Al-Ula
Al-Ula is an ancient oasis in north-western Saudi Arabia, home to the Nabataean tombs of Hegra and a centre of cultural tourism under Vision 2030.
Overview
Al-Ula (Arabic: العلا) is an oasis town in the north-west of Saudi Arabia, in Madinah Province. It is the site of Hegra (Mada'in Salih), the largest Nabataean settlement south of Petra and the Kingdom's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History
Al-Ula was an important stop on the incense trade route and the capital of the ancient kingdom of Dadan and later of Lihyan. The Nabataeans built the monumental rock-cut tombs of Hegra in the first century CE.
Tourism
Al-Ula has been developed as a major cultural tourism destination under Vision 2030, with the Maraya concert hall, the Winter at Tantora festival and the Sharaan Nature Reserve.
References
- Al-Ula \u2014 Royal Commission for AlUla (accessed 5 October 2026)
- Hegra Archaeological Site \u2014 UNESCO World Heritage Centre (accessed 5 October 2026)
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