Al-Ula has been part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, a plan to diversify the country’s economy and promote tourism. Significant efforts have been made to develop and preserve Al-Ula’s cultural heritage while making it more accessible to tourists. There are still a lot of things to improve. They are working hard on that and somethings can be already different since my last visit.

Here is a list of things to see and to do in AlUla which I made during my stay there.

Hegra

I think most travelers already have been or at least have Petra on their lists. But not so many of them knows about Hegra (also known as Mada’in Saleh, but locals prefer to call it Hegra), which was second major city of Nabataeans Kingdom.

Hegra is build on a large plain surrounded by mountains. The sanstone formations on the plain are the weathered remains of stone layers which formed between 510 and 475 million years ago.

Over 100 monumental tombs are carved into the outcrops surrounding the ancient city of Hegra.

The Nabataeans chose to carve their tombs into these formations, and the leftover stone was used as building material within their settlements.

They were build to hold the remains of families or groups, whose status is reflected in the size and level of decoration of tombs. Higher up the mountains are simpler pit graves where people of lover social status were probably buried.

The number and range of preserved tomb inscriptions at Hegra is unique. Many tombs feature inscriptions that record who commissioned them and when, and sometimes the craftsperson responsible for carving them.

The largest tomb belongs to Lihyan son of Kuza, also known as Qasr al-Farid, which means ‘the Lonely Castle‘.

The tomb is carved into its own separate sandstone outcrop. It must have belonged to a very important Nabataean individual of family.

Hegra entrance location is here.

Hot air balloon flight over Hegra

Unfortunately in Hegra you can’t wonder around on foot as you can do in Petra.

But in Hegra you can book a hot air balloon ride over ancient city if weather permits. You can’t do this in Petra. At least yet.

Hot air balloon flights in Hegra are usually in the morning because in the evening wind can be too strong for balloon ride. So after your Hegra day tour you can book hot air balloon ride for the next morning. Of course if weather allows a flight.

Why I am suggesting a flight after you do a tour in Hegra? Because it makes your balloon ride more interesting. You already know every place in the area – where is Tomb of Lihyan, or Jabal AlBanat, or Al Diwan.

Only from above your can see remains of Nabataeans wells.

Nabataeans were skilled at harnessing natural water resources. At Hegra, they tapped into underground reserves of water, but also devised systems of channels and cisterns for directing and storing rainwater.

Their reputation for skilled water management could explain their name. ‘Nabataean’ has been linked to ther Arabic word Nabatu, meaning ‘water which springs form the well’.

And lastly if you are lucky you can take part in hot air balloons festival. Time of festival varies every year and I didn’t see any announcement about the next one.

AlUla Old Town

During my visit only small part of old town was accessible. Actually only one narrow passage was open. Not far from AlUla Old Town Visitors’ Center you can cross Old Town towards AuUla Castle.

Entrance to the Castle is complicated. It is hard to find entrance doors, as there is no direction anywhere.

And most importantly you can’t just walk-in. You need to book visiting time in advance at Old Town Visitor Center. The time was inconvenient for me, so I have AlUla Castle pictures only from outside.

Oasis Heritage Trail

You can reach AlUla Oasis Heritage Trail if you cross main road near AlUla Castle.

The trail takes you almost to the North parking. From this point it is just 1.5km (or ~20 minutes) walk to the parking. This is closest point to the North parking, there you can enter Oasis Trail.

But I am sure it would take more time to walk that trail. Not because it is difficult trail. It is very easy and totally flat. But because you won’t want to rush to get out of this oasis.

It is really amazing to see so much green color in the desert.

Dadan / Jabal Ikmah

Although these places are located 5 kilometers apart I put them together because you must take a tour which takes your to both these places. Once again unfortunately but you can’t walk in or drive in. Taking a tour is the only option to visit these places. I am repeating it again and again, because it is important to know in case you are visiting AlUla only for couple days and you need to plan your time wisely. Tour starts at Winter Park.

Dadan

Once upon a time here was a capital of the Dadan Kingdom in 9-8th centuries BC and at them moment it is still active excavation site and honestly you can’t see much there. You can’t see much, because you are not allowed to get very close to the tombs. It is good to have binocular or photo zoom lens.

Here is famous Lion tomb if you can see it on the left. It is tele zoomed x4 or x5 times.

And here some remains of the city.

Hopefully in near future visitors will be allowed to get closer and will be able to walk around.

Here is location of Dadan Visitor Center.

Jabal Ikmah

This place is sometimes called the Lithyanite Library. The longer you examine the cliffs around, the more markings you will find.

Inscriptions and carvings are scattered all around the AlUla area, but Jabal Ikmah has a particularly high number of them. There are over 500 recorded, and some of them may be 2500 years old.

Here is location of Jabal Ikmah Visitor Center.

Harrat Viewpoint

It is time to go up if you already visited AlUla old town, Dadan and walked Oasis trail. Harrat Viewpoint is the perfect place for observing from above all places you visited earlier and to see how big this oasis is.

The road to the viewpoint is quite impressive with steep serpentine going up hill and on the top you’ll totally different terrain – endless black plain.

At the Harrat Viewpoint all AlUla is bellow your feet.

Here is Harrat Viewpoint parking location.

Maraya

Maraya is another must visit place while in AlUla.

Maraya is a distinctive mirrored structure, primarily known as the Maraya Concert Hall. Its impressive reflective facade and is the largest mirrored building in the world at the moment.

It hosts various events such as concerts and conferences. The building’s unique design, blending with the natural surroundings, has made it a key attraction and cultural hub in the region, especially during events like the Winter at Tantora Festival.

Some times you can visit art exhibition at Maraya besides concerts and conference. Check their website for upcoming events.

Maraya location is here, but you must have tickets to event or be on tour to pass security at the entry gates.

Desert around AlUla

AlUla’s surrounding areas are known for stunning natural landscapes and rock formations. Some of the famous nature formations around AlUla include:

Elephant Rock

This rock probably most famous, easy accessible and visible from the road.

It is located here and it is only 15-20 minutes drive from AlUla town. The territory around the Elephant rock is fenced and opened only in afternoon after 14-16:00 (2-4pm) depending on week day. So check opening hours before heading there.

King Kong Rock

In case Elephant rock will be closed you can visit some other rocks near by. On other side of the road, at this point there is King Kong or Monkey Rock.

Hand Rock

Not far from King Kong Rock at his point there is so called Hand Rock.

Art in the Landscape

Near Hand rock you will find entry to Art in the Landscape exhibition. Couple years ago a big exhibition Desert X was happening here. At the moment not all exhibition remains, but you still can see some art works there.

Rainbow Arc

Let’s go further away from AlUla.

About an hour drive from AlUla there is another stunning rock formation. It called Rainbow Arc (القوس).

It is located here and it is accessible by 2wd car. But be careful if you pass car parking place and will go closer to the rock with the 2wd car. There is a soft sand near the rock so you can get in trouble if have no experience how to drive on such sand.

In 2024 January Dakar rally will start near Rainbow Arch, so keep in mind it will be busy area at that time if you are not in auto sport.

Algharameel Nature Reserve (أرض الغراميل)

Another 30 minutes drive from Rainbow Rock and you will reach Gharameel Desert.

In this reserve you can find a lot fo amazing rock formations, like above duck rock.

I was visited Gharameel during mid day and it was very hot. My suggestion would be to go there just before sunset. You will have time to walk around rocks during the day light and later to do star grazing then sun goes down.

Old Train Stations

The road from Al-Ula to Gharameel follows old Hijaz railway which was built during 1900-1913. 1300 kilometers (~800 miles) were planed, but is was never fully completed because of World War I.

Hijaz Railway Station near Hegra was the first Unesco World Heritage Site. It was closed for restoration during my visit and it possible to see from hot air balloon flight if wind direction is toward the station.

But on the way to Gharameel you can see many other smaller railway stations near the road.

One of them is very close to Gharameel Desert. Dar Al Hamra Hejaz Train Station you can find here.

Shalal Cafe

Definitely visit Shalal Cafe on the way back to Al-Ula from Gharameel Desert. It is only short detour, but the entrance to cafe is incredible. A very narrow canyon leads to cafe.

You can visit it during a day for refreshing drink, or at night for spectacular lighting.

Events in AlUla

A lot of cultural and sport events happening in AlUla area all year around, so check what is happening during your visit to the area.

Here are only some latest events. Let me know if I missed some of it.

Winter at Tantora

Festival of culture, art and music in December/January. Check here for more details.

Dakar rally

You definitely should attend Dakar rally if you are lucky to be in AlUla in January, 2024.

Dakar 2024 starts and finishes in AlUla and will be amazing event to attend.

Kite festival

This festival usually happens in spring

Hot Air Balloon festival in AlUla

Hot Air Ballooning festival usually happens in later winter or spring.

AlUla trail race

10km, 20km, 50km and 100km distances are during this event. Next race should be in January, 2024. Here are more info.

Sending post cards from AlUla

And lastly kind of funny story

When I travel I like to send post cards from the places I am visiting. Saudi Arabia wasn’t an exception. But here I got into trouble. At first I couldn’t find a post cards anywhere, but at last I found it during my tour to Jabal Ikmah. I was so happy and I thought my quest is over. But it wasn’t.

I wrote a message on post card and it was ready to be sent. I needed only a post stamp and I thought it will be easy task.

I found central post office in AlUla and went straight were. I went inside the building and the workers at the office were very surprised to see me there. I got a feeling it something not right here.

It was three men there and then I asked for post stamps they looked to each other kind of confused. One of them said they don’t have post stamps, but it should be in Tabuk (showed with hand to the left) or in Madinah (waved to the right). I was started to smile together with them That was all I could do at that moment. Tabuk is ~360km(~225 miles) North from AlUla, and Madinah – 330km (~210miles) South. I wasn’t planing to go there during this trip, so my post card left unsent

Please let me know if you know more interesting places around AlUla. Things are changing there and I am sure will be more places and things to do in this area in the future.

The post Things to see and to do in AlUla, Saudi Arabia appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

Saudi Arabia is huge country and here is a short list of things to see and to do in AlUla.

Tourist Visa

From 27th of September 2019 Saudi Arabia launched eVisas for 49 countries and it also relaxed strict dress codes for female tourists.

How to get visa

Tourist can apply for visa in eVisa Portal. The eVisa is a one-year, multiple entry visa, allowing tourists to spend up to 90 days in the country.

Saudi Arabia Tourist visa costs SAR440. SAR300 is a visa fee and SAR140 is health insurance fee. This fee doesn’t includes VAT (in Saudi Arabia VAT is 15% currently). So the total visa cost is SAR462 including VAT. Saudi Arabia has fixed riyal exchange rate with US dollar. Currently it is $US1 = SAR3.75. So at the moment visa costs US$123 or €113.

Eligible countries

Here is a list of eligible countries to apply for eVisa:

North America

• Canada
• US

Europe

Asia

• Brunei
• China (including Hong Kong and Macau)
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Kazakhstan
• Singapore
• South Korea

Oceania

• Australia
• New Zealand

Travel restrictions

Non-Muslims still are forbidden from visiting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Behavior and Dress code

It is very important to follow dress code while visiting Saudi Arabia – both men and women are asked to dress modestly in public, avoiding tight fitting clothing or clothes with profane language or images. Women should cover shoulders and knees in public.

Alcohol is banned country and it is even illegal to bring alcohol or drugs into country.

Also during Ramadan avoid eating or drinking in public during the day at this time.

The post Saudi Arabia is opened for tourists appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

Countries with Hard-to-Get Visas for Americans

If you are planning to travel abroad and explore what’s beyond your time zone and demographics, the first things you need to comply with are your visa and passport. You can personally go through the tedious and daunting application process or you can find online visa service providers to do the difficult tasks for you. These companies can also help you pinpoint the countries where visas are specifically hard to get for Americans. If you deal with the right visa or passport application services, you just might secure that much-coveted requirement for entry to these countries:

Cuba

Although with a close proximity to the United States, Cuba is deemed so close yet so tricky to enter for Americans. The truth is that the Cuban government is quite open to American tourists. It is the U.S. government that does not allow its citizens to visit Cuba strictly for tourism purposes. The State Department is quite stringent in their visa requirements especially if your destination is any of the remarkable places in Cuba such as the famous Varadero Beach. Cuba does have their popular free universal health care and other baits for tourists but Americans need to have purposes other than tourism to secure a permission to set foot on Cuban soil.

Libya

Due to the civic issues and security concerns in the country, Libya is even much stricter in issuing visas to American tourists. The Libyan government has, in fact, issued visas to Americans since June of 2010. However, despite allowing Americans to visit, the process of getting approved from the embassy is a daunting and painstaking journey.  American travelers would have to hurdle tons of requirements and difficulties before they can have that sought-after visa. Americans that have dual citizenship and would use their non-US status to secure a visa to enter Libya are in even much deeper trouble because when discovered, imprisonment is one of the penalties to face.

North Korea

Aside from the obvious reason that the country does not have their embassy in practically any parts of the globe, North Korea is quite difficult to visit because visa application process is quite lengthy. Although Americans may visit North Korea, getting your visa approved is long and difficult, not to mention a sanctioned guide will be virtually accompanying you at all times once you are on North Korean soil. Your sanctioned guide will be the one who’s in deep trouble in case you want to venture off the beaten path to sightsee. Book your tour to the country and have your visa submitted for approval but make sure you use a trusted online visa service for a risk-free and time-saving application process.

Saudi Arabia

Yes, Saudi Arabia Visa is in the list. American tourists are up for a long and overly stringent visa application if they choose to visit and explore the Desert Kingdom. All visa applicants must comply with the needed requirements particularly a local sponsor and several months of preparing for the application and waiting for it to be approved. Your passport must not also have an Israeli stamp on it if you don’t want to jeopardize your trip and say goodbye to an adventure in this interesting kingdom in the Middle East.

Iraq

Another destination in the Middle East also requires a hard-to-get visa but it’s worth the shot especially if you want to see the exotic and beautiful scenic spots in the country. The Iraqi embassy should basically grant you a visa first which you can get in Washington. However, if you don’t have the time, you can always get assistance from online visa service providers. Other requirements include a valid passport that is still validated for 6 months. You may also get an Entry Visa Approval Memorandum which could be obtained through the Interior Residency Office. US tourists must also willingly submit to a mandatory blood test upon entry in the country.

A lot of countries are welcoming to American tourists with easy to get visas or no visa requirements at all. Hire an established and trusted online visa service company if you are adventurous enough to visit the countries on this list.

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The post The Most Difficult Countries to Get Visas for Americans appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.