Two road routes from Riyadh to AlUla boost tourism links

Saudi Arabia has seen significant development in its road network, which now stretches for more than 73,000 km. This progress has placed the Kingdom first globally in the road connectivity index, according to World Competitiveness Forum reports. The network strengthens links between cities and provinces, serves road users, and facilitates travel.

According to the General Authority for Roads on its X platform account, this network is part of efforts to make it easier for pilgrims, visitors, and tourists to access the region’s natural and cultural attractions, allowing them to explore its natural beauty and rich history.

The authority explained that AlUla, one of the region’s most important tourist destinations, is accessible by two different road routes from Riyadh. Each route ends in AlUla but varies in distance, travel time, and the cities passed through, making travel more convenient for road users.

The first and fastest route runs from Riyadh through Qassim and Hail, covering about 1,040 km and taking approximately 11 hours. The second route passes through Qassim and Madinah, stretching around 1,163 km and taking about 11 hours and 35 minutes.

AlUla is strategically located in the northwest of the Kingdom, about 300 km from Madinah, and falls within the administrative area of Madinah Province. The city has a continental climate, with high temperatures in summer and cooler winters.

AlUla is home to a lush oasis long known for its agricultural wealth. It is famous for citrus farming, irrigated by fresh water along a 20 km stretch. The area boasts around 200,000 citrus trees, representing 29 different varieties.