In a world that is exposed online through websites and social media, a dream of charting the unknown as part of a travel bucket list is proving to be harder to achieve than ever. But this desire can come true in AlUla, the legendary location in the Arabian desert with a history of 7,000 years that has mostly remained off the radar even up to this point.
Hot Air Balloon Photo Credit: Khaled Zaal Alenazi
Saudi Arabia’s Hejaz region is known for its Islamic history as well as a historic incense route that connected India and the Gulf to the Levant and Europe. On this system of important land and waterways for trade, an ancient market city was located… ALULA.
ALULA, as we know today, has been the highlight of the Kingdom’s tourism efforts. A place that has a unique concentration of precious artifacts, stone inscriptions, and rock dwellings and tombs that date back from the Nabatean and Dedanite periods, AlUla has been launched as a major tourism destination in Saudi Arabia with Hegra, Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the forefront of its efforts to introduce the historical city to the world.
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), established in July 2017, to develop and promote AlUla as an international tourism destination, has done a spectacular job in this endeavor. They continue to conserve and preserve the heritage and culture of AlUla and also pursues avenues to introduce and improve exciting events and innovative activities in the area.
By now, we all know of the tombs in Hegra – from the very popular Qasr Al Farid (the lone tomb) and the surrounding Jabal Al Banat and Jabal AlAhmar, and to the lovable Elephant Rock and Rainbow Rock. We also know of Dadan and the open air library, Jabal Ikmah. These places are a must-see when it’s your first time in AlUla.
A great time to visit AlUla is also during festivals. AlUla hosts various festivals through the year and this May, AlUla celebrated all things “sky” with their AlUla Skies Festival 2023. There’s really no better way to see AlUla in a short period of time than by air.
Reasons We Love AlUla’s Skies Festival
The unique experience of riding a hot air balloon
There’s nothing like waking up so early in the morning to breathe in the cool air of Alula and take in the sights and scenes from above. The hot air balloon flights, only available during this festival, is an exhilarating experience that gave us the opportunity to see the magnificent landscape of AlUla from the air.
Guests saw how the balloons were blown slowly but safely. Expert pilots man the balloons and gave instructions and in no time at all, we were airborne. While the sun rises in the horizon, so were more than 50 hot air balloons started soaring in the sky. Just the sight of these colorful balloons made me happy. Happier when I got to experience it myself; I saw Qasr Al Farid and the nearby tombs in Hegra from above, also the various rock formations and date farms.
Another way of enjoying the bird’s-eye view of AlUla is through helicopters or choppers.
The challenge of the Giant Swing and the AlUla Stairway
The AlUla Skies Festival will literally bring guests to the sky. The AlUla Adventure Hub has introduced two experiences that give guests the “thrill of a lifetime”. One of these is the Giant Swing where guests can leap off from the mountain edge and fly through a canyon terrain while taking in scenic vista views. Of course at first you’ll be screaming your heart out, after a few minutes of dangling over 85 meters above the ground and swinging on a 70-meter arc, that’s when you can finally appreciate the view.
The AlUla Stairway, on the other hand, takes guests up a 45-meter suspended ladder and down by a zipline. The first of its kind in the region, it’s only one of a few “stairways” of this kind in the world. It’s one of the most intense physical activities in the Adventure Hub, one that will take lots of courage and strength (your knees are probably already shaking just by looking at the photos).
The allure of the stars in AlUla’s darkest skies
I never imagined that I will still be awed by the stars. As an adult based in the city of Riyadh, I barely see stars in the skies anymore. In AlUla, the magic of the night sky appears and it’s truly breathtaking. Coupled with an expert star navigator that showed us the constellations and told stories of the myths and legends surrounding them in Gharameel, one of AlUla’s areas where the skies are darkest, the “journey to the stars” was enchanting.
AlUla is the perfect place for stargazers. Apart from Gharameel, other places to stargaze in the area are the Rainbow Rock, Madakheel, Sharaan Nature Reserve, Wadi AlFann, Elephant Rock, Ashar Valley, Harrat Viewpoint, and the rooftops of restaurants in Old Town.
The spectacular elevated view of an epic landscape
Speaking of Harrat Viewpoint, this lookout point gives the feeling of standing on the edge of the world. Navigating the zigzag, curvy roads is a challenge in itself but the reward comes from seeing the black lava stone terrain of Harrat Uwayrid, an impressive length of 180 kilometers and a width of roughly 90 kilometers. Once in Harrat Viewpoint, there’s a magnificent view of Dadan, AlUla Old Town, AlUla Fort, and AlUla Oasis.
Harrat Viewpoint is also home to Okto Restaurant. At night, the venue transforms into a hip, lively dining space that offers good Greek food, sparking mocktails, vibrant music, and interesting performers. The energy is palpable and so is the cold. We didn’t have to worry about the winter-like weather here: Okto provided farwa. And we snuggled in the comforts of it all throughout the night.
The luxurious stay in Habitas AlUla
During festivals in AlUla, resorts are full of visitors both from various regions in the Kingdom and also from all over the world. This Skies Festival, we experienced staying in Habitas AlUla, a sustainable “home” in ancient Arabia. From its various villas with views of the surrounding canyons, to its trendy infinity pool, and to amenities and activities that let guests enjoy the clear skies of AlUla, Habitas AlUla levels up the meaning of “vacation”.
Habitas AlUla has over 90 villas that opens up to dramatic views of sandstone canyons and cliffs. It also has Tama Restaurant which serves the healthiest and most delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner using locally-sourced ingredients. For fitness and wellness, the resort has Thuraya Wellness equipped with a gym and yoga studio and also offers massages and facial treatments. If only there are no other wonderful sights to see outside of the resort, I would have probably chosen to stay there for the duration of my visit to AlUla.
If you haven’t been to AlUla, why not? It’s one of the must-visit places, not only in Saudi Arabia, but also in the world right now.
Photo Credit: Royal Commission for AlUla, Hill+Knowlton Strategies
