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Top 5 Things to do in AlUla, the World’s Masterpiece!
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Saudi has millennia of history and a rich heritage that has not only shaped its modern avatar but has also influenced world history. Sitting at the crossroads of a prospering trade route brought it in contact with numerous other civilisations. The ancient city of AlUla in Saudi is a piece of that history which has been lovingly preserved and restored for the generations of tomorrow.
AlUla chronicles over 200,000 years of unexplored human history. It is a living museum that showcases breath-taking displays of historic dwellings, palaeolithic stone tools, monuments from the Bronze Age, and artefacts from the ancient North Arabian Kingdoms. Here, even nature seems to display its artistic side as fantastic sandstone outcroppings adorn the landscape.
Here are top five things to do in AlUla, the world’s masterpiece.
1. Catch a sunset behind Elephant Rock
Very few things can beat a desert sunset for its sheer magic. As the sun dips towards the horizon and drapes the blanket of cool over the desert, it sets the sandy ochres aglow with varying hues of reds, oranges, and yellows. AlUla Elephant Rock, fondly known locally as Jabal Alfil, adds to the magic of a desert sunset with its monolithic perfection. Carved by nature patiently over several millennia, the 50-metre-high megalith is a sight to behold. As the sky changes colour and the day creeps towards night, position Jabal Alfil between you and the sun. The mischievous sunrays that escape through the gaps and crevices paint a stunning picture as the Elephant Rock glows with the magic of nature. It is a sight you will remember forever.
2. Explore Old Town
Make your way through the labyrinthine maze of history as you explore AlUla’s Old Town. It is a vast space with nearly 900 houses, 400 shops, and five town squares known locally as rahbas. Meandering through the storied streets is akin to stepping back in time. Feel the incredible history, that goes back to the 12th century, flow through the narrow streets that were occupied until the 1980s. Once a bustling town on the pilgrimage route from Damascus to Makkah, Old Town has witnessed history first-hand and has lived through some of the most significant times in Saudi’s history. You will still find some of the original mud and stone buildings that have withstood the tests of time. The Old Town is the heart of your extraordinary experience at AlUla.
3. Admire the Maraya
Located in the Ashar Valley, the Maraya is a decidedly modern marvel that neatly blends with the mountainous landscape; and it has a good reason for doing so. The Maraya is the largest mirrored building in the world, and it reflects the spectacular beauty of the Arabian Desert that will bedazzle your senses. It is a 500-seat venue that’s wrapped in 10,000 square meters of mirrors. Maraya means ‘reflection’ in Arabic, and the structure reflects the seamless marriage of modern architecture with AlUla’s timeless landscapes. Rising from the valley floor like a mirage, it makes its presence felt without intruding on the open space of the Ashar Valley. The restaurant at the top, Maraya Social, champions local flavours and offers a carefully curated mix of Arabian, British and Mediterranean cuisines.
4. Visit Sharaan Nature Reserve
The Sharaan Nature Reserve is a teeming sanctuary that spans 1,500 square kilometres of protective territory within the Hijaz Mountains. It is a treasure trove of natural wonders that is dedicated to conserving the delicate local ecosystem. Some of its wild residents include Idmi gazelles, Nubian ibex, Cape hare, rock hyrax, large-eared red foxes and the incredibly rare and endangered Arabian leopards and Arabian wolves. Even ostriches roam these wild lands where the soaring red cliffs present an incredible contrast to the surrounding golden sands. Explore this stunning, fenced-off reserve in a sturdy 4X4, and enjoy a wild safari in the place where you least expect it. The rugged landscape is the perfect microcosm of Saudi, thriving amidst harsh conditions. Sharaan Nature Reserve is a highly recommended experience in AlUla.
5. Visit Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site
Hegra is an archaeological wonder that has earned its distinction of being the first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to over 100 well-preserved tombs of the Nabataean elite. It holds evidence of being inhabited as far back as the 1st century. The ornate facades are carved with precision and display all the hallmarks of exquisite craftsmanship. Get a hands-on archaeological experience as you explore the ancient structures carved in rock. Follow the Hegra Rock Art Trail and be fascinated by the stories that the paintings tell, messages from the past for the future generations. Hegra is an open-air museum that you explore in a vintage Land Rover, a fitting vehicle to explore the region’s history. This is one experience you must not miss while you are in AlUla.
AlUla is an important piece of history that deserves all the attention it gets. It is a veritable time machine that has fabulous stories to tell, you just need to pay attention.
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