Discover AlUla's Unique Summer Adventures and Cultural Experiences - Middle East Business News and Information
Escape the ordinary this summer and discover AlUla, a luxury boutique heritage destination in northwest Saudi Arabia. Offering breathtaking adventure, rich cultural experiences, opulent hospitality, and revitalising well-being retreats, all set against a serene desert landscape, AlUla provides a unique and refreshing summer getaway within easy reach.
With a climate that defies expectations, AlUla presents a compelling alternative to traditional summer destinations. Its cooler temperatures, coupled with a diverse range of activities, make it an ideal vacation spot just a short flight from many GCC cities.
AlUla's Summer Highlights:
1- Oasis Summer Farm Discoveries
Explore date palm groves, water canals, the remains of mudbrick homes, and communal spaces, all shaped by stories of resilience and community recounted by a local Rawi. A journey that offers a look into everyday routines, seasonal harvests, family gatherings, and traditional foods that once shaped summer life in the oasis.
2- Hegra Vintage Land Rover Tour
Journey through the ancient Nabataean city of Hegra in style, exploring magnificent tombs and gathering places carved into the rocks – all from the comfort of a private vintage Land Rover with seating for up to 7 guests.
3- Hiking at Sunset
Experience the calm and beauty of nature with a sunset Ridge Walk hike, which offers a majestic reward – panoramic views of the AlUla Oasis that once sustained ancient caravan routes. After a 30-minute drive to the trailhead, the 6km hike starts with a steep uphill to the top of the ridge. From there, guests can enjoy an easy-going walk along the ridge with spectacular views over lush greenery and the desert below.
4- Stargazing at Gharameel
Embark on a journey that blends the magic of nature with the wonders of the cosmos through an epic stargazing evening at Gharameel, a certified Dark Sky Park—an unforgettable way to experience the breathtaking beauty of AlUla's clear night skies.
5- The Summer Icebath
Set at Our Habitas AlUla to a backdrop of striking sandstone formations, this guided ice bath experience offers a bold dive that blends mindfulness with resilience. Every element—from detox water and dates to yoga mats and expert guidance—is designed to awaken your senses and recharge your mind, body and spirit.
6- Poolside by Azimuth
Plunge into the essence of AlUla's summer scene at Poolside by AZIMUTH, where music meets luxury under the desert sky. Running every weekend from 4 July to 16 August 2025, this exclusive series unfolds across four of AlUla's premier resorts: Shaden, Our Habitas AlUla, Banyan Tree, and Dar Tantora The House Hotel. Expect DJ sets, cool cocktails, immersive entertainment, and access to premium poolside facilities. With limited daily capacities and access by advance booking only, each night promises unforgettable vibes and poolside glamour.
Getting to AlUla is easy this summer with frequent flights domestically and across the region. Saudia and flynas offer multiple weekly flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Regionally, flydubai connects from Dubai and Qatar Airways operates from Doha.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Mid East Info
Discover AlUla's Unique Summer Adventures and Cultural Experiences - Middle East Business News and Information
Escape the ordinary this summer and discover AlUla, a luxury boutique heritage destination in northwest Saudi Arabia. Offering breathtaking adventure, rich cultural experiences, opulent hospitality, and revitalising well-being retreats, all set against a serene desert landscape, AlUla provides a unique and refreshing summer getaway within easy reach. With a climate that defies expectations, AlUla presents a compelling alternative to traditional summer destinations. Its cooler temperatures, coupled with a diverse range of activities, make it an ideal vacation spot just a short flight from many GCC cities. AlUla's Summer Highlights: 1- Oasis Summer Farm Discoveries Explore date palm groves, water canals, the remains of mudbrick homes, and communal spaces, all shaped by stories of resilience and community recounted by a local Rawi. A journey that offers a look into everyday routines, seasonal harvests, family gatherings, and traditional foods that once shaped summer life in the oasis. 2- Hegra Vintage Land Rover Tour Journey through the ancient Nabataean city of Hegra in style, exploring magnificent tombs and gathering places carved into the rocks – all from the comfort of a private vintage Land Rover with seating for up to 7 guests. 3- Hiking at Sunset Experience the calm and beauty of nature with a sunset Ridge Walk hike, which offers a majestic reward – panoramic views of the AlUla Oasis that once sustained ancient caravan routes. After a 30-minute drive to the trailhead, the 6km hike starts with a steep uphill to the top of the ridge. From there, guests can enjoy an easy-going walk along the ridge with spectacular views over lush greenery and the desert below. 4- Stargazing at Gharameel Embark on a journey that blends the magic of nature with the wonders of the cosmos through an epic stargazing evening at Gharameel, a certified Dark Sky Park—an unforgettable way to experience the breathtaking beauty of AlUla's clear night skies. 5- The Summer Icebath Set at Our Habitas AlUla to a backdrop of striking sandstone formations, this guided ice bath experience offers a bold dive that blends mindfulness with resilience. Every element—from detox water and dates to yoga mats and expert guidance—is designed to awaken your senses and recharge your mind, body and spirit. 6- Poolside by Azimuth Plunge into the essence of AlUla's summer scene at Poolside by AZIMUTH, where music meets luxury under the desert sky. Running every weekend from 4 July to 16 August 2025, this exclusive series unfolds across four of AlUla's premier resorts: Shaden, Our Habitas AlUla, Banyan Tree, and Dar Tantora The House Hotel. Expect DJ sets, cool cocktails, immersive entertainment, and access to premium poolside facilities. With limited daily capacities and access by advance booking only, each night promises unforgettable vibes and poolside glamour. Getting to AlUla is easy this summer with frequent flights domestically and across the region. Saudia and flynas offer multiple weekly flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Regionally, flydubai connects from Dubai and Qatar Airways operates from Doha.
CairoScene
04-05-2025
- CairoScene
Seven Stunning UNESCO Sites to Add to Your Saudi Travel List
From rock-carved cities to lush oases, Saudi's UNESCO treasures will leave you with no choice but to extend your stay in the Kingdom. From ancient trade routes to landscapes that stretch back millennia, Saudi Arabia's UNESCO World Heritage Sites aren't just relics of the past—they are portals to worlds forgotten by time. Whether it's the rock-carved tombs of Al-Ula standing as silent witnesses to a bygone civilization, or the untouched beauty of the Ḥimā Cultural Area, where desert dunes meet ancient petroglyphs, each site offers a chance to step into the past, feel the echoes of ancient civilizations, and experience nature at its most raw and untamed. Now that we've set the stage, here's a closer look at the UNESCO treasures that make Saudi Arabia's history and landscapes truly unforgettable. Hegra Archaeological Site Tucked away in the northern deserts, the Kingdom's first World Heritage Site is a captivating Nabataean city, much like Petra in Jordan, with stunning rock-cut tombs and ancient inscriptions dating back to the 1st century BCE. At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah 📍Riyadh The birthplace of the first Saudi dynasty, this historical district of 15th-century mud-brick palaces and forts once served as the political and cultural center of the Arabian Peninsula. Al-Ahsa Oasis One of the largest oases in the world, Al-Ahsa has been a thriving agricultural hub for thousands of years, famed for its ancient irrigation systems, lush palm groves, and thriving culture. Al Balad (Historic Jeddah) Known for its well-preserved coral architecture, vibrant souks, and buzzing cultural scene, Jeddah's historic district has been a key port for the Hajj pilgrimage for centuries, acting as a gateway to Makkah. Rock Art in the Ha'il Region Featuring thousands of rock carvings covering 10,000 years of history, these prehistoric art pieces paint a picture of early human life and biodiversity in the Arabian Peninsula. Ḥimā Cultural Area Famous for its ancient rock art and inscriptions, this site gives a glimpse into the development of human civilization in the Arabian Peninsula over 7,000 years and is one of the Kingdom's best-kept secrets. 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid Protected Area Celebrated for its rich biodiversity and conservation efforts, including the successful reintroduction of the Arabian oryx, this is Saudi Arabia's first natural UNESCO site.
Mid East Info
29-04-2025
- Mid East Info
AlUla Showcases Authentic Handicrafts at Arabian Travel Market with Spotlight on Madrasat Addeera - Middle East Business News and Information
The luxury heritage destination of AlUla is hosting a special pop-up from Madrasat Addeera, the city's first arts and design centre, at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) until 1 May. Located at stand at ME #1720, Dubai World Trade Centre, the pop-up features a curated collection of handcrafted pieces, such as stone carved decorations, ceramics, traditionally weaved Sadu fabric, embroidered purses and more, celebrating the artistry of local artisans and the living heritage of AlUla. This year's showcase gains special significance as 2025 has been declared The Year of Handicrafts in Saudi Arabia, an initiative that recognises the importance of preserving and promoting traditional craftsmanship as a vital part of the Kingdom's cultural identity. In this context, Madrasat Addeera stands as a powerful driver of cultural continuity and innovation. Located at the heart of AlUla's AlJadidah Arts District, Madrasat Addeera champions traditional crafts and contemporary design through community-driven creativity. Each creation displayed at ATM, many of which have been made by women artisans trained through Madrasat Addeera's Vocational Training Programme, tells a story. Madrasat Addeera is one of many ways AlUla is reviving ancient arts, crafts and culture, and also empowering the local community through skills development and economic opportunity. Visitors to the AlUla stand at ATM can also engage with the stories behind the pieces, gaining insight into how the destination is redefining authentic tourism through immersive cultural experiences. AlUla invites visitors to experience its stand at ME #1720, Sheikh Saeed Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre, during the Arabian Travel Market. A range of engaging activities will offer guests an immersive glimpse into the wonders of AlUla – right in the heart of Dubai. Another available experience at the stand is the 'Echoes of AlUla', where visitors can have their names transliterated into ancient Dadanitic script, once used by the Lihyanite and Dadanite kingdoms that thrived in AlUla – offering a unique way to connect with the city's rich heritage and take home a symbolic piece of its history. Adding a personal touch, two Rawi, AlUla's traditional storytellers and tour guides, will be on hand to engage with visitors, sharing authentic stories, insights, and perspectives from the destination they call home. Additionally, at the Arabian Leopard section, guests can discover AlUla's sustainability efforts, including the reintroduction of the Critically Endangered Arabian Leopard into the wild. Visitors will also have the chance to vote on a name for a future leopard cub and enter a draw to win a two-night trip to AlUla, including flights and accommodation. About AlUla: Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km², includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned. The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and is comprised of 111 well-preserved tombs, many with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement. Current research also suggests Hegra was the most southern outpost of the Roman Empire after the Roman's conquered the Nabataeans in 106 CE. In addition to Hegra, AlUla is also home to ancient Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms and considered to be one of the most developed 1st millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula, and Jabal Ikmah, an open air library of hundreds of inscriptions and writings in many different languages, which has been recently listed on the UNESCO's memory of the World Register. Also AlUla Old Town Village, a labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes developed from at least the 12th century, which has been selected as one of the World's Best Tourism Villages in 2022 by the UNWTO.
