Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is now making some important development in its infrastructure, travel policies, tourism opportunities and various other things of the same kind. Previously, KSA was a land far away from global reach as the region only offered work visas and Umrah visas. Tourists were not welcomed to that extent.
The Saudi Vision 2030 plan aims to boost the region’s economy by minimizing its dependence on oil exports. Keeping in view this purpose, even the pilgrimage travel policies have changed now. If you book Umrah Packages to perform holy rituals, you now have more flexible and relaxed travel and stay permission in KSA.
Since Saudi Arabia is a house to many natural wonders; from ancient cities to vast deserts and crystal clear coastlines – tourists are attracted. Under the rule of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, KSA is focusing on developing these sites for tourists. That means not only the restoration works are going on but also the authorities are building travel and stay facilities for the tourists here. Therefore, providing easy commute, entertainment options, and activities to enjoy for an overall memorable trip.
Saudi Arabia has unveiled its ‘The Journey Through Time’ master plan. In this plan, the kingdom aims to develop and transform the region of Al Ula for global tourism. Here’s what you need to know about it.
Al Ula
Al Ula is popular for its dramatic desert landscape, sandstone mountains and archaeological wonders. Hegra is a prominent site here which also holds the title of UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you will see ancient rock-carved tombs, specifically of the Nabataean elite.
Here you can opt for many adventure sports like;
- Desert camping under the clear skies.
- Camel trekking.
- Rock climbing.
- Zip-lining.
Best time to Visit
If you are planning a trip to Al Ula with Ramadan Umrah Packages, then the months of October and April are the best. During this time the temperatures range from 25 Degrees Celsius to 10 Degrees Celsius, best for outdoor activities.
Top attractions.
- You can explore the ghost town i.e. Al Ula’s old town that remains uninhabited from the 1980s.
- Head to Jabal Ikmah which is an “open-air library’ containing ancient inscriptions and petroglyphs.
- Go to see the Elephant Rock (also known as Jabal AlFil). It’s a natural rock formation that resembles the structure of an elephant.
- Visit the ancient city of Dadan from the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms. This city played a vital role in the incense trade routes of the old times.
- Attend the Winter at Tantora Festival of Al Ula which features art installations, cultural exhibitions, and concerts.
The Journey Through Time plan.
The Journey Through Time plan is a part of the Saudi Vision 2030 project. KSA is preserving Al Ula’s 200,000-year-old history and plans to transform the place into a living museum. Therefore, attracting visitors from all across the globe. This 15-year-long plan is under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The authorities will be dividing Al Ula into five districts, that focus on a particular heritage site before moving to another. All of these districts will have a common connection known as ‘Wadi of Hospitality’ along a 20 km long belt. A 46 km long tramline will also connect these five districts to the International Airport of Al Ula along the Hijaz railway route. There will also be hiking trails along the Al Ula Valley to allow visitors to explore it on foot, bicycle or horse.
This plan includes the development of 15 landmarks also known as ‘cultural assets’ across the five districts. For example; galleries, museums, an oasis garden, and an incense road market.
The archaeological department’s survey here has already unearthed 23,000 sites of archaeological interest in Al Ula. The Cultural Oasis will also undergo revival which is the heart of the green space of Al Ula. It’s an approximately 9 km long stretch that connects the Old Town of Al Ula, Dadan City, and Jabal Ikmah. Here sustainable water management plans are underway to restore up to 10 million square meters of green spaces that spread across the valley.
Five districts
The first district will be Al Ula’s Old Town. It is an abandoned mudbrick district present at a distance of 17 km south of Hegra. It was inhabited till the 1980s when the locals there left this town for a more modern city of Al Ula. From that time, this area preserves the historic yet mysterious feel of an abandoned place.
District two will be the old city of Dadan, present north of the old town of Al Ula. This city was a prominent site between 600 and 200 B.C. for the Dadanite and Lihyanite civilizations. As it lay on the incense trade route, it played a vital role for them.
Jabal Ikmah in Al Ula will be District Three according to the Journey Through Time plan. It is an open-air library that houses thousands of ancient rock art sites, petroglyphs and inscriptions.
District four is the Nabataean Horizon. It possesses cultural aspects of the Nabataean architecture. The fifth district is Hegra, the most important one of The Journey Through Time plan. Hegra is present on a large plain of sandstone hills and is sculpted because of the north-western winds blowing here for centuries. Here, you will also see the 130 wells drilled into the rock that were once part of a large oasis.
Potential Outcomes
As part of The Journey Through Time plan, 80% of Al Ula will consist of natural reserves. Authorities there are expecting nearly two million annual visitors here arriving with Umrah Packages or on tourism visas. The tourism revenue will contribute around $32 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP. Therefore, creating more than 38,000 jobs by 2035.
In order to accommodate such a large number of visitors, over 5,000 hospitality options are planned by 2035. This will amount to a total of 9,400 hotel accommodation options for tourists across Al Ula. These hospitality services will have a mix of;
- 3-star Budget to 5-star premium hotels.
- Eco-tourism resorts.
- Luxury lodges.
- Canyon farms.
Travel options for Tourists
Saudi Arabia welcomes tourists to Al Ula from all across the globe. Tourist visas are available for 68 nationalities through e-services and visa-on-arrival facilities. However, the rest of them need to apply for a tourist visa beforehand through conventional means.
Tourist visas to KSA are valid for up to a year with multiple entries. The maximum stay of 90 days is permitted on a single entry.
To get your tourist visa to KSA you need to submit a duly filled visa application form with documents like;
- Valid passport.
- Bank statement.
- Eligibility of travelling alone i.e. 18 years of age or above.
- Medical certificate.
- Payment of visa fee.
- Passport-sized coloured photographs.
- Purpose of travel to KSA.
- Stay and flight information.
Most of the visa applications received get processed by KSA authorities in 72 hours maximum. For an urgent visa delivery, you have to pay an additional fee. If you are eligible, you can apply online for it or also get the facility of visa on arrival. Otherwise, opt for conventional application method.
Muslim travellers to the region with Ramadan Umrah Packages 2025 can also travel to Al Ula on a tourist visa after the completion of holy rituals. The same goes for people on a work or family visa to KSA.
Rules and Regulations to consider
Every tourist arriving in KSA to explore the historic Al Ula town must possess a valid visa. Entry to KSA, let alone Al Ula, is not possible without a valid visa. In addition, carrying your essential documents along is also advisable for a smooth trip.
Tourists must abide by all the rules and regulations imposed on foreign travellers to the kingdom. For example; not littering, following the law and maintaining respectful and friendly behaviour.
It’s an individual responsibility of every tourist to ensure intactness of the archaeological finds, artefacts and other historical/cultural exhibits in the region. So, travel responsibly. Don’t try to touch exhibits and admire them from a distance.
When touring the region, be aware of the photography rules. There might be different permissions for different areas. Some regions might have a ‘No Photography or Videography’ policy due to security reasons while others might not have any such condition. So, it’s essential that you get necessary information from authorities before photographing anything in the region.
Be mindful of trespassing the prohibited areas. Otherwise, it might cause a lot of inconvenience for you due to legal aspects. Breaking this law will cause you to face legal prosecution in Saudi Arabia that can lead to jail time, hefty penalties or even deportation.
For a memorable and fulfilling trip, accompany a tour guide. It will help you save both time and cost. They have all the knowledge about the local places, travel routes and facilities. Therefore, save yourself from unnecessary stress while in a foreign land.
That’s how Saudi Arabia intends to unveil its Journey Through Time plan for Al Ula with a blend of tradition and innovation.
