Al-Ula city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At the same time, the Saudi city of Al-Ula witnessed a wide range of civilizations. Al-Ula is also considered one of my country’s most important archaeological landmarks, making it a popular tourist destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In previous articles, we discussed Secrets about the most important tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia. In this article, we will look at Al-Ula city, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia. Where we will discuss the most important archaeological sites and events in this wonderful historical city.
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Information about Al-Ula city
Many people wonder, “Where is Al-Ula?” The answer is that it is in Medina, which is located in the northern part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Many people wonder, “How far is Al-Ula from Medina?” The answer is that Al-Ula is one of the governorates of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, which is 300 kilometers away.
Al-Ula city is an important tourist destination where tourists, both local and foreign, come to learn about the oldest archaeological sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and their historical significance. Al-Ula is also known as the “Bride of the Mountains” because it contains many ancient monuments that are distinguished by their distinctive mountainous nature, in addition to their wonderful climate.
Al-Ula is a 4000-year-old city that is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, according to UNESCO. The city of Al-Ula served as the Nabateans’ first capital.
Al-Ula Governorate development is also one of Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 projects. The project intends to focus on Al-historical Ula’s monuments and environmental wealth in order to make it one of the world’s most important tourist destinations.
The climate and topography of AlUla
The city of Al-Ula is nestled between the largest mountains in Saudi Arabia, overlooking a fertile valley. Groundwater was used to aid in the cultivation of palms, citrus, and fruits. Al-climate Ula’s is hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
The most important tourist attractions in AlUla
Al-Ula city has many distinct and diverse tourist attractions, including many historical monuments, the most prominent of which are as follows:
1- Al-Khraibeh, “The Camel Melab”
Al-Khuraiba, in Al-Ula city, is Saudi Arabia’s oldest archaeological site, dating back thousands of years. In addition, Mahlab, the she-camel, is a circular-shaped basin carved out of rock in the Khraibeh area. Mahlab Al-Nafa is one of Saudi Arabia’s ancient monuments.
The Khraibeh area is part of the ruins of the ancient city of Dadan, which dates back to the civilization of the famous Arab Kingdom of Dadan and contains some of Saudi Arabia’s most famous historical monuments. Tourists can see many archaeological and heritage artifacts here, such as basins, springs, and tombs carved into the mountains, as well as various architectural elements, adorned with carvings.
2- Lions Cemeteries
This is one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest archaeological sites, dating back to the fifth century BC. It is also one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Ola. The tombs of the lions get their name from a group of tombs marked with four lions.
Tourists will enjoy seeing many lion carvings, the most notable of which is the lion carving discovered in 1914, as well as the carving of the lioness nursing her young, and the four lions that appear over two tombs in Khraibeh’s south. Excellent historical photographs can also be taken.
3- The historic district
The old town is located in Al-Ula, which is considered to have some of the best old buildings made of bricks, bricks, and stones. That town’s history dates back to the fourteenth century AD. The old town, located in Medina, is one of the best tourist attractions in Al-Ula.
The old town has now become one of the heritage tourist attractions that tourists visit to learn about the origins of ancient civilizations and what remains of this town. The old town is distinguished by its brick buildings that are adjacent to each other as if they were a single structure, with 870 housing units.
4- Gramil Al-Ula
Gramel AlUla is a spectacular rock formation surrounded by Milky Way pearls. Gramel Al Ula is located in the Al Ula Governorate, in a mountainous area. Gramel Al-Ula is an eco-tourist attraction in Saudi Arabia that was formed by wind sculpting it through the organ. This added to her stunning natural beauty.
Gramel Al-Ula is located 300 kilometers from the Tabuk region, where tourists from all over the world visit to admire the natural beauty. When night falls and the sky darkens, the distinctive jellyfish of the Milky Way appear in the sky with lights that reflect the natural atmosphere on all of Al-distinctive Gharamil’s formations.
5- Hurra Oweird
The Uwayrid Harrat in Al-Ula city is a 180-kilometer-long molten volcanic rock that rises 600 feet above the city of Al-Ula. In Harrat Uwaid, there are numerous volcanic craters scattered among the meteors and valleys. Al Hurra’s terrain is rugged and interspersed with valleys.
Hurrat Uwairid is one of Saudi Arabia’s largest nature reserves, particularly in the Al-Ula governorate. It contains a wide variety of animals, birds, and rare plants.
Tourists come to see the beautiful sights of this reserve. In addition, a staircase was carved into the mountain until it reached its peak, allowing visitors to climb and see the entire Al-Ula city, which has a very charming and distinct appearance.
6- Mada’in Saleh
Mada’in Saleh in Al-Ula is regarded as one of the best tourist, heritage, and historical sites in the region. It was once known as “Dar Al-Hajar,” and it attracts tourists from all over the world. Mada’in Saleh is one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest archaeological sites, as it was once a trade route in the Arabian Peninsula. Furthermore, its prominent geographical location made it one of Saudi Arabia’s most well-known historical monuments. It is situated on the road that connects the Arabian Peninsula to the Levant, Egypt, and Iraq.
Mada’in Saleh is regarded as one of the best civilizations of the Nabataeans and Aadites mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. Knowing that Mada’in Saleh is one of the first Saudi sites to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, and it includes many monuments, including rock drawings with cumulonimbus stones, as well as many written, religious, and royal inscriptions that are abundant on the tombs in that region. Tourists from all over the world visit this area to take the best souvenir photos.
7- Mount Elephant (Elephant Rock)
This rock is classified as very viscous and takes the shape of an elephant, reaching a height of 52 meters above the ground. Elephant Mountain, also known as Elephant Rock, is one of the best tourist attractions in Al-Ula city, attracting visitors from all over the world, particularly those interested in mountain climbing and desert sports.
Elephant generation is the most important natural factor that resulted from wind erosion millions of years ago, adding natural beauty to it. In the middle of a sandy desert, this elephant-like mountain formed. In addition to the various rock formations, it is surrounded by many mountains that are distinguished by their light and distinct colors. As a result, Elephant Rock is regarded as a natural wonder.
8- Historic Mount Ukma
Jabal Akma in Al-Ula city is one of the best tourist destinations in Al-Ula city and one of Saudi Arabia’s historical monuments. The origins of Jabal Ikma can be traced back to the Lihanian civilization, which was home to the Lihan Kingdom. As a result, the Ikma generation contains a variety of archaeological inscriptions as well as important heritage writings that reflect the Lihan civilization. The terrain of Jabal Ikma is mountainous, with a narrow valley in the background.
9- Jabal Athleb
Jabal Athleb is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Al-Ula city. Where tourists from all over the world congregate. In addition to fossils and niches, this mountain has numerous inscriptions. It also has a very large hall called Diwan Jabal Athleb, which is one of the wonderful places to visit if you want to have an amazing tourist experience. Jabal Athleb is close to Madain Saleh.
The most important events that take place in Al-Ula
Aside from the fact that Al-Ula is a historical city, it also hosts a variety of activities, including the following:
1- Market in Al-old Ula’s town
The old town market is one of the most important markets in Al-Ula city, and it is easy to walk around in the open air. As well as many traditional crafts, the market has many shops of local artisans. This market also has a number of cafes.
Work in that market begins at nine o’clock in the morning and ends at twelve o’clock in the morning. One of the places where tourists prefer to learn about Saudi products and culture is the old town market. Gifts and souvenirs are also available.
2- Festival of the Ancient Kingdoms
This festival is widely regarded as one of the most important events in Al-Ula city. Tourists will be able to see various monuments that have stood for thousands of years as part of the Old Kingdoms Festival. The Kingdoms Festival is a festival held in Al-Ula city. This festival explores all traditions, customs, and arts. The festival also offers a variety of experiences inspired by the well-known incense.
The festival includes many musical and artistic events, as well as various external activities in various archaeological areas, such as the well-known Stone Evening event.
3- Tantora Festival in the Winter
The Winter at Tantora Festival, one of the best music and arts festivals in AlUla, returns. This festival will feature a variety of concerts by some of the most well-known international artists. Various cultural events and activities in various fields such as art and cooking will be practiced at that festival. Visitors to this festival will see a variety of landscapes as well as the wonders of Al-Ula city.
Conclusion
Al-Ula city is a heritage site in Saudi Arabia, and it is considered one of the oldest archaeological sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as having historical significance. Where many historical monuments and archaeological sites, such as Madain Saleh, Elephant Rock, the old town, and other heritage sites that witnessed many different civilizations, can be found.
In addition to the archaeological sites in Al-Ula city, the city hosts a variety of events that reflect the culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As a result, Al-Ula city is one of the tourist destinations that visitors prefer to visit.