Located in the northwest region of Saudi, AlUla has been inhabited by humans for some 200,000 years. It was once the second city of the Nabataean civilisation and was an important location on the spice and silk routes that linked Arabia, India and Egypt. It’s a land of striking natural wonders, with towering sandstone rock formations, deep canyons and vast desert plains. Equally fascinating are its manmade marvels, such as the monumental rock-cut tombs at Hegra and the well-preserved mud houses of the Old Town.
Explore the region’s striking geological formations, including the monolithic Jabal AlFil (Elephant Rock) – a towering sandstorm formation resembling an elephant’s body and trunk, shaped by millions of years of wind and water erosion. A great way to experience the beauty of the desert sky is on a stargazing excursion at Gharameel, north of AlUla Old Town. Watch the sun set behind striking desert rock formations and gaze up in wonder as the trillions of stars and the Milky Way become visible in the night sky, completely devoid of light pollution.