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Ula
Al-Ula lays at the end of the Wadi al-Qura,
Al-Ula is a small city with relatively few citizens but it is a location of special interest to archaeologists and historians because it contains many antiquities, some of which date back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and some to even earlier periods. The area contains much evidence of earlier civilizations, including Minean, Lihyanite and Dedanite inscriptions. At Al-Khuraybah, carved in to the mountain rocks, are tombs dating back to pre-Islamic civilizations.
The old name of Al-Ula was Dedan. Dedan was one of the largest and most important centers of ancient civilization, lying on the main incense and perfume trade route from India and the Yemen in the south to Egypt, Iraq and Syria in the north. Caravans from as far away as the South East of Africa and the South West of Asia made their way to and through Dedan. The town of Dedan reached its highest point during the Nabatean time when it was elevated to the position of the Nabateans' second capital.
It was in the early Islamic period that the name Al-Ula became more common.
Major Attractions :
The major antiquities of the area consist of tombs and ruins of old settlements, rock art and inscriptions:
Discover Madain Saleh: The tombs contained within the archeological site of Madain Saleh showcase the art and lifestyle of the wealthy Nabateans of the area. Rising out of the gently rolling sands, individual and grouped tombs stand as portals cut into the massive limestone formations between 1 BC and 75 AD. Incised and carved figures as well as informative inscriptions about the owners, their families and event heir occupations embellish these grave vaults. The tomb inscriptions note information on the life and death of the owner, including names, social status, burial rites and legal limits on disposal of The tomb and are often signed by the masons who carved the tomb. Sometimes a curse was written to ward off violation of the sanctity of the tomb. Fine tombs dating back to 50-70 AD belonged to military personnel with Greek names. The tomb exteriors are decorated with geometric patterns, primarily vertical and horizontal, straight and stepped lines, incised around the portals. Sculptures of vases, sphinxes, snakes, eagles, rosettes, and solar discs further decorate the massive lintels. While the large tombs probably belonged to elite families, other simpler caves cut into the mountainsides do not follow the artistic patterns of the grand tombs. In
Khuraybat Al-Ula: This area is located about 4km north east of the present town of Al-Ula. Khuraybat Al-Ula is an important archaeological site which contains several tombs and inscriptions on the rock and tombs, dating back to Minean, Dedanite and Lihyanite periods. The site also contains the foundations of several temples and other ancient buildings.
Mahalab Al Naqa (She-Camel's Cistern): North West of Al-Khuraybah lays Mahalab Al Naqa, a cistern carved in a large rock. (There is a local legend that this cistern has some connection with the she-camel of the Prophet Saleh - peace be upon him.)
Inscriptions of Jebel Al-Akma: Jebel al-Akma is located about
Elephant Rock: 11km north of Al-Ula is Elephant Rock (Sakharat al-Fil) a towering monolith carved by the wind from soft, red sandstone. Camping is possible in the area, although not under the rock itself.
The Islamic Fort: The blocky Islamic fort offered protection to the Hajj pilgrims. Well-protected by its thick walls, closed second-story porches at the corners and the centers of the walls allowed look-outs to see in all directions and sharpshooters to pick off attackers. Entrance was through a single gate and in the inner courtyard is a deep well, the most essential item in case of a siege. While most windows and doors and rectangular in shape, the occasional arch gives an Arabic flavor to the architecture.
Al-Ula Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography: Contains excellent displays of local geology and pilgrim routes through the area also a good introduction to Nabatean society.
Things To Do:
Discover the tombs of Madain Saleh: the archaeological site of Madain Saleh showcase the art and lifestyle of the wealthy Nabateans of the area.
Visit the
Desert camping and Safari: one of the major activities in Al-Ula which is practiced by many tourists and they spend the night in the desert sand.
Hijaz Railway: A restored Hijaz Railway station can be found on the northern side of the city the remain of the
Famous Meals :
Like other Saudi cities, the Kabsa is the most traditional lunch in Al-Ula. The YemeniMandi is also popular as a lunch meal
What To Buy:
Travel souvenirs available in the traditional markets of Al-Ula
Best Time to Visit:
Travel Tips :
Do never bring drugs of any type to
Tours to Al-Ula only:
Tours to Al-Ula and other cities in KSA :
Deep in the Saudi Culture/ 17 Days