AlUla Travel Guide: Hegra, Dadan, and the Ancient Nabataean Landscape

AlUla is Saudi Arabia’s most remarkable heritage destination — a valley in the northwestern Hijaz Mountains that has been continuously inhabited for at least 7,000 years. It was home to the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms, then became a major Nabataean city called Hegra, and later a stop on the Hijaz Railway. It only opened to international tourists in 2019.

Understanding AlUla

The AlUla region covers more than 22,000 square kilometres of northwest Saudi Arabia, but the main tourist zone is concentrated in the AlUla Valley and the surrounding rock formations. The ancient oasis town of AlUla (sometimes called Al Ula) sits in a palm-lined valley, surrounded by sandstone cliffs and escarpments.

The key distinction to make: Hegra (historically called Madain Saleh) is the name of the Nabataean city with the famous rock-cut tombs. It is about 22 kilometres from the town of AlUla. Dadan — an older site associated with the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms — is closer to the town centre.

Hegra: Saudi Arabia’s Petra

Hegra is AlUla’s defining attraction. The site contains 111 well-preserved Nabataean tombs, carved into sandstone outcrops between the 1st century BC and 4th century AD. The largest tombs — at Qasr al-Farid and Jabal al-Ahmar — are structurally similar to Petra in Jordan but see dramatically fewer visitors.

Hegra became Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, but remained off-limits to tourists until 2019. Access is controlled — visit on a guided tour from the AlUla Welcome Centre. Tours depart on golf buggies across the site. Early morning and late afternoon visits give the best light on the sandstone facades.

See the full Hegra guide for detailed information on the tombs and what to expect.

Dadan and the Old Town

Dadan was the capital of the ancient Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms, predating the Nabataean occupation. The site includes carved lion tombs and remains of the ancient city. The old town of AlUla itself has a compact historic district of mud-brick structures, partially abandoned and partially restored.

The Landscape

AlUla’s natural landscape is as striking as its heritage. Elephant Rock (Jabal Al-Fil) — a huge sandstone formation shaped like an elephant — is a short drive from the town and lit dramatically at night. The Harrat Uwayrid lava fields to the north offer a stark, otherworldly landscape. The AlUla desert is the setting for the Winter at Tantora festival’s outdoor concerts, which take place against the backdrop of the Nabataean cliffs.

Where to Stay

AlUla’s accommodation options have expanded rapidly since 2019. Banyan Tree AlUla, Habitas AlUla, Shaden Resort, and the Ashar Resort are the main options — all upscale, heritage-sensitive properties set in the landscape. Book well in advance for the Winter at Tantora season (December–March). See the AlUla accommodation guide for full details.

Getting There

AlUla has a regional airport with direct connections to Riyadh and Jeddah. Organised tours are the most practical way to access Hegra and the surrounding sites — book through our AlUla tours page. Self-drive is possible but some areas (including parts of Hegra) require guided access.