In the golden heart of Saudi Arabia’s northwest desert lies AlUla, a destination both ancient and astonishing celebrated as the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sanctuary for history, culture, and natural beauty.

Here, over 7,000 years of human civilization have left their mark on towering tombs, sandstone cliffs, and monumental rock formations. The most legendary among them is Elephant Rock, rising an awe-inspiring 52 meters into the desert sky.

AlUla is more than a static relic; it is a living, breathing tapestry where heritage meets modern art, adventure intertwines with tranquility, and every vista inspires awe. Its lush AlUla Oasis, dotted with palm groves and fresh citrus orchards, feels worlds away from the surrounding dunes.

Contemporary installations fuse seamlessly with ancestral landscapes, while events like the Azimuth AlUla festival each September turn the desert into a stage for music and art. Luxury seekers can retreat to tented villas at Banyan Tree AlUla or unwind in the desert sanctuary of Habitas AlUla—both offering an immersion in understated opulence.

Experiences That Define AlUla

Hot Air Balloon Adventure

At dawn, AlUla’s desert awakens in a palette of soft pinks and fiery oranges. Floating silently above ancient rock formations during the Hot Air Balloon Festival reveals the enormity of the terrain and the delicate artistry of nature’s carving tools. It is, quite simply, a memory for the ages.

Camel Ride through Lush Trails

Among shaded paths of the oasis, camels sway rhythmically past palm fronds and citrus-laden trees. Riders breathe in fragrant air while learning about native flora—a sensory journey deep into AlUla’s fertile core.

Dune Buggy Thrills

For an adrenaline-fueled excursion, dune buggies race over rippling golden sands, skirting rocky outcrops. Each turn unveils fresh panoramas of the desert’s raw, untamed beauty.

The Dancing Rocks

In Raggasat Valley, nature’s sculptures stand like frozen dancers—wind, sand, and centuries shaping stone into fantastical forms. These “Dancing Rocks” are a photographer’s dream, casting shadows that tell ancient tales.

Zipline Excitement

High above Harrat Uwayrid’s black basalt cliffs, adventurers zip through open desert air with sweeping views beneath—a brief, exhilarating flight framed by geological drama.

Stargazing at the Star Party

In Al Gharameel, the universe comes close enough to touch. From traditional cushions, visitors watch the Milky Way spill across the sky while storytellers weave cosmic legends into the night.

Culinary Delights at Winter Park

Gourmet food trucks and locally inspired kiosks turn Winter Park into a festival of flavors—juicy burgers, sweet pastries, and artisan coffee alike shared among travelers and locals in a vibrant social setting.

Photoshoot at Maraya

The world’s largest mirrored building, Maraya reflects both Ashar Valley’s grandeur and the visitor’s own wonder. Its gleaming façade transforms with sunlight, making it one of the Middle East’s most photogenic landmarks.

Rock Art Exploration

At Jabal Ikmah, Al Aqra’a, and Naqsh Zuhayr, cliff faces tell the stories of ancient life through bold carvings and inscriptions. Guided by a Rawi, these silent chronicles gain voice, revealing millennia-old narratives.

Hiking Adventures

Trails weave through sandstone cliffs and volcanic peaks, offering hikes for all skill levels. Each path leads to vistas where the desert’s scale becomes humbling and its beauty inescapable.

Traditional Craft Immersion

In the Old Town’s Handicrafts Pavilion, artisans wield palm fronds and age-old techniques to create intricate wares—a chance for visitors to witness living heritage and take a piece of AlUla home.

In AlUla, time and terrain conspire to create an otherworldly stage. Whether drifting above dunes at sunrise, tracing ancient inscriptions, or savoring desert-inspired cuisine, every moment lingers—a testament to the magic of Saudi Arabia’s desert jewel.

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), has announced the opening of SEVEN Tabuk, expanding its entertainment network and supporting the Kingdom’s quality-of-life and regional development goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

SEVEN Chairman Abdullah Al Dawood said the opening represents another step in the company’s strategy to develop accessible entertainment destinations that are closely connected to the communities they serve.

SEVEN Tabuk is the company’s second entertainment destination, following SEVEN Abha, as SEVEN continues its plans to establish destinations across Saudi Arabia.

Located within Tabuk city, the fully indoor, all-weather destination is designed for everyday entertainment, offering residents and visitors a wide range of activities without requiring long-distance travel.

The destination operates from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekends and from 4:00 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, while Scene Cinemas operates daily from 4:00 p.m. until 3:30 a.m.

SEVEN Tabuk combines international attractions with locally developed concepts. Key offerings include Discovery Adventures, featuring immersive exploration-themed environments, and Hot Wheels E-Karting, an interactive karting experience inspired by the global brand.

The destination also features SEVEN’s homegrown concepts, including Kawaken, Kawaken Junior, GolFi, Cyber Bowling and Scene Cinemas, providing entertainment options for families, young people and a broad range of visitors.

Beyond entertainment, SEVEN Tabuk is expected to contribute to the city’s wider development by supporting local employment and strengthening partnerships with local businesses.

The opening further reinforces Tabuk’s position as an emerging leisure destination in northern Saudi Arabia while expanding access to entertainment experiences across the Kingdom.

Source: SPA

Green spaces and public parks across Makkah are playing an important role in improving the city’s urban environment and creating more comfortable spaces for residents, visitors and pilgrims.

The city has 290 public parks, many of which feature landscaped green areas, safe pedestrian walkways, sports facilities, courtyards, shaded seating areas, service amenities and playgrounds.

These spaces help provide shade, reduce heat absorption from urban surfaces and offer areas for movement, recreation and rest.

The development and maintenance of parks are particularly important in Makkah, which welcomes millions of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors throughout the year.

Expanding landscaping, shaded areas and open pedestrian spaces forms part of broader efforts to improve the pilgrim experience by creating a more comfortable and accessible urban environment.

The parks also complement Makkah’s wider network of services and facilities, supporting the city’s efforts to enhance quality of life while accommodating the needs of its residents and millions of visitors.

Source: SPA

Irqah Village, one of the oldest settlements in Riyadh Region, is showcasing more than 1,000 years of history through its traditional architecture, heritage sites and cultural experiences.

Once a thriving agricultural center, the village developed around mud-brick homes, historic mosques, farms and water sources, creating a distinctive architectural and social identity.

At the heart of the historic village, Bayt Isa recreates aspects of traditional Najdi life through its majlis, cafés, heritage pathways, courtyards and rooftops. The heritage house offers visitors an immersive experience reflecting the architectural style and social traditions of the Najdi environment.

Handicrafts further enrich the experience, with workshops helping revive traditional skills passed down through generations. Local outlets also provide artisans with opportunities to display and sell their work, linking cultural heritage with its social and economic roots.

Since opening, Irqah Village has welcomed more than 15,000 visitors, supported over 50 cottage-industry families and hosted filming by more than 20 production companies.

The village has also generated more than three million digital views and interactions, highlighting its growing popularity and the potential of its heritage spaces for tourism, culture and creative activities.

Source: SPA