Living in AlUla: A Newcomer's Guide

Oct 28, 2026•3 min read

AlUla is one of Saudi Arabia's most distinctive places to settle — a palm-filled oasis in AlUla Governorate within the Madinah Region, wrapped in dramatic sandstone landscapes and thousands of years of history. For newcomers, life here blends a small, close-knit community with a fast-growing tourism and heritage scene. This guide from سعودي ليفنج walks you through the practical basics of getting set up and making the most of daily life.

Who Can Live in AlUla

Long-term residence in AlUla follows the same national rules that apply across Saudi Arabia. Most newcomers arrive through one of these routes:

Employment sponsorship with a valid Saudi work residence permit.
Premium Residency for those who qualify.

If you are moving for work, your employer handles the core steps through platforms such as قوى, مقيم, and أبشر, in coordination with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Because fees, validity periods, and exact procedures can change, always confirm the latest requirements on the relevant official Saudi government portal before you travel.

Settling In: Housing and Essentials

AlUla is a compact governorate, so distances are short and the pace is calmer than in big cities like الرياض or جدة. When arranging housing, utilities, a driving licence, vehicle registration, healthcare, or school enrolment, work through official channels and your employer where relevant. Current rental prices, utility setup steps, and school options aren't something to assume — confirm them locally and through the appropriate official portals once you arrive.

Daily Life and Getting Around

Life in AlUla revolves around its oasis, heritage sites, and a growing cluster of cafés and restaurants. The historic heart is AlUla Old Town, which is free to enter and open to everyone. It typically opens between 8:00 and 9:00 in the morning, with shops often staying open until 23:00 and restaurants until around 01:00 — making evenings a lively time to wander.

What It Costs to Explore

One of the joys of living here is easy access to world-class experiences. Expect a range of guided options:

Old Town storytelling tours from SAR 70.
The Old Town-to-Oasis guided experience from SAR 90.
Hegra tours with AlUla Rawis from SAR 95.
Maraya tours from SAR 95.
Other activities advertised from around SAR 150 or SAR 300 depending on the experience.

Eating Out

AlUla's dining scene spans casual local spots to refined destination restaurants. As a rough guide:

Casual local food often costs under SAR 100.
Mid-range dining commonly falls between SAR 250 and SAR 400.
Overall restaurant spending ranges from about SAR 50 to SAR 650 or more, depending on where and what you choose.

With restaurants open late, dining out is a natural part of social life here.

Tips for a Smooth Start

Keep your residence documents valid and updated through مقيم and أبشر.
Lean on your employer for official procedures tied to your permit.
Verify any fees, schedules, or rental figures through official sources — they change over time.
Explore slowly; the Old Town and oasis are wonderful places to meet people and settle in.

AlUla rewards newcomers who embrace its rhythm — history on your doorstep, warm evenings, and a community that's growing alongside رؤية السعودية 2030.

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates: