15 AlUla Tips That Will Save You From the Most Common Mistakes
AlUla is Saudi Arabia's most ambitious tourism project — a desert valley of ancient Nabataean tombs, sandstone rock formations, and the world's largest mirrored building. It's spectacular. It's also heavily managed in ways that trip up unprepared visitors.
I visited for four days and watched at least a dozen people get turned away at Hegra because they hadn't pre-booked. Don't be them.
Before You Go
1. Pre-Booking Is Mandatory — No Exceptions
All major AlUla sites (Hegra, Dadan, AlUla Old Town, Jabal Ikmah) require pre-booked tickets through experiencealula.com. Walk-ups are not accepted. The website also bundles transport from the visitor center — private vehicles aren't allowed inside Hegra's archaeological zone.
Book at least 1 week ahead during peak season (December-February). Two weeks is safer during festivals.
2. The E-Visa Takes Minutes
Citizens of 49 countries can apply for a Saudi tourist e-visa at visa.visitsaudi.com. Cost: ~440 SAR ($117). Processing is fast — sometimes minutes, sometimes a few hours. Visa on arrival is also available at major airports. Passport must be valid 6+ months.
3. There Is No Alcohol. Anywhere.
Saudi Arabia prohibits alcohol completely. No bars, no hotel minibars, no duty-free import allowance. Non-alcoholic beer and mocktails are widely available. Evening entertainment revolves around desert dinners, stargazing sessions, and cultural events — not nightlife.
If this is a dealbreaker, AlUla isn't for you. If you can roll with it, you'll find the evenings surprisingly compelling.
4. Flights Sell Out During Festivals
Saudia and flynas fly direct from Riyadh (1.5 hrs) and Jeddah (1 hr) to AlUla Airport (ULH). During the annual AlUla festival season (October-March), flights fill fast — book 2-3 months ahead. Seasonal direct flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi add capacity.
5. It's Expensive
AlUla positions itself as a premium destination. Hotels range from 400-2,000+ SAR/night ($100-530+). Budget options are limited — Airbnb-style apartments from 200 SAR exist in the new town. Meals at resort restaurants run 80-200 SAR; local cafes in the new town charge 20-40 SAR.
Budget travelers can do AlUla, but it requires effort. Most visitors accept the premium pricing.
At the Sites
6. Hegra Deserves Your Best Morning
Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site has 111 monumental Nabataean tombs carved into sandstone. Guided tours (mandatory) last 90 minutes and cost ~95 SAR ($25). Book the earliest morning slot — the light is best and temperatures are coolest.
The scale is impressive. The tombs range from simple facades to elaborate multi-story carvings with eagles, urns, and Nabataean inscriptions. If you've been to Petra in Jordan, think of Hegra as its quieter, less-touristy southern counterpart.
7. Elephant Rock at Sunset Is the Move
Jabal AlFil (Elephant Rock) is a natural sandstone formation that looks exactly like an elephant reaching its trunk to the ground. It's free to visit and has a cafe at the base serving Arabic coffee. The rock glows deep orange at sunset. Open-air seating with cushions.
11 km northeast of the Old Town. Go 30-45 minutes before sunset to claim a good viewing spot.
8. The Old Town Walk Needs a Guide
AlUla Old Town is a labyrinth of 900+ abandoned mudbrick houses dating to the 12th century. Without a guide (75 SAR), you'll walk through and think: "nice ruins." With a guide, you'll learn about the urban planning, the water distribution system, the social hierarchy encoded in house placement. The citadel hilltop offers panoramic valley views.
9. Dadan + Jabal Ikmah Is the Underrated Combo
The ancient Dadanite/Lihyanite kingdom capital (1st millennium BC) has rock-cut tombs and one of the world's largest open-air libraries of inscriptions at Jabal Ikmah. Guided tours ~75 SAR. Less crowded than Hegra but equally fascinating. Combine them.
Practical
10. The Shuttle System Is the Only Way to Hegra
A free shuttle bus connects the AlUla Visitor Centre (Winter Park) to Hegra, Dadan, and other sites. Private vehicles are not allowed in the archaeological zones. Shuttles run every 20-30 minutes during opening hours. Arrive 15 minutes before your tour slot.
11. Respect Prayer Times
Some shops and cafes close briefly five times daily for prayer. The closures are short (15-20 minutes). Plan around them or use the pause to rest. Nobody will enforce this on tourists, but being aware is respectful.
12. Photography Is Encouraged Everywhere
Unlike some Saudi cultural sites in the past, AlUla actively encourages photography. Drone use requires a permit (apply through experiencealula.com). Tripods are generally fine at all sites.
13. The Oasis Heritage Trail Is Free and Beautiful
A 2.5 km walking trail through the ancient date palm oasis with 2+ million palms. Free self-guided or 50 SAR for a guided tour. Early morning is cooler and quieter. Fresh dates available from vendors along the path.
14. Dress Code Is Relaxed But Modest
Saudi Arabia's dress code has relaxed significantly for tourists. Women no longer need an abaya but should cover shoulders and knees in public. Men should avoid sleeveless tops. At desert resorts (Habitas, Banyan Tree), the atmosphere is more casual.
15. Stargazing Is Free and Incredible
With Bortle Class 1-2 skies and 300+ clear nights per year, AlUla offers world-class stargazing. You don't need an organized session — any desert pullout away from the hotels works. The winter Milky Way is extraordinary November through February. For more desert stargazing, try Wadi Rum.
AlUla rewards preparation. Pre-book everything, accept the premium pricing, and go in the cooler months (October-March) when the festival programming adds another dimension.
Still deciding where to point your Nabataean curiosity? Our AlUla vs Petra comparison breaks down how the two sites differ.
And if you want a feel for the valley day by day, our three-day desert journal walks through it hour by hour.
