Historical Core of AlUla
While Hegra captures the grandeur of the Nabataeans, AlUla's valley hides a deeper history. For centuries, the mudbrick village of Old Town and the stone ruins of Dadan served as the primary centers of population and commerce. Jabal Ikmah, located nearby in a quiet canyon, recorded the religious laws, offerings, and personal stories of these early kingdoms in stone.
The Heritage Sites Detailed
AlUla Old Town Ruins
A dense labyrinth of nearly 900 mudbrick houses and stone watchtowers built to defend the vital incense trade route. It was inhabited until the 1980s.
Dadan (Ancient Capital)
The sophisticated stone-cut city of the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, famous for its deep square tombs carved high into rock faces, adorned with lions symbolizing royal power.
Jabal Ikmah
A sheer canyon covered in ancient carvings. It represents the highest concentration of Dadanitic inscriptions in the world, offering vital clues about pre-Islamic Saudi Arabia.
Visitor Tips & Tickets
- Dadan and Jabal Ikmah are usually toured together in a single ticket (starts at **SAR 95**).
- Guided tours of AlUla Old Town Ruins last about 90 minutes and must be pre-booked.
- The Old Town Outdoor Market (Al-Jadidah) is fully open to the public without tickets, featuring modern craft shops, art installations, and upscale restaurants.
Hire an AlUla Private Tour Taxi
Reach Old Town, Dadan, and Jabal Ikmah comfortably. Pre-book your taxi to drop you at the visitor centers.