AlUla Old Town

AlUla Old Town is a maze of about 900 mud-brick houses in central AlUla, in north-west Saudi Arabia, dating from around the 12th century. It grew as a settlement on the incense and pilgrim caravan routes linking Yemen and the Hejaz with Syria and Egypt, and was inhabited until the 1980s, when residents moved to modern housing nearby. Houses were built wall-to-wall of local stone, mud and palm wood, creating narrow, shaded alleys that kept the heat out. Above the town stands the Musa Bin Nusayr Fortress, which gives views across the rooftops and the palm oasis. Today, restored lanes hold cafes, restaurants, craft shops, galleries and small museums, and the town hosts events and festivals during the winter season. Visitors usually walk the main Souq Street and side alleys, stopping for Arabic coffee, local dates, pottery and woven goods. Entry is free and the town stays open year-round, although most shops and cafes open from about 17:00, when the heat drops. Meals typically cost SAR 40-120. A visit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Evening is the best time, with warm lighting along the lanes and a lively atmosphere, while the busiest periods are weekends and winter holidays. Mornings are quiet but many businesses are closed. Parking is available on Highway 375, and the old town is a short walk from the car parks; taxis serve hotels in the area. Photography is welcome; visitors should respect residents and avoid entering closed buildings. Modest dress is expected. The town pairs naturally with Dadan, Elephant Rock and the Harrat Viewpoint in a single day of AlUla sightseeing.