European international tourism now has the possibility of easier access to the archaeological remains of the Al Ula desert in Saudi Arabia.
The ancient rock-cut city of Hegra is not far from the desert town of Al-Ula, which is now more easily accessible to international travelers thanks to the expansion of the regional airport.
European international tourism now has the possibility of easier access to the archaeological remains of the Al Ula desert in Saudi Arabia.
Since the end of January, a weekly direct flight connects Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris to the newly expanded Al-Ula International Airport in five hours.
Saudia Airlines had originally scheduled the flight every Sunday until March 27. The historic Al-Ula region in northwest Saudi Arabia has long been difficult to access, both for logistical and political reasons.
This makes it easy to visit the world-famous ruins of the ancient rock-cut city of Hegra, one of Saudi Arabia’s top attractions.
For some time, Saudi Arabia has been trying to open up to international tourism after many years of difficult access, especially due to the strong patriarchal laws that govern the country.
Until 2019, visas were only granted for short-term business trips, religious pilgrimages or for travelers with family in the country. Since then, a new program has been put in place that allows visitors from many countries to enter without a visa.
In recent years, the country has also drawn international attention for other reasons, including concerns over the 2018 murder of Saudi Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate general in Istanbul.
For its part, Spartacus, the most important gay tourism guide, ranked Saudi Arabia among the least welcoming destinations for LGBT tourism of the 202 countries and regions that make up its list.
The area outside the city of Al-Ula is known for the tombs of civilizations over 7,000 years old and a 25 kilometer long oasis amidst the desert landscape.
