the Saudi Kingdom has AlUla.
AlUla (AL-ULA) is located in the Medina Region in north-western Saudi Arabia. This is the new destination for culture seekers and those enjoying a high end travel experience. By 2023/2024 most of the luxe experiences and properties will be open and infrastructure fully in place.
Experience AlUla – A Timeless Journey
ULH Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Airport is being upgraded and should be able to handle Private & International arrivals in 2023. Domestic flights are available currently from Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh.
A Rental SUV is suggested. Taxi or Driver services are available, as is ride share using Careem.
AlUla has a host of natural wonders as well as a few recent additions.
Set in golden desert sands and climbing three stories into the Saudi Arabian sky is the awe-inspiring Elephant Rock, also known as Jabal Alfil, one of alula’s many geological marvels.
AlUla Old Town is located in the narrowest part of the AlUla Valley. Built on a slight elevation, the town is overlooked by the Musa bin Nusayr Castle, a citadel dating to at least the 10th century.
Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore over 110 remarkably well preserved tombs set in a desert landscape, while learning about the ancient people and culture of AlUla.
A mountain near to the ancient city of Dadan, the capital of Dadanite and Lihyanite Kingdoms, has been described as a huge open-air library.
Established in 2017 in the Coachella Valley of Southern California, Desert X is a series of international contemporary art exhibitions that bring desert locations to life through site-specific installations by acclaimed artists that address ecological, cultural, spiritual and other themes. Desert X AlUla 2020 was a cultural conversation between artists from Saudi Arabia and its surrounding region and artists from previous editions of Desert X in California.
There are currently several decent offerings to stay, with a few more becoming available early 2021.
SHADEN RESORT
Shaden’s luxury villas, suites and rooms each offer private patios and access to a vast pool and lounge complex. Several on-site restaurants and coffee shops.
SAHARY ALULA RESORT
Secluded resort offers private suites and rooms with outdoor seating and garden views, an on-site cafe and a game room.
CANYON RV PARK
Opening first quarter of 2021, a collection of state-of-the-art Airstream RVs, each with a bathroom, mini-kitchen, covered patio area and continental breakfast delivered each morning. Guests can gather around a community firepit with cozy seating to take in the dark skies each evening.
All slated for 2022 opening, but 2023 seems more realistic.
There will be a soft opening in 2021, and then a reopening later in the season. This one looks extremely interesting and with the design by AW2, should be good competition for Aman Resorts.
Opening 2023 or later. This is the exciting new entry, built into the mountain itself. From the design team of the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the new National Museum of Qatar. A stay at Sharaan may prove a destination in itself.
FOUR SEASONS ALULA
AZULIK
For the most up to date information on this emerging destination: Experience AlUla Official website
A rather comprehensive website on AlUla from the Royal Commission for AlUla. I also have additional information that I can send upon request.
Saudi Arabia General Information Page
Need a bit of help planning a trip?
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page updated: December 2020
many images courtesy Royal Commission for AlUla
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