72 Hours in AlUla: From Nabataean Tombs to Ancient Kingdoms and Palm Oases

Three days exploring Hegra, Dadan, Jabal Ikmah and AlUla Old Town, offering travellers an opportunity to discover the history of northern Arabia beyond its most famous landmarks.

Three days in AlUla offer visitors an opportunity to discover an extraordinary combination of Nabataean heritage, ancient northern Arabian kingdoms, mudbrick architecture and agricultural oases. However, making the most of the journey requires careful planning around the locations of attractions and scheduled guided tours, rather than attempting to visit every landmark in a single day.

The journey begins at Hegra, the first Saudi Arabian site to be inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2008.

An organised tour allows visitors to explore the Nabataean tombs carved into sandstone cliffs, including the Tomb of Lihyan Son of Kuza, alongside other archaeological sites that reveal aspects of religious and funerary life in the ancient city.

According to the official Experience AlUla platform, guided tours start at SAR 95 per person and last approximately two hours. Self-driving within the archaeological site is not permitted, and visitors must remain on designated routes.

In the evening, travellers can head to AlUla Old Town to explore its traditional mudbrick buildings and historic passageways before enjoying dinner in the surrounding area.

The second day focuses on the region's earlier history, beginning with Dadan, which served as the capital of the ancient kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan more than 2,000 years ago. The archaeological area features tombs carved into rock faces, most notably the famous Lion Tombs of Dadan.

The journey then continues to Jabal Ikmah, renowned for its ancient inscriptions and writings that provide valuable insights into the region's languages, society and commercial activities.

According to Experience AlUla, both sites can be explored through a combined guided tour lasting approximately two hours, with advertised prices starting at SAR 60 per person. Independent driving within the archaeological sites is not permitted.

The final day begins with a walk through AlUla Oasis, where palm groves and scenic pathways connect traditional agricultural landscapes with the region's historical surroundings. Visitors can then explore the AlJadidah Arts District or book an experience at Maraya, depending on available visiting hours and reservation requirements.

The area also offers hiking activities and opportunities to admire its remarkable rock formations. However, travellers should avoid adding lengthy desert excursions to their itinerary without first checking their duration and the prevailing weather conditions.

The reference prices mentioned above do not include transportation, accommodation or meals.

Tour costs may vary depending on the travel date, booking category and operator. The experience listings were reviewed on 7 November 2026, and all prices are subject to change.

The best way to discover AlUla is to dedicate sufficient time to each chapter of its history, from the Nabataeans to the ancient kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan, before exploring the oasis and the destination's contemporary cultural life.

Three days may not be enough to see everything, but they provide visitors with a meaningful and well-rounded understanding of AlUla's distinctive identity.