What to Pack for Al Ula. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Climate-Adapted Attire

AlUla's desert climate dictates specific clothing choices, varying significantly by season.

Seasonal Recommendations

Winter (Nov-Mar): Lightweight long-sleeved tops, trousers for day. Warm jacket, fleece, light hat, and Gloves for evenings.
Summer (May-Sep): Very lightweight, loose-fitting, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen). Long sleeves and trousers for sun protection.
Shoulder (Apr, Oct): Light clothing during the day. A Light jacket or sweater for evenings.

Cultural Dress Code

Saudi Arabia has a conservative culture, and modest dress in public areas shows respect. This applies to both men and women.

Modesty Guidelines

Women: Loose-fitting clothing covering shoulders, elbows, and knees. A Lightweight scarf for head covering is useful but not always required.
Men: Avoid shorts above the knee and sleeveless tops (tank tops) in public. T-shirts and trousers or jeans are common.
Swimming: For hotel pools, modest Swimwear is advisable.

Footwear Focus

Everyday Exploration

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers work well. Expect uneven surfaces like cobblestones in the Old Town and sandy paths at attractions.

Ideal for daily wear.

Hiking Adventures

Sturdy, Closed-toe hiking shoes or boots with good ankle support are suitable for archaeological sites and desert paths. Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes are a solid choice.

Protection on rough terrain.

Evening Relaxation

Sandals or lighter shoes are comfortable for evenings at your accommodation or dining in casual settings.

Casual and cool for evenings.

Travel Documents

Important Paperwork

Keeping your documents organized can avert travel complications. Consider using a dedicated Travel wallet.

Passport and visa documentation: Carry originals, plus printouts and digital copies.
Travel insurance policy information: Physical card/printout, emergency contacts, policy details.
International driving permit (if applicable): Needed alongside national license for car rental.
Vaccination records and health documentation: Copy of vaccination record, critical medical info.

Printed and digital copies of reservations: Hotels, tours, flights. Store on phone, email, cloud.
Emergency contact information: Family, friends, embassy/consulate details.
Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable): International visitor discounts are rare.
Organize all documents in a dedicated Travel wallet or folder. Use a waterproof pouch for protection.

Tech & Connectivity

Power & Mobile Access

Ensure your devices are ready for use in AlUla. Saudi Arabia uses 230V, 60Hz. Type G plugs are most common.

Essentials for Power & Mobile

Power adapter: A universal Travel adapter with multiple plug types.
SIM Cards: Purchased at airports (ULH) or AlUla town from STC, Mobily, or Zain. Your passport for registration.
Mobile Phone: Must be unlocked for local SIM use. Consider an Airalo eSIM for seamless connectivity.

Photography & Apps

AlUla provides stunning landscapes for photography. Plan for power needs with portable chargers.

Camera & Digital Tools

Camera: Good low-light performance for stargazing. A Wide-angle lens and Telephoto lens. B&H Photo B&H Photo supplies gear.
Portable chargers and power banks: A high-capacity Portable power bank for long sightseeing days.
Apps: Google Maps (offline maps), Uber/Careem, Google Translate (offline Arabic pack). Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for privacy.

Data & Digital Security

Backup Solutions

Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or an External hard drive for photos and documents. This protects your memories and information from device loss.

Tripod Use

A Tripod supports stable shots, especially at night or for long exposures, or capturing intricate rock details.

Local Apps

Check for the official "Visit AlUla" or "AlUla Moments" app for event bookings and local information.

Health & Comfort

Personal First Aid Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit prepares you for minor ailments and aids continuous comfort.

Essential Contents

Basics: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen).
Medications: Anti-diarrhea medication (Loperamide), rehydration salts, allergy medication, Hydrocortisone cream.
Prescriptions: Carry in original packaging with a doctor's note, specifically for controlled substances.

Sun & Insect Protection

The desert sun stands intense. Protect yourself from UV and occasional insects.

Protection Essentials

Sunscreen: High-SPF (30+). Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40.
Lip balm with SPF and After-sun lotion for dry, sunny conditions.
Insect Repellent: With DEET or Picaridin, for occasional use near the oasis. Insect repellent is a good option.

General Health & Hygiene

Water & Hygiene

Water purification options are not necessary; Bottled water is widely available.
Common hygiene items are available locally.
Specialty brands or specific products might be harder to find. Pack sufficient supplies of these.

Motion Sickness & Allergies

Over-the-counter medications for cold/flu symptoms, indigestion tablets.
Motion sickness pills if prone to it, specifically for car journeys.
A compact Travel first aid kit serves as a good starting point for all travelers.

Activity-Specific Gear

Hiking Essentials

A Daypack for water, snacks, layers, sun protection. Hiking poles offer stability on uneven terrain.

Daypack
Hiking poles
Water bottles
Sunscreen

Stargazing & Photography

Binoculars enhance the stargazing experience. A Headlamp with red light preserves night vision. For photos, extra camera batteries and memory cards, and a Lens cleaning kit for dust.

Binoculars
Headlamp (red light)
Extra camera batteries
Lens cleaning kit

Rental vs. Personal Gear

Most specialized adventure gear (climbing harnesses, helmets) comes from tour operators. Bicycles might be available for rent locally. Bring your own high-quality hiking shoes and a comfortable daypack for personal comfort.

Tour operators provide gear
Bicycle rentals available locally
Bring your own hiking shoes
Comfortable daypack is ideal

Equipment Considerations

Items to Bring

Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes.
Daypack suitable for water and layers.
Personal medications and basic first aid.
Camera and lenses you are familiar with.

Items to Rent/Rely On

Specialized adventure equipment (e.g., climbing gear).
Bicycles if exploring the Oasis Trail.
Transport within archaeological sites (via official tours).
Some desert Travel gear or camping equipment.

Other Travel Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These items elevate comfort, security, and readiness for various situations.

Items

Comfort: Travel pillow (Inflatable neck pillow is compact), Eye mask and earplugs for rest.
Security: Money belt or RFID-blocking wallet. A Small padlock for luggage. A Travel security pouch for valuables.
Reusable: Reusable water bottle, Reusable shopping bag. Optional: Reusable travel utensils.
Region-specific: Lightweight scarf for sun or dust. Sunglasses for desert glare.

Travel Essentials

Consider packing specific items that might not be easily sourced locally.

Locally Unavailable Items

Specialized medications (prescription or specific OTC brands) might be hard to find.
Specific outdoor gear brands or sizes might not be readily available.
High-quality sunscreens or particular skincare products might be more expensive or limited.
Sun protective clothing beyond basic items.

Sustainable Travel Choices

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste; fill at hotels.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For local market purchases.

Reusable Utensils

For street food and takeaways.

Lightweight Scarf

Sun protection and modesty aid.

Destination-Specific Gear

AlUla Climate Specific

Insulated water bottle to keep water cool in the desert heat.
Wide-brimmed hat for continuous sun protection.
High-quality sunglasses to reduce glare.

Outdoor Activity Specific

Offline maps downloaded for navigation where connectivity is limited.
Binoculars for wildlife viewing or distant geological features.
Camera with spare batteries for extensive photography.

Packing Smart

A well-thought-out packing list contributes greatly to a comfortable and engaging trip to AlUla.

Focus on practicality, comfort, and cultural respect for a fulfilling journey.

What to Pack for Al Ula