Enjoy a journey through Al-Hijr with Classic Land Rover cars on thrilling tours, whether driving on the dunes or embarking on a safari adventure, offering the excitement of navigating the heart of the desert. Start with an exhilarating ride over the sand dunes, engaging in sports tours with a Toyota Land Cruiser.
Discover AlUla and Maraya
Dune buggies and quad bikes are allowed within the sand dunes even without a driver’s license. However, there are no wildlife tours. There are only a few places in the world where you can still feel like a true explorer charting the unknown, especially in many historical destinations, where the illusion of discovery quickly fades due to the forest of selfie sticks held by tourists capturing photos at the site.
But in AlUla, home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and deep in the desert of the country’s northwest, you can still indulge in your imagination and become a daring archaeologist for a day.
Despite having all the qualifications of a top-tier global destination—with its ancient tombs, 7,000 years of human civilization, breathtaking natural rock formations and canyons, and a vast selection of adventure sports and modern art installations—AlUla remains largely off the radar of global tourism.
AlUla Arts
In the summer of 2022, AlUla tourism introduced a variety of activities and adventures, along with flight ticket deals and all-inclusive accommodation packages, transforming the ancient and historical city into an enjoyable and attractive destination for an Eid holiday.
AlUla offers the perfect setting for adventure or relaxation this summer, whether you enjoy the unique environment of the location, its beautiful gardens, or the archaeological landmarks that date back 200,000 years.
AlUla experiences cooler temperatures with little to no humidity, and the oasis is surrounded by lush greenery. One of the most appealing aspects for visitors is the ability to engage in as much or as little activity as they wish, particularly with the wonderful mornings and nights in AlUla.
Discover AlUla
AlUla itself is an open-air museum curated by nature, showcasing rock formations, valleys, and cliffs that rival the majestic wonders carved by ancient settlers. Below is a checklist of must-see natural wonders that will surely spark your imagination:
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Elephant Rock (Jabal Al-Fil)
Elephant Rock (Jabal Al-Fil) is a stunning geomorphological wonder located 11 km northeast of AlUla. It is a remarkable example of natural erosion forces from water and wind over millions of years. This natural marvel stands 171 feet tall with mountains appearing in the background.
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The Dancing Rocks
Jabal Al-Rukab is situated in the valley and features breathtaking natural artworks, including striking rock formations, a network of canyons, and a maze of valleys cutting through the rocky mass. Among these formations, you can find the silhouette of three spiraled rock formations known as “The Dancing Rocks,” sculpted by powerful wind-driven sand.
For those seeking more adventure, discover 2,000-year-old rock inscriptions on the stones of Jabal Al-Rukab.
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AlUla Oasis
Located within Wadi Al-Qura at the heart of the region, AlUla Oasis is a lush retreat offering a refreshing escape with its famous palm groves, fragrant citrus trees, and an abundance of crops such as wheat, barley, olives, figs, and oats. The valley thrives thanks to its drainage basin and natural springs.
Al-Hijr Tour
For those unfamiliar, Al-Hijr is the first site in Saudi Arabia to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO-listed heritage site by visiting Al-Hijr in AlUla. Here, you can learn about the ancestors of AlUla’s people and their culture while exploring a number of fascinating burial sites deep within the stunning desert landscape.
360-Degree Virtual Tours
Jabal Al-Ahmar is one of the well-known rock outcrops in Al-Hijr, where extraordinary discoveries offer insights into Nabatean burial traditions in the city.
Starting your early morning adventure before dawn allows ample time to stay in the air for sunrise, floating above Al-Hijr’s mountains while spotting desert wildlife below. The experience is complemented by a breathtaking aerial falconry display.
Once you land, travel to a private reserve for a luxurious breakfast before embarking on a safari in a classic open-top Land Rover across the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Witness the sunrise over the Arabian desert from a hot air balloon, marvel at the falconry show in the air, and indulge in a delightful breakfast.
Al-Hijr Archaeology
AlUla is surrounded by relics showcasing the civilizations that contributed to its development over time, from the capitals of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms to the Nabataean trade hubs and the Islamic era. The region still holds numerous epic rock formations, valleys, and sandy deserts filled with unsolved mysteries, a complex history, and the abundant riches provided by its green oases that have attracted travelers to AlUla.
Famed explorers of the past praised the warmth and authenticity of AlUla’s people, known for their generosity. As a key crossroads on the renowned incense trade routes stretching from southern Arabia to Egypt, the site is distinguished by:
- Wheelchair accessibility to all areas and surfaces
- Wheelchair-accessible transportation options
- Facilities for disabled entry
- Regular sanitation of high-traffic areas
- Disinfection of tools/equipment between uses
Discover the classic Land Rover tours in Al-Hijr and enjoy your journey through the sand dunes.