AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A new experience to awaken the senses and to enjoy the Hegra silence, called Hegra After Dark starts today 4th November in AlUla as part of AlUla Moments’ new activities. AlUla visitors who choose to participate at Hegra after Dark will experience the true majesty and beauty of the UNESCO World’s Heritage Site under the cover of darkness, 2000-3000 battery operated candles will be placed by the entrance of one of the Hegra Tombs, where seating areas inspired by the Nabataean Civilisation are engulfed in the aroma of incense.
This will be coupled with finger food prepared and served by Ferrandi students. The setup includes rugs, floor cushions, low tables.
Hegra after Dark experience consists of 3 sessions: the 1st experience will awaken the senses of guests in a darkened sensorium to taste, hear, smell, touch and see what the Nabataeans experienced everyday. Light refreshments will be served as prepared by Ferrandi students.
The 2nd experience will be an entertaining and immersive performance about the Nabataean warrior Queen “Queen Shaklith Historical Re-enactment.” The session can be booked in English or Arabic.
Then, guests will end the night with a stunning stargazing experience at Hegra, learning about the concepts of Astrology and Cosmology as practiced in the Nabataean Civilisation, and understanding the importance of the stars and the stories they hold.
Hegra After Dark is a weekend experience, from Thursday to Saturday and will continue for 6 weeks starting 4th of November, with 2 daily night sessions starting at 7.00 pm and 9.00 pm. With a limited number of attendees of 30 per session, this is a sensory, boutique experience that should not be missed.
About AlUla:
Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km², includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned.
The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and is comprised of 111 well-preserved tombs, many with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement.
Current research also suggests Hegra was the most southern outpost of the Roman Empire after the Roman’s conquered the Nabataeans in 106 CE.
In addition to Hegra, AlUla is also home to ancient Dadan, the captial of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms and considered to be one of the most developed 1st millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Penninsula. And Jabal Ikmah, an open air library of hundreds of inscriptions and writings in many different languages. Also AlUla Old Town, a labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes developed from at least the 12th century, and Hijaz Railway and Hegra Fort, key sites in the story and conquests of Lawrence of Arabia.
