Requirements
Visa requirements to enter Saudi Arabia depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
Most travelers will need to obtain a visa in advance, but citizens from eligible countries can apply for an e-visa online or upon arrival.
The government of Saudi Arabia has clearly outlined the list of countries eligible for the eVisa before arrival in the country and has listed the visa requirements on arrival here.
The eVisa is valid for one year, allows multiple entries, and permits stays of up to 90 days in the country.
If you are not from one of Saudi Arabia’s eligible countries, you will have to apply for a visa through one of Saudi Arabia’s embassies or consulates.
You can read more about my experience obtaining a visa on arrival in my Riyadh Travel Guide.
My visa was still valid from my last trip to Saudi in January, so I was granted entry without any issues.
The Flight from Doha
Flying from Doha, Qatar Airways offers a direct flight to AlUla twice a week, with a flight time of about 2 hours.
I booked a roundtrip ticket for $384.46, traveling from Friday to Sunday. This is a time when fares are generally lower thanks to the direct route, compared to longer flights that require layovers in Jeddah or Riyadh.
The flight was smooth and surprisingly quiet, as AlUla is still an emerging tourist destination and not heavily trafficked. This made the journey even more relaxing and hassle-free.
AlUla Airport
AlUla does have its own airport, (ULH), and it’s easily one of the smallest I’ve ever been to. Just a few steps into the airport’s entrance after landing and I was already at immigration, where six booths were open to process incoming tourists.
Right around the corner—literally—is baggage claim. After collecting your luggage, you’ll pass your bags through one final security scanner, and then you’re free to go. I love small airports so this was great to me.
One interesting thing to note: My friend had an empty refillable water cup in her bag, and security took it out to inspect it for possible alcohol, so definitely don’t try bringing anything questionable in!
Inside the AlUla Airport
Once you’ve passed through immigration and customs at AlUla Airport, here’s what you can expect to find the following counters:
- Rental Car Companies: Budget and Lumi
- Visitor Information Booth
- Dunkin’ Donuts Food Stand
- ATM Machine
- Currency Exchange Counter
Note: If you’re arriving on a Friday, be aware that it’s the day for Jumah (Friday prayer services), so the currency exchange counter may be closed during prayer times, as it was when I landed. Be sure to plan accordingly.
Renting A Car in AlUla
If you’re planning to rent a car in AlUla, it’s best to book in advance through Budget or Lumi. These are the two main rental companies located directly at the airport, which is the most convenient option. While there are other rental agencies in town, having a car ready as soon as you land saves time and hassle.
I highly recommend booking online as early as possible. When I tried to reserve a car just two days before my trip, none of the rental websites would allow same-weekend bookings, and I kept getting error messages. After reading several reviews about travelers not being able to get a car upon arrival, I became nervous.
Sure enough, when we landed, both Budget and Lumi’s computer systems were down, and staff informed us that renting a car wasn’t possible at the moment. They suggested we look into a taxi or Uber to get into town. This was a problem for us, since hotel check-in wasn’t until 3 PM, and we had planned to explore the area first—now we had to figure out what to do with our luggage.
Thankfully, about 10 minutes later, the systems came back online, and we were able to secure a car rental after all. Still, it was a stressful moment—so book early and don’t count on last-minute availability!
Renting with Lumi
We decided to rent our car through Lumi, as they had all their vehicle types and prices clearly listed in SAR, making it easy to compare options and choose the best fit for our needs.
To complete the rental, my friend was asked to provide her passport, driver’s license, and a credit card for the 2,000 SAR ($532.97) deposit, which would be refunded within two weeks.
We ended up choosing a Hyundai Creta for 462.30 SAR ($123.18) for two days. This was a great deal, especially since the price included insurance for accidents, scratches, and other minor issues. In the event of an accident, the process was simple: we would need to call the Traffic Police to obtain the proper paperwork for the company.
I did come across several negative reviews about Lumi, particularly regarding their Friday closure until around 3 PM, which reportedly left some travelers unable to pick up their pre-booked cars. Luckily, that wasn’t our experience, and everything went smoothly.
Is it worth renting a car?
Unless you have an unlimited budget for Uber, renting a car is by far the most practical way to get around AlUla. It’s something I think all tourists should be prepared to do.
While I ended up traveling with a friend, I originally planned to go solo and wasn’t planning to rent a car. Looking back, that would’ve been a big mistake. Just one round-trip Uber to a major attraction could’ve cost the same as a two-day car rental—easily adding $200–$300+ to the trip.
Less about the money, Uber in AlUla isn’t always available, especially when you get outside the main town. You might find a ride to your desired destination, but getting back could be an issue.
Having your own car gives you the freedom to explore on your own schedule, which made a big difference in our overall experience. The roads were also fairly empty when I visited in summer, and I’d absolutely feel comfortable driving. So, rent the car!
Getting A SIM Card in AlUla
If you don’t have an international phone plan, you’ll most likely want a SIM card to stay connected during your trip.
For the first time in years, while traveling, I actually did not get a SIM card while in AlUla.
I thought there would be a SIM card booth at the airport, but there was not.
This is important to know if you plan to travel alone, as you may want to consider getting an eSIM from Holafly to ensure you are connected to a local network upon arrival.
The alternative to getting a SIM card from the airport would be having to drive into Old Town and looking for mobile network companies there. The staff at the airport informed me that this was an option.
Because I was traveling with someone who had an international phone plan and I was in AlUla for a short time, I ultimately decided to disconnect while we were out and about, which was a great decision.
I had Wi-Fi once we got to the hotel, but I really valued being able to unplug and disconnect for a while.
Where I Stayed in AlUla
AlUla is home to a series of breathtaking luxury hotel properties that help make it a bucket-list destination, which is actually how AlUla got on my radar.
I stayed at Our Habitas, a desert retreat hotel that is in the middle of sandstone canyons and rugged rock formations.
When I learned about the Our Habitas hotel, I knew that I wanted a room at the hotel, and this is where I’d be staying on my first trip to AlUla.
I booked a two-night stay for 2,771.14 SAR ($738.77) inside of the Canyon Villa, which includes breakfast. This rate is significantly lower than the $1,500+/night price point during the high season in the winter months, making it a steal!
The hotel was stunning and served as a retreat, given the open natural environment of the property.
The food, activities, and customer service were stellar, and I would highly recommend it.
I’ll be posting a full review of my stay at Our Habitas AlUla, breaking down all of the details, so be on the lookout!
Where I Ate in AlUla
AlUla does have several restaurants and cafes to choose from. Aside from the ones that are within hotel properties, if you make your way to Old Town, you’ll find a few more options.
During my weekend stay, I ate at the following places:
Tama Restaurant
Tama Restaurant is the on-site restaurant at Our Habitas AlUla, serving global and Middle Eastern cuisine.
The restaurant is open for breakfast, has all-day dining, and an eye-catching dessert menu.
It’s located right across from the beautiful pool, so that you can enjoy a great view with your meal.
I had breakfast and dinner at the restaurant, and the food was very fresh, made to order, and delicious.
Meal Ticket:
- Breakfast: Avocado Toast with Scrambled Eggs: Included
- Dinner: Roasted Red Pepper Baked Fish with Jarjeer Salad – SAR 155 ($41.31)
Pink Camel
Pink Camel is a pastry boutique chain in Saudi Arabia, known for its breakfast, baked goods, and lunch menu.
The location in Alla is in Old Town, where I had breakfast on my way to my hotel.
I ordered the spicy shakshuka with scrambled eggs and an orange juice. I enjoyed my meal, and they provide pretty big portions for the price.
Meal Ticket:
- Spicy Shakshuka: 49 SAR ($13.06)
- Orange Juice 23 SAR ($6.13)
Banyan Tree’s Harrat
Harrat is a restaurant that serves a variety of dishes from seafood to Middle Eastern cuisine, located within the Banyan Tree property.
Harrat offers both indoor and outdoor dining options, each providing a unique experience.
I chose to eat on the outdoor terrace, which provided a breathtaking view of the landscape while I enjoyed my meal.
Meal Ticket:
- Hummus: 85 SAR ($22.65)
Things to Do in AlUla
AlUla offers a wide range of activities catering to various interests, including adventure, wellness, and culture.
In this section, I’ll talk about some of the activities I personally did within the hotel property and out in town, and where you can find even more things to do in AlUla.
Discover Old Town
Old Town AlUla is a preserved heritage site with mudbrick houses, narrow alleyways, and historic mosques that date back over 1,000 years.
Today, as a visitor, you can stroll along the restored buildings and stop by local artisan shops, cafés, and galleries.
Old Town is about 30 minutes from the airport, so I would recommend stopping there on your way to your hotel if it’s even further out.
Planning Tip: Keep in mind that on Fridays, most places may be closed due to prayers.
- Cost: FREE
Admire the art installations at Our Habitas
At Our Habitas, you’ll find five art installations as part of Desert X AlUla that you can spot from various points around the property and from the resort’s villas.
Some are to be admired, while others are very interactive, like my favorite one–and the one you’ve probably seen all over the internet–, “Now You See Me, Now You Don’t” by artist Manal AlDowayan, featuring a series of 12 sunken trampolines in the desert landscape:
The property offers a tour on Sunday – Friday of all of the installations.
- Cost: FREE
Take a guided jeep tour of Hegra
Hegra is Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, located just outside of AlUla. Hegra was the second-largest city of the Nabataean Kingdom after Petra in Jordan. The site is home to over 100 preserved tombs carved directly into the sandstone cliffs.
We booked the Hegra Vintage Land Rover Tour with Experience AlUla, where we were assigned a private vintage car with two tour guides around the site. I highly recommend this option over the others, as it made the experience ten times better.
As someone not too familiar with this history, it was interesting to get a deep dive into the site from our guide, Adel, who was highly knowledgeable and made the experience educational.
- Cost: SAR 700 ($186.56) – For up to 7 people
Get a massage in the canyons
I didn’t plan to get a massage during my stay at Our Habitas AlUla, but I’m so glad I did, as it turned out to be a beautiful experience.
The treatment rooms are tucked between towering sandstone rocks, creating a peaceful and grounding atmosphere.
The door to the treatment room was intentionally left open, inviting in the fresh air and natural sounds of the canyons, and I loved it.
- One-Hour Massage – 560 SAR ($149.25)
Admire the structure of the Maraya Concert Hall
One of the most stunning architectural works I’ve ever seen, the Maraya Concert Hall in AlUla is the world’s largest mirrored building.
The building is shaped like a cube and is completely covered with mirrored tiles.
I really love the concept of the building, especially since concerts, theater shows, and other events are hosted here, as it allows for practical use and event goers can check their appearance before entering 🙂
Maraya Social is a rooftop restaurant at the Maraya Concert Hall that offers a fine‑dining experience that may be worth checking out as well.
It was closed when I visited during the summer season, but I will be adding it to my list if I revisit AlUla! If you get to dine at the restaurant, leave a comment below sharing what your experience was like.
- Cost: FREE
Attend a soundbath session
Hosted daily in the yoga room of Our Habitas, the 30-minute candlelit soundbath session was a great way to settle into the beautifully curated wellness environment at the property.
Using a blend of crystal bowls, gongs, and other instruments, the session creates sound waves that help calm the mind and release tension from the body.
- Cost: FREE
Have a hot drink at the Elephant Rock
Elephant Rock is one of AlUla’s most iconic sandstone formations. As its name suggests, it is shaped like an elephant.
I’ve heard that the area has undergone significant development over the years compared to what it used to be. Today, when I visited, you can find mini cafés, food, trucks, and pit seating where you can enjoy your food and drinks, a fire pit, and even Shisha.
I feel that Elephant Rock is best experienced at night, where you can relax while looking up at the stars, as it is a great hangout spot and is open late into the night.
Planning Tip: Elephant Rock is a bit far out from certain hotels, so if you plan to visit at night, I recommend doing so if you have a guaranteed ride back (driving yourself or pickup). I can see it being challenging to take an Uber back, and the roads are not well-lit.
More Activities in Alula:
Here are some more activities I found to do in Alula:
- Hegra in AlUla Site Tour
- Hegra Sunrise Hot Balloon Tour
- Guided Horse Riding
- Al Ula: Dadan and Jabal Ikmah Tombs Guided Tour
- Private Zipline Experience
Tour Companies and Experiences
At the moment, most tours and experiences in AlUla are booked through the official Experience AlUla website, which offers different options like heritage site visits, stargazing, and cultural activities.
There are also a few independent tour operators worth exploring. One notable option is Husaak Adventures, a reputable company known for its adventure-focused experiences in the region. I found that they offer experiences not listed on the Experience AlUla website.
It’s worth checking multiple websites to see which tours align best with your interests and schedule.
A Note on Summer Season Closures
One important thing to note is that if you choose to come during the summer season, some restaurants, attractions, and activities may be closed for this season.
For example, Suhail Restaurant is a restaurant I tried in Riyadh, which I really loved and wanted to try here, but it was closed.
The AlUla Adventure Hub is a center where you can sign up for activities like zip-lining and rock climbing. I had planned to participate in a few activities, but it was temporarily closed when I visited AlUla.
I don’t feel that this negatively impacted my experience, as it was pretty minor in the grand scheme of things.
If you want the whole experience and plan to visit during a time when most attractions will be open, consider this when choosing when to visit AlUla.
Frequently Asked Questions About AlUla
How should I dress?
Saudi Arabia has relaxed its dress code guidelines in recent years, particularly for tourists, but modesty is still appreciated.
I recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton are ideal for staying cool during the day, especially during the summer season. Layering with a light jacket or shawl is also helpful for cooler desert evenings. I found that it was cool in the mornings and evenings when I visited in late August.
In hotels, many people wear bikinis, shorts, etc., so this type of clothing is allowed. However, when venturing off hotel properties, I would lean toward modesty.
Bring comfortable outdoor shoes, sun hats, and sunglasses, as many attractions involve being outdoors.
Overall, aim for modest, practical, and weather-appropriate clothing to enjoy AlUla comfortably while being respectful.
When is the best time of the year to visit?
The best time to visit AlUla is during the cooler months, from October to March, when daytime temperatures are mild. This period is ideal for exploring outdoor attractions and enjoying experiences such as ziplining, rock climbing, concerts, and performances.
Many of AlUla’s major cultural events and festivals, like Winter at Tantora, take place during this season, adding even more to the experience.
During the summer months, temperatures are high, so outdoor activities can be difficult and limited. However, it’s said to have fewer crowds and discounted rates.
Is it worth renting a car?
100000%. I would not go back to AlUla without renting a car, as I feel it made the entire trip run smoothly and enjoyably.
It allowed us to explore at our own pace. Many of AlUla’s attractions—like Hegra and Elephant Rock are spread out and require transportation.
Having a rental car allows you to visit sites on your own schedule, catch sunrises or sunsets without time restrictions, and stop to discover areas off the main tourist paths.
Do I need cash while traveling in AlUla?
I did not find that I needed cash while traveling in AlUla and was able to use my card for everything.
I withdrew 500 SAR ($133.25) from the ATM at the airport and came home with some money, as I didn’t get to spend it, unfortunately.
I recommend only withdrawing 200 SAR in case you need it and spending it all before you return home.
What languages are spoken?
Arabic and English are widely spoken in AlUla.
Is AlUla safe?
I felt safe in AlUla for the most part, but at night I would be aware of your surroundings, especially if you plan to travel solo as a woman and want to visit certain places at night.
While many local men are respectful and reserved in the Gulf in general, there are occasional instances where foreign women may be approached by men, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. These advances are usually subtle and are not threatening, but can happen. I recommend reading up on what is normal and what is not culturally.
In terms of crime, Saudi Arabia seems to have a good reputation.
I would recommend visiting AlUla with another person. I travel solo quite often and would have been willing to do this trip solo but given how far out things can be and the desert landscape, I think you’ll feel more comfortable having another person with you.
Final Thoughts About AlUla
AlUla has taken one of the top spots on my list of best trips this year.
It truly did not disappoint and honestly, it exceeded my expectations, even though I visited during the off-season.
There were so many beautiful moments where I got to unplug, slow down, and just be present in nature. The landscapes were breathtaking, and it gave me the perfect temporary escape I didn’t even realize I needed.
I’ll be saying this for the next few years: Saudi Arabia is a tourism destination to watch.
AlUla is already a stunning retreat, and I’m excited to see how it continues to grow.
That said, I really hope it doesn’t become too curated. Part of what makes it so special right now is how untouched and peaceful it feels. I’m especially curious to see what other attractions and experiences pop up as part of the country’s broader tourism goals.
If you’re thinking about traveling to AlUla, let me just say—it’s 100% Christina Jane approved. I’m even considering planning another trip.
