Situated in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, luxury boutique heritage destination AlUla is offering adventure and outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and wellness retreats this summer and for Eid Al Adha.

One of Arabian Peninsula’s most appealing new vacation spots is just a short flight away from many GCC cities.

Here are just some of the things to experience in AlUla this summer.

1. Stargazing at Gharameel

Witness some of the darkest skies in the world in AlUla, which is exceptionally mesmerising in the summer when the Milky Way becomes more visible, attracting astro-tourists and astro-photographers. Let the stars guide your summer adventure, starting with a leisurely walk framed by Gharameel’s rock formations and ending with a grilled dinner and storytelling under the stars.

2. Cinema AlJadidah

Watch your favourite movies for free (requires reservation in advance) at Cinema AlJadidah, the first outdoor movie theatre in AlUla, which hosts a selection of short Saudi movies, children’s animation movies, and internationally produced masterpieces that highlight local culture. The cinema also offers a range of interactive workshops, and a variety of snacks and drinks to entertain the visitors. Check the schedule for movies here and workshops here, and reserve your free seat.

3. Hegra Wildlife and Nature Tour

This specially curated three-hour tour offers visitors private entry into an exclusive area of Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an adventure rover and a skilled guide.

Unlike typical tours of Hegra and its intricately carved Nabataean tombs, this experience offers encounters with epic landscapes and delicate nature, intertwined with the legacy of AlUla’s civilisations that date back thousands of years.

4. Giant Swing

Experience the ride of a lifetime on AlUla's Giant Swing. Swoop between the canyon walls from a height of over 85 metres and soar into a 70-metre arc, the perfect chance to take in the stunning desert terrain and renew your energy for adventure amid the breathtaking natural landscape.

5. Wellness Experience

Our Habitas offers wellness packages that combine the best modern-day techniques and ancestral herbal products to help clear the path to self-discovery. Our Habitas’ summer package comes with a three-night stay in a Canyon villa, suitable for up to two guests. This package includes daily complimentary breakfast and dinner, credit for Thuraya Wellness spa treatments.

6. Hot Air Balloon Flights

AlUla's landscape is as captivating and grand as its rich history, and the best way to fully appreciate its splendour is by soaring above it in a hot air balloon at sunrise. Experience this breathtaking view with AlUla’s official balloon operator, Hero Balloon Flights.

7. Oasis walk at Old Town and AlJadidah

AlJadidah, an art district that can be explores with a visit to Athr Gallery, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's art scene. The gallery showcases both emerging and established artists, offering a vibrant display of modern creativity and contemporary Arab art.

Entry to the exhibition is free.

Old Town Village is a labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes developed from at least the 12th century and listed as one of the World’s Best Tourism Villages in 2022 by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

8. Pools of AlUla

The luxurious infinity pools at Our Habitas, Banyan Tree AlUla and Dar Tantora The House Hotel, or enjoy the privacy of your own villa pool at Banyan Tree. Alternatively, experience the breathtaking natural surroundings with scenic pool views at Shaden Resort and Cloud7 Residences, offering an immersive connection with nature. Click here to learn more about summer hotel offers.

9. Abseiling

Abseiling in AlUla is where adventure meets history. It begins with a 25-minute hike to the summit that feature ancient inscriptions along the way. It suits ct for both seasoned climbers and beginners, this adventure will renew your energy and restore your vitality.

10. Workshop at Madrasat Addeera

The cornerstone of AlUla's bustling AlJadidah Arts District, Madrasat Addera has become a beacon for the local community, where people are rediscovering the region’s traditional crafts, and reviving these once-forgotten techniques. Sign up for a workshop and hone your skills across all types of traditional arts, such as jewellery, embroidery and ceramics, including those historically found in AlUla.