Enjoy the breathtaking natural landscapes and experience the spectacular activities in Al-Hijr and tours in Al-Hijr, showcasing human creativity through a two-hour tour at Al-Hijr, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this cultural tour provided by almatar, we will take you on a journey to Al-Hijr, where you will experience an unforgettable trip to one of the most significant places in Saudi Arabia.
Where is Al-Hijr located?
The archaeological site of Madain Salih, also known as Al-Hijr, is located in the Medina region of Saudi Arabia, specifically in AlUla. It connects the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula and is historically known for its location along a former trade route that linked the Levant to the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula.
Discover AlUla with Us
You will arrange your transportation to Winter Park, from where you will board a tour bus that takes you to seven famous attractions in AlUla, including the Hejaz Railway Station, Al-Diwan, and the Tomb of Lihyan Bin Kuza. The tour will also include a professional narrator who will bring the stories of AlUla’s top attractions to life, enhancing your experience and promising a trip of a lifetime.
Built amid rugged desert valleys and mountainous terrain, Al-Hijr is located less than 22 kilometers from AlUla and is Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stands in one of the most remarkable locations that bear witness to Nabataean civilization.
The Al-Hijr Region
With roots dating back to the mid-1st century BCE, Al-Hijr provides visitors with an excellent insight into what a Nabataean city looked like at that time. This archaeological gem is strategically located south of its famous sister city, Petra, in Jordan. It was also an important trade route connecting the Arabian Peninsula to the Mediterranean world and Asia.
After the Nabataean city was abandoned, the route continued to play a vital role as a bustling trade corridor and a pilgrimage path to Mecca until the 20th century, when the Hejaz Railway was established. A journey through Al-Hijr is an adventure in itself—this stone city features over a hundred exquisitely carved and well-preserved tombs that bring the sandstone cliffs to life.
The city has left behind a mesmerizing blend of structures, with its sheer cliffs lined with intricate carvings and inscriptions that resemble ancient architecture. Within these cliffs lie burial sites of the elite in ancient society, symbolizing the region’s extensive history. In addition to the ornately decorated tombs, the abundance of artificial wells in Al-Hijr also highlights Nabataean agricultural techniques.
Map of AlUla
For many kingdoms and civilizations over thousands of years, AlUla has been a highly attractive location, fostering a prosperous and culturally enriching life. Despite its appeal to locals, AlUla has always been a popular destination for tourists, particularly in the summer heat, where the AlUla oasis provided a cool escape from the arid desert, abundant water, food, and trade for those bringing incense, textiles, jewelry, perfumes, and spices.
Tourists from near and far—including India, Ceylon, Southeast Asia, Mesopotamia, Greece, Egypt, and Italy—visited AlUla, not only to trade goods but also to exchange ideas about art, architecture, agriculture, and religion.
Cultural exchanges remain visible through some of the earliest forms of rock inscriptions—ancient social media—carved into sandstone formations. Today, AlUla has been transformed into a year-round entertainment destination, continuing to offer opportunities to explore this ancient land and embark on new adventures across its vast deserts and stunning oasis. Visitors can uncover ancient mysteries and reveal historical truths from past civilizations and cultures.
Top Three Experiences in AlUla Right Now
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Take a Helicopter Tour
Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of AlUla’s stunning desert landscapes. Experience a bird’s-eye view of iconic landmarks such as Elephant Rock, Maraya, and the Old Town of AlUla. Fly over the UNESCO World Heritage Site and capture incredible images of the renowned sandstone tombs. Sit back and relax as the pilot guides you over the land, providing insight into ancient and modern developments. These new tours operate twice daily and will increase in frequency.
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Browse the Local Market
Shop for home goods, jewelry, and locally produced arts and crafts at the Old Town Market. A tempting selection of handmade jewelry, home decor, gifts, and regional sadu (woven textiles) products awaits. Unique handcrafted ceramics have recently been introduced, while shops selling moringa oil and other natural extracts can be found at the Oil Press Store. Don’t forget to check out stalls offering trendy summer abayas, art, calligraphy, gemstones, natural soaps, dates, and even citrus fruit stands—everything you need for entertainment and shopping!
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Shop for Valuable Souvenirs
Shopping enthusiasts should explore the new cultural heritage stores within historic landmarks before leaving AlUla. The largest selection is available in Al-Hijr, offering a curated range of regionally inspired items. Browse shelves filled with fine handcrafted porcelain, leather accessories, textiles, candles, oils, traditional wooden home decor, exquisite gold and silver jewelry, and an array of beautifully designed souvenirs that celebrate the patterns and motifs rooted in AlUla’s heritage sites and geological landscapes.
AlUla Entrance Fees
As the heat of the day fades, AlUla enjoys cool and refreshing evenings. Join a Desert Star Tour with a local expert to uncover the magic of AlUla. This destination is ideal for stargazing, as it is far from city lights and offers some of the world’s darkest and most pristine night skies.
During daily stargazing tours and moonlit evenings, enjoy a traditional Saudi meal under the shimmering night sky—an experience that will undoubtedly be the highlight of your journey.