Al Ula
Unforgettable Experience in Al Ula
November 2024 I rented a car from Yelo at Madinah Airport, kept it at my hotel overnight, and at 4 am, my brother and I set off for Al Ula. What an adventure it turned out to be! The road ahead seemed endless, but with each passing mile, the landscape morphed in ways that left me in awe. We encountered camels leisurely roaming the desert, and suddenly, amidst the vast emptiness, we came across vibrant oases brimming with life. Date palm groves stood like mirages, their branches weighed down with ripening fruit.
The mountains towered over us, casting playful shadows on the golden sand, while the desert dunes stretched as far as the eye could see. Every bend in the road revealed something new and unexpected. The scenery was in constant flux, shifting between tranquil and untamed. It was like driving through a series of different worlds, all packed into one unforgettable experience. Truly unbelievable!
While it’s famous for ancient sites like the UNESCO-listed Al Ula Old Town and the rock-cut tombs of Madain Saleh, there’s much more to this region than meets the eye. What many visitors don’t realise is that Al Ula isn’t just a place frozen in time. It feels as though you've been transported to another era—at least, that’s how I felt. At times, it doesn’t even seem like you’re on this planet.
Hegra Is a Journey Through Time and Beauty
After a breathtaking drive, we finally reached Al Ula and parked at Winter Park. The first thing that struck us was the vastness of the desert landscape before us—rugged sandstone mountains rising in the distance and endless open spaces stretching out to infinity. It felt like we had stepped into another dimension.
Feeling the need to rest, we headed to a small café within the park. The quiet ambiance and cozy setting made it the perfect spot to recharge. We ordered a much-needed coffee, sitting back to take in the peaceful surroundings. The vast desert spread out beyond the café, framed by distant mountains. It was the ideal place to pause and gather our energy before resuming our journey.
Our real adventure began as we departed from Winter Park on a day tour to Hegra, also known as Madain Saleh. This site, frozen in time, offered a glimpse into the ancient world, its beauty undiminished by the passing centuries.
"Human habitation in Al Ula dates back to around 7000 years ago, and the Nabataeans did inhabit the area approximately 2000 years ago."
"I booked a stay at Husaak Glamping, where the peaceful oasis of date trees and lush orchards promised a truly magical escape."
Things to do in Al Ula
Explore Hegra (Madain Saleh): Discover the ancient Nabataean tombs carved into the rock, a UNESCO World Heritage site that rivals Petra in beauty.
Visit Al Ula Old Town: Wander through the narrow alleyways of this ancient mudbrick town, filled with history and charm.
Go on a Desert Safari: Experience the vast desert landscapes with a thrilling 4x4 tour, taking in the dunes, rock formations, and natural wonders.
Trek to Elephant Rock: Marvel at the giant rock formation shaped like an elephant, a perfect spot for a sunset photo.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride: See Al Ula from above, drifting peacefully over the stunning desert landscape and ancient ruins.
Go Stargazing: AlUla’s clear skies make it a perfect destination for stargazing, offering some of the best views of the night sky.
After three incredible days in AlUla, I headed back to Medinah to return the car at the airport. From there, we flew to Istanbul. Click on Medinah or Istanbul to read about my experience.