Ramadan in AlUla: What to do and where to eat?
From exciting outdoor adventures to places to enjoy iftar and suhoor…
If you’re planning a trip to AlUla during Ramadan, here’s everything you need to know about this magical area. The organisers at the Royal Commission for AlUla have curated a range of exciting Ramadan activities, which allow visitors to enjoy the striking landscapes on offer.
Ramadan day experiences:
Cycling trail
There is no better way to meander through some of AlUla’s most stunning landscapes than on a bicycle. This one-hour guided cycling trail on a 14km path is suitable for ages 12 and above.
Ramadan hours: Daily, 5pm to 7.30pm. Eid hours (May 13-16): Daily, 1pm to 3.30pm. SAR175. Book tickets in advance. Meeting point at Winter Park Southern Gate.
Hegra tour
Visit Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first Unesco World Heritage Site and the largest preserved site of the Nabataean civilisation south of Petra. Home to more than 100 tombs carved from giant rock formations, this ancient site is open for visitors to explore and learn about the culture, traditions, and history of its people.
Ramadan hours: Sun to Wed 3.30pm to 5.30pm, Thurs to Sat 9am to 11am & 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Eid hours (May 13-16): Daily, 9am to 11am & 4pm to 6pm. SAR95 for adults, SAR45 for children aged 5-12 years. Book tickets in advance. There will be a shuttle service from Winter Park to Hegra Heritage Site.
Old Town tour
Explore the labyrinth of mud-brick buildings, go on a journey with a rawi (local guide) through the town located in the narrowest part of the AlUla Valley. The town, built on a slight elevation, is overlooked by AlUla Fort. The tour of AlUla Old Town includes the Visitor Centre, Tantora Plaza, AlUla Fort and the recently renovated road.
Ramadan hours: Sun to Wed 4.30pm to 6pm, Thurs to Sat 9am to 10.30am & 4.30pm to 6pm. Eid hours (May 13-16): Daily 9am to 10.30am & 4.30pm to 6pm. SAR70 for adults, SAR35 for children aged 5-12 years. Book tickets in advance. There will be a shuttle service from Winter Park to AlUla Old Town.
Dadan & Jabal Ikmah tour
Start your journey through time at Dadan, the ancient Kingdom of the Lihyanite and Dadanite civilisations. You’ll get to see more than a dozen tombs cut into the red-rock cliff faces, including the famous Lion Tombs marked by seated lion sculptures. This area is a live excavation site and archaeologists are discovering more about this little-known era in Northern Arabian history.
You will then move on to Jabal Ikmah to examine the hundreds of inscriptions and writings on the cliffs and rock faces. There are five different languages found in the inscriptions, including the pre-cursor to the Arabic language. These inscriptions help decipher the way of life and the things that matter to the people living in AlUla during that era.
Ramadan & Eid (May 13-16) hours: Thurs to Sat 4pm to 6pm. SAR60 for adults, SAR30 for children aged 5-12 years. Book tickets in advance. There will be a shuttle service from Winter Park to Dadan & Jabal Ikmah and back to Winter Park.
Old Town Market
Explore Old Market Street in AlUla Old Town and shop at various retail stores featuring local artisans. You can also learn more about the wonders of AlUla through some of the cultural activities held at the market.
Ramadan hours: Daily 3pm to 5pm & 9pm to 2.30am, Eid hours: Daily 3pm to midnight.
Oasis trail
Enjoy an extraordinary nature stroll through the lush AlUla farms. The Oasis Trail, which starts from Dadan South, is three kilometres long and is suitable for families and nature lovers of all ages.
Ramadan hours: Daily 8am to 4pm. Self-guided tour and no tickets required.
Ramadan night experiences:
Iftar / Suhoor stargazing experience
This stargazing experience is set in the remote Gharameel area of AlUla, which offers some of the best views of the sky you’ll ever see. A traditional meal will be prepared right at the campfire just for you.
Iftar stargazing experience: 5pm to 11.30pm, Suhoor stargazing experience: 9.30pm to 3.30am. SAR350 for adults, SAR290 for children. Book tickets in advance. Meeting point at Winter Park Southern Gate.
Elephant Rock visit
Sit back in the comfortable sunken seats and enjoy the view of one of the famous geological formations, Elephant Rock (also known as Jabal Alfil), as she looms large over you. There’s an on-site café, Key, which serves delicious sweets and beverages.
Ramadan hours: 8pm to 4am. SAR50 per person (Complimentary entry from Sun to Wed). Book tickets in advance.
Oasis View trail
Accompanied by a local guide, hike up to Alfath mountain peak to catch an unforgettable view of AlUla oasis, surrounded by millions of palm trees below you.
Al Muetadal Wild Park, Ramadan hours: Mon & Fri, 9pm to midnight. SAR180 per person. Book tickets in advance. Transportation will be provided from Winter Park to the hiking area.
Hidden Valley hike
Experience a secluded 4km nature walk after dark through soft sand and enjoy the peacefulness of the Arabian desert
Ramadan hours: Fri 9pm to 12.30am. Eid hours (May 13-16): 5pm to 8.30pm. SAR295 for adults, SAR240 for children aged 8-12. Book tickets in advance. Transportation will be provided from Winter Park. Meeting point at Winter Park Southern Entrance.
Adventure trail
Lace-up your hiking shoes and hit the mountains for a half-day journey led by an expert guide through the rocky terrains. The Adventure Trail is an 8km-long historical treasure site with clusters of pictographs that are 2,000 years old along the trail. Just a heads-up: In some sections, the route requires hikes to pass through deep pools of rainwater.
Ramadan hours: Thurs & Sat 9pm to 2.45am. Eid hours (May 13-16): 5pm & 10.45pm. SAR175 for adults, SAR140 for children aged 7-15. Book tickets in advance. Transportation will be provided from Winter Park to the hiking area. Meeting point at Winter Park Southern Entrance.
Dining options at the AlUla Old Town Market:
AlNakheel Café
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Guests are treated to wave after wave of local dishes, starting with appetisers, through grilled platters to a range of desserts. Standout dishes include foul gulaba, mutabbaq with minced meat, shish tawook and baked date pudding. It is food to be shared with family and friends.
AlNakheel Café, AlUla Old Town Market, Ramadan hours: daily 5pm to 5am, Eid hours: Wed May 12, 9am to midnight, Thurs May 13 & Fri May 14, 9am to 1am. Tel: 050 564 6374. @alnakheel_ksa
Merkaz
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Merkaz serves traditional Saudi-style food that helps you step back in time and enjoy nostalgic Arabia.
Merkaz, AlUla Old Town Market, Ramadan hours: daily 5pm to 5am, Eid hours: Wed May 12, 9am to midnight, Thurs May 13 & Fri May 14, 9am to 1am. Tel: 9200 25003. @merkaz_ksa
One O’ One Burger
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The burgers here are minimalist, a deeply satisfying patty of fresh ground round grilled in its own juices and served with the simplest toppings – grilled onions, sliced cheese, and crisp lettuce on a feather-light bun. Just as good are the crispy fries.
One O’ One Burger, AlUla Old Town Market, Ramadan hours: daily 5pm to 5am, Eid hours: Wed May 12, 9am to midnight, Thurs May 13 & Fri May 14, 9am to 1am. Tel: 050 444 4456. @oneooneburger
Rahba Café
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Nestled in a restored historical building in AlUla Old Town, Rahba Café serves local refreshments and coffees.
Rahba Café, AlUla Old Town Market, Ramadan hours: daily 5pm to 5am, Eid hours: Wed May 12, 9am to midnight, Thurs May 13 & Fri May 14, 9am to 1am. Tel: 056 148 1336.
Suhail Old Town
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Executive Chef Rakan Al-Arifi brings a creative and modern approach to traditional Saudi specialities with a focus on bright flavours and superb seasonal produce. So, if you’re looking for fancy, you’ll find it here.
Suhail, AlUla Old Town Market, Ramadan hours: daily 5pm to 5am, Eid hours: Wed May 12, 9am to midnight, Thurs May 13 & Fri May 14, 9am to 1am. Tel: 9200 0269 / 053 558 8151. @suhail_saudi