Saudi Arabia: As Valentine’s Day approaches, AlUla emerges as a premier destination for those looking to commemorate their shared journey through thoughtfully planned proposals and exclusive celebrations.
Far from the bustling pace of modern cities, this ancient oasis invites couples to slow down and embrace the present.
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
Few experiences feel as dreamlike as floating silently over AlUla at sunrise. As the balloon rises, the landscape is revealed: sandstone outcrops, hidden valleys and the lush oasis below. Wait until the balloon has reached its peak and the sun is just clearing the horizon, and with the vastness of AlUla stretching out beneath you, a simple, heartfelt proposal becomes unforgettable.
Sharaan National Park Platinum Dinner Safari
Sharaan National Park is AlUla at its most majestic: towering sandstone cliffs and rock faces etched with ancient petroglyphs, and a recent Dark Sky Parks certification. The Platinum Dinner Safari elevates this landscape into an unforgettable, ultra-exclusive evening under some of the darkest skies in the region. Your journey begins with a drive into remote terrain, pausing at golden hour for canapes and refreshments. A UV-lit eco-walk reveals nocturnal wildlife and the secrets of the desert by night, before you arrive at a ‘Braai’ BBQ dinner under the open sky. Let the evening unfold naturally, then choose your moment during the guided stargazing, with constellations shining down on you and your loved one from above.
Secrets of the Scribe – Ikmah After Dark
Jabal Ikmah, recognised by UNESCO as a Memory of the World heritage site, offers one of the most poetic backdrops that could be chosen for this important milestone. By night, the ‘Secrets of the Scribe – Ikmah After Dark’ experience turns this natural marvel into an atmospheric open-air museum of rock inscriptions and soft lighting. The experience is intentionally intimate, with hands-on sculpture workshops and a gentle pace. It’s also the perfect moment to ask a timeless question in a place surrounded by timeless words.
Harrat Viewpoint
Perched atop ancient black lava flows, Harrat Viewpoint offers one of AlUla’s most breathtaking vistas. From this elevated terrain, the desert opens in every direction, connecting adventurous spirits with the open air, wide sky and the stillness of the desert below. It feels wonderfully private, yet the views are grand enough to match the significance of the moment. For nature-loving couples, a hike to the top right in time for sunset is an epic moment to propose with the valley as your witness.
Hegra After Dark
Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site becomes truly magical during the award-winning Hegra After Dark experience. Lanterns and incense-scented trails guide guests past monumental Nabataean tombs, while live performances and a theatrical marketplace evoke the days of the Incense Road. One highlight is the horse-drawn carriage ride that is steeped in atmosphere, creating a scene that feels like stepping into another era. Use the quiet of the carriage ride to plan a proposal that feels both dramatic and rooted in history.
From Old Town to Oasis: A Heritage Discovery Experience
