Daytime Walk Through AlUla Old Town – Discovering the Charm of Saudi Arabia’s Historic Desert Village (Part 1)

When thinking of Saudi Arabian tourist destinations, many might picture Riyadh or Jeddah, but lately, AlUla, located in the northwest region, has been steadily gaining attention. This area, rich in ancient history, is surrounded by desert and rocky mountains, with UNESCO World Heritage sites scattered throughout. In this article, I’ll share my experience exploring the historically rich AlUla Oldtown during a midday summer stroll.

What is AlUla?

AlUla, famous for the ruins of Hegra (Madain Saleh)

Let me first introduce what AlUla is. This town flourished as a crossroads of trade and culture since ancient times, and numerous ruins from the Nabataean Kingdom era still remain. While it might not be well-known globally yet, it’s expected to gain more attention in the future due to its historical value and beautiful landscapes. The UNESCO World Heritage site “Hegra” is the main tourist attraction, but AlUla Oldtown, located just before it, is also an irresistible spot for history enthusiasts.

Summer in Saudi Arabia: Reversed Day and Night Lifestyle

Locals start coming outside from the evening during summer

When you hear “summer in Saudi Arabia,” the first thing that probably comes to mind is “hot”! Indeed, in AlUla, daytime temperatures can reach nearly 50°C (122°F), making “scorching” the perfect description. To adapt to this climate, locals naturally live with a reversed day-night schedule. It’s common to stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces during the day and begin outdoor activities after sunset. Tourists often follow this pattern as well, making daytime visits to attractions somewhat of an “adventurous” experience.

AlUla Oldtown During the Day

The main street of AlUla Oldtown turned into a ghost town

Nevertheless, I decided to walk through AlUla Oldtown at midday because I wanted to experience the quiet atmosphere of an empty town. The result was a stillness as if time had stopped. There were hardly any people, and shops and restaurants were all closed. The only sound was the occasional desert wind blowing between buildings. In this silence, as I carefully observed the stone buildings and ancient streets, I felt as if I had time-traveled from the modern era.

The Perfect Chance to Explore an Ancient Town

People and cars were motionless, creating a scene like the end of the world

The biggest advantage of visiting AlUla Oldtown during the day is undoubtedly the absence of crowds. This area, which bustles with tourists and locals at night and during peak tourist seasons, is almost completely empty during the day. Having popular photo spots all to yourself and being able to take pictures from any angle is a privilege unique to this time. Also, being able to explore the ancient town while deeply immersing yourself in history offers a luxurious experience for history enthusiasts.

Climbing to AlUla Fort

The spectacular view from AlUla Fort is something to see during the day!

Particularly memorable during this quiet time was climbing to AlUla Fort. As I climbed the stone steps one by one, my heart raced with the gradually expanding view. When I reached the top, the entire town and the vast desert landscape stretching behind it opened up before me, leaving me breathless. With the strong midday sunlight reflecting off the rocky mountains, looking down at AlUla’s historic townscape, I could sense that this was once a center of trade.

Shops and Restaurants Are Completely Closed

However, one caution when visiting during this time is that most stores are closed. Finding an open shop is nearly impossible, and I ended up exploring while dripping with sweat, unable to cool off in a café. Especially in summer, hydration is essential, so make sure to prepare bottled water in advance. With limited places to rest, careful health management is necessary.

By the way, the only restaurant/café open during the day is Joontos, inside the resort hotel “Dar Tantra.” Their Arabic coffee was exceptionally delicious, so be sure to check it out if you visit in summer.

The Actual Heat

As for the actual temperature, it was a scorching hot day exceeding 40°C (104°F) when I visited. The direct sunlight was strong enough to sting the skin, making you want to escape into any shade you could find. Though it’s dry and not humid like in some other regions, the intensity of the sun is still quite harsh, making long periods of exploration challenging. I went prepared with a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen.

There is a lot of shade in the Oldtown. Once you step into the shade, the heat becomes much more bearable

However, in terms of how it feels, it’s much better than the sticky summer heat in humid regions. Sweat evaporates instantly so clothes don’t get sticky, and once you’re in the shade, there isn’t much physical exhaustion. While there is a risk of becoming dehydrated without realizing it, I found the climate relatively comfortable, with no particular health issues even when exploring outdoors during the day. Honestly, for those accustomed to hot weather in other parts of the world, Saudi Arabia’s summer is no longer an insurmountable enemy.

Conclusion

Visiting AlUla Oldtown in the middle of a summer day is certainly a challenging experience. However, the quiet atmosphere and historical ambiance offer a unique charm that cannot be experienced at other times. Unlike the bustle of tourist seasons or nighttime, during the day, you can enjoy the ancient town at your own pace. While battling the heat is unavoidable, it may be worth experiencing once for those who want to immerse themselves in history. Next time, I’ll share a different charm I felt in AlUla Oldtown at night.

Check out the next article!