Best Rooftop Bars in Al Ula for Sunset Drinks and City Views
Words by
Abdullah Al-Ghamdi
The best rooftop bars in Al Ula have a way of making you forget you are standing in one of the oldest inhabited landscapes on earth. I have spent the better part of three years chasing sunsets across this valley, watching the sandstone cliffs shift from amber to deep violet while sipping something cold under open sky. What makes Al Ula different from other destinations is that the views are not just city skylines. They are two-million-year-old rock formations, ancient inscriptions, and a silence so complete you can hear the wind carve through canyons that traders walked through a thousand years ago. If you are looking for sky bars Al Ula can genuinely deliver on, the places below are the ones I return to again and again, each for a different reason.
1. Sahary AlUla Rooftop at Banyan Tree AlUla
Location: Ashar Resort District, Banyan Tree AlUla, Al Ula
The Banyan Tree property sits at the edge of the resort district with a rooftop that faces directly toward the massive sandstone formations that define this valley. I was there last Thursday evening, about forty minutes before sunset, and the staff had already begun setting out low cushions and lanterns along the perimeter. The bartender, a young Saudi man named Faisal who has worked hospitality in Jeddah and Riyadh, recommended their date-infused mocktail with a splash of pomegranate and rose water. It was the kind of drink that tastes like it was designed specifically for this landscape.
What makes this rooftop special is the elevation. You are high enough to see the full sweep of the valley floor below, and at golden hour the rock walls turn a shade of orange that no photograph captures accurately. The outdoor bars Al Ula has in its luxury properties tend to lean heavily into resort aesthetics, but this one feels more grounded. The furniture is low to the earth, the lighting is warm rather than flashy, and the music stays at a volume where you can still hear the call to Maghrib prayer echoing from the old town direction.
The detail most tourists miss is that the rooftop is accessible even if you are not a resort guest, though you need to call ahead and reserve a table. Weeknights are quieter than weekends, and Tuesday evenings tend to be the slowest, which means you get the best seats without competing with wedding parties or corporate groups.
Local Insider Tip: "Ask for the corner seat on the western edge, the one closest to the railing. It gives you an unobstructed view of Elephant Rock in the distance, and most guests cluster near the bar side, so you get that spot to yourself if you arrive thirty minutes before sunset."
I would recommend this place for anyone who wants the full resort experience without feeling like they are trapped inside a five-star bubble. The connection to Al Ula's character is subtle but real. The entire Banyan Tree property was designed to echo the canyon walls, and from the rooftop you can see how the architecture mirrors the geology.
2. Caravan by Habitas AlUla Rooftop Lounge
Location: Habitas AlUla, Ashar Resort District
Habitas AlUla operates on a different frequency than the larger resorts. The property is built into the canyon itself, and the rooftop lounge sits at a level where you feel like you are inside the rock rather than on top of it. I visited on a Saturday evening in March, and the energy was completely different from the Banyan Tree. There was a DJ playing low-tempo electronic music, a mix of international guests and young Saudis from Riyadh who had driven up for the weekend, and a bartender who made the best smoked hibiscus sour I have had anywhere in the Kingdom.
The views here are more intimate. You are surrounded by canyon walls on three sides, so instead of a panoramic valley view, you get this feeling of being held inside the earth. The sunset hits the opposite canyon wall and bounces light down into the lounge in a way that makes everything glow. It is one of the few sky bars Al Ula offers where the architecture and the landscape are in constant conversation with each other.
What most visitors do not realize is that the rooftop has a small section that is technically a "wellness deck" during the day, used for morning yoga and meditation. By evening it transforms into the lounge, and the transition is seamless. If you book a wellness session in the morning and mention you will be returning for drinks, the staff sometimes reserves your preferred spot without you having to ask.
Local Insider Tip: "Order the smoked hibiscus sour before the sun starts dropping, not after. The bartender uses a handheld smoker and the process takes a few minutes. If you wait until the sunset rush, you will be waiting twenty minutes for your drink while everyone else orders at the same time."
This place connects to Al Ula's history in a way that feels intentional. The Habitas brand draws heavily on the idea of the caravan, the ancient trade routes that passed through this valley. Sitting on that rooftop, looking up at the same stars that Nabataean and Dedanite traders navigated by, the concept stops being a marketing gimmick and starts feeling real.
3. Cloud Lounge at Maraya
Location: Maraya Concert Hall area, Ashar District
Maraya itself is the world's largest mirrored building, and the Cloud Lounge sits on its upper level with a view that is unlike anything else in Al Ula. I went on a Wednesday night, and the mirrored exterior was reflecting the last light of the day so intensely that the entire building looked like it was on fire. Inside, the lounge is sleek and modern, with floor-to-ceiling glass on one side and a more intimate bar area on the other.
The drinks menu leans creative. I had a saffron gin cocktail that was garnished with dried lavender, and my companion ordered a non-alcoholic spritz that used local honey and sparkling water. The food is small plates, nothing heavy, which is exactly what you want when you are sitting in a climate-controlled glass box watching the desert turn purple outside.
The thing most tourists do not know is that the Cloud Lounge occasionally hosts private events that are not listed on any public calendar. If you show up and it appears closed, ask the concierge at the Maraya entrance. Sometimes they can get you in if there is space, and sometimes they will tell you to come back the following evening. It is worth the ask.
Local Insider Tip: "Sit on the glass side, not the bar side. Everyone gravitates toward the bar because it feels more social, but the glass side gives you the full mirrored reflection effect. At sunset, the building doubles the sky. It is the single most photogenic spot in all of Al Ula, and you do not need a reservation for the glass side on weeknights."
Maraya connects to Al Ula's broader story because it represents the Kingdom's vision for the region as a cultural destination. The building was constructed as part of the Royal Commission for AlUla's development plan, and from the Cloud Lounge you can see both the ancient landscape and the new infrastructure being built to support tourism. It is a view of the past and the future at the same time.
4. The Canyon Edge at Chedi AlUla
Location: Chedi AlUla, Ashar Resort District
The Chedi AlUla has a terrace that overlooks the canyon, and while it is not technically a rooftop in the traditional sense, the elevation and the open-air design make it function exactly like one. I visited on a Friday evening, which is the start of the Saudi weekend, and the atmosphere was lively but not overcrowded. The staff here are exceptionally well-trained, many of them recruited from properties in Southeast Asia, and the level of service reflects that.
I ordered a tamarind old fashioned, which the bartender prepared tableside with a small ceremony of muddling and stirring. The drink was balanced and not overly sweet, which is a common problem with the date-heavy cocktails you find at other Al Ula bars. The view from the terrace faces east toward the canyon, so you do not get a traditional sunset view in the western sense. Instead, you watch the shadows deepen and the rock faces change color as the light retreats. It is a different kind of sunset experience, slower and more contemplative.
Most visitors do not realize that the Chedi property has a separate garden area below the terrace that is accessible to guests. If the terrace is full, you can sit in the garden and still get a decent view, though you lose the elevation. The garden has its own charm, with native plants and a water feature that attracts birds in the early morning.
Local Insider Tip: "Ask the bartender for the off-menu date espresso mocktail. It is not on any printed menu, but the bar team has been making it for regulars since the property opened. It uses cold brew, date syrup, and a pinch of cardamom. It is the best non-alcoholic drink in the resort district."
The Chedi connects to Al Ula's character through its design philosophy. The property was built to feel like a traditional desert settlement, with low buildings and natural materials. From the terrace, you can see how the architecture disappears into the landscape rather than competing with it.
5. Elephant Rock Viewing Area (Informal Gathering Spot)
Location: Near Elephant Rock (Al-Fil), east of the old town
This is not a bar in any formal sense, but it deserves a mention because it is where locals and in-the-know visitors actually go for sunset drinks. The area around Elephant Rock has become an informal gathering spot, especially on Thursday and Friday evenings. People bring portable chairs, coolers, and sometimes small Bluetooth speakers. The Saudi Commission for Tourism has started providing some infrastructure, including designated parking and basic facilities, but the experience remains largely self-organized.
I was there two weeks ago with a group of friends from Jeddah. We brought a cooler with cold drinks and snacks, set up our chairs about two hundred meters from the base of Elephant Rock, and watched the sun drop behind the formation. The rock itself is a natural sandstone structure that resembles an elephant with its trunk touching the ground, and at sunset the entire formation glows in shades of gold and red.
The detail most tourists miss is that the best viewing angle is not from the main parking area but from a smaller access road about five hundred meters south. There is a flat area there that fewer people know about, and you get a cleaner view without the crowd. You will need a vehicle with decent clearance to get there, as the road is unpaved.
Local Insider Tip: "Bring a blanket and sit on the ground rather than in chairs. The low angle changes your perspective entirely, and you see the rock the way the ancient inhabitants of this valley would have seen it, from eye level with the sand. Also, stay for twenty minutes after the sun disappears. The afterglow on Elephant Rock is better than the sunset itself."
This spot connects to Al Ula's history more directly than any resort bar. Elephant Rock has been a landmark for thousands of years, and the area around it contains petroglyphs and inscriptions from multiple civilizations. Sitting there with a cold drink as the light fades, you are participating in a tradition of sunset-watching that stretches back to the earliest people who called this valley home.
6. Al Ula Old Town Rooftop Cafés
Location: Al Ula Old Town (Al-Dirah), central Al Ula
The old town of Al Ula, known as Al-Dirah, is a labyrinth of mudbrick buildings that date back several centuries. Several of the restored buildings now house small cafés with rooftop terraces that offer views over the old town and toward the surrounding cliffs. These are not bars in the alcoholic sense, obviously, but they serve as social gathering spots where the outdoor bars Al Ula scene takes on a different character.
I spent an afternoon hopping between three different rooftop cafés in the old town last month. The first served excellent Arabic coffee with cardamom and a plate of dates. The second had a more modern menu with fresh juices and milkshakes. The third was the most atmospheric, with traditional seating on the floor and a view that stretched all the way to the edge of the old town where the mudbrick walls meet the open desert.
What most tourists do not know is that the old town rooftops are connected by a series of informal pathways that are not marked on any map. If you are comfortable with a bit of exploration, you can walk from one rooftop to another without going back to street level. The locals who work in the cafés know these paths and will sometimes point them out if you ask.
Local Insider Tip: "Go in the late afternoon, around four o'clock, when the light is soft and the heat has broken. Order the Arabic coffee at whichever café you choose, and ask the server if you can sit on the side facing the oasis. That view, of the palm trees against the mudbrick walls, is the one that stays with you."
The old town rooftops connect to Al Ula's history in the most literal way possible. You are sitting on buildings that were inhabited by families who lived in this valley for generations, looking out at the same landscape they saw every day. The restoration work has been careful to preserve the original materials and layout, so the experience feels authentic rather than staged.
7. Harrat Viewpoint (Seasonal Pop-Up Bars)
Location: Harrat region, accessible via the road north of Al Ula
During the winter season, typically from October through March, several pop-up bars and lounges appear in the Harrat region north of Al Ula. These are temporary structures, often set up by event companies working with the Royal Commission for AlUla, and they offer a completely different kind of rooftop experience. The Harrat is a volcanic field with black lava rock stretching to the horizon, and the contrast with the sandstone valleys to the south is striking.
I attended a pop-up event in January that featured a mobile bar, string lights, and a small stage for live music. The drinks were surprisingly well-crafted for a temporary setup, with a focus on local ingredients like sidr honey and desert herbs. The view from the elevated platform where the bar was set up included the dark expanse of the Harrat on one side and the distant glow of Al Ula's lights on the other.
The detail most visitors miss is that these pop-up events are often announced only a few days in advance, primarily through Instagram and local WhatsApp groups. There is no central booking platform, and the events sell out quickly. If you are in Al Ula during winter season, ask at your hotel concierge or check the social media accounts of Al Ula event organizers.
Local Insider Tip: "Bring a jacket. The Harrat is at a higher elevation than the valley floor, and once the sun sets, the temperature drops fast. I have seen people shivering in shirtsleeves by eight o'clock. Also, the pop-ups usually close by eleven, so plan your evening around that."
The Harrat viewpoint connects to Al Ula's geological story. The volcanic field is part of the same tectonic activity that created the sandstone formations in the valley, and standing on that dark rock while looking toward the illuminated resorts gives you a sense of the immense geological forces that shaped this landscape over millions of years.
8. Shaden Resort Rooftop
Location: Shaden Resort, Ashar Resort District
Shaden Resort is one of the more established properties in the Ashar district, and its rooftop has become a reliable option for sunset drinks without the premium pricing of some of the newer luxury resorts. I visited on a Sunday evening, which turned out to be a good choice because the crowd was minimal and the staff had time to engage in actual conversation.
The rooftop is open-air with a simple but effective design. Low tables, comfortable seating, and a bar that runs along one edge. I ordered a mint lemonade that was freshly made and not too sweet, and a plate of mixed nuts with local spices. The view faces west, which means you get a direct sunset over the valley, and the rock formations in the distance provide a dramatic backdrop.
What most tourists do not know is that Shaden Resort offers a "sunset package" that includes a reserved table, a welcome drink, and a small plate of appetizers for a fixed price. It is not advertised on their main website but is available if you call the front desk and ask. The package is particularly good value on weekdays when the rooftop is less busy.
Local Insider Tip: "Request the table at the far end of the rooftop, near the corner. It is partially shielded from the wind, which can pick up unexpectedly after sunset, and it gives you a wider angle on the valley. The staff will know exactly which table you mean if you describe it as 'the quiet corner.'"
Shaden Resort connects to Al Ula's character through its name, which references the shadan plant native to the region. The resort's landscaping incorporates local flora, and from the rooftop you can see how the property blends into the surrounding desert rather than imposing itself upon it.
When to Go and What to Know
The best time for rooftop drinks in Al Ula is between October and April, when the temperatures are manageable in the evenings. Summer months, from May through September, see daytime highs that regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius, and even rooftop evenings can feel oppressive. If you are visiting during summer, aim for venues with misting systems or indoor-outdoor hybrid spaces.
Most rooftop venues in Al Ula operate on a reservation system, especially during the high season from November through March. Walk-ins are possible at some places but not guaranteed. Dress codes are generally smart casual, though some of the luxury resort rooftops may require a slightly more polished look.
Transportation is a consideration. The Ashar Resort District is not walkable from the old town, and taxis can be difficult to find during peak evening hours. If you are staying at a resort, most properties offer shuttle services. If you are staying in the old town, arrange your transportation in advance.
The legal context is important to understand. Saudi Arabia does not serve alcohol in public venues. All the drinks mentioned in this guide are non-alcoholic, including the mocktails and specialty beverages at resort bars. This is not a limitation but rather an opportunity. The non-alcoholic cocktail scene in Al Ula has developed rapidly, and the creativity on display at many of these venues rivals what you would find in any major city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a specialty coffee or local tea in Al Ula?
Specialty Arabic coffee at old town cafés typically costs between 15 and 30 Saudi riyals per serving. At resort properties in the Ashar district, specialty mocktails and premium non-alcoholic beverages range from 45 to 85 riyals. Traditional tea with mint or cardamom at local spots runs about 10 to 20 riyals.
What is the standard tipping etiquette or service charge policy at restaurants in Al Ula?
Most resort properties and upscale venues include a 10 to 15 percent service charge on the bill. Additional tipping is not expected but is appreciated, typically 10 to 20 riyals for good service at smaller cafés. At informal gathering spots like the Elephant Rock area, tipping does not apply.
Is Al Ula expensive to visit? Give a realistic daily budget breakdown for mid-tier travelers?
A mid-tier daily budget for Al Ula runs approximately 800 to 1,200 Saudi riyals. This covers a mid-range hotel or resort at 400 to 700 riyals per night, meals at 150 to 300 riyals per day, local transportation at 50 to 100 riyals, and activities or entrance fees at 100 to 200 riyals. Budget increases significantly at luxury properties where rooms can exceed 2,000 riyals per night.
How easy is it to find pure vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based dining options in Al Ula?
Vegetarian options are widely available at resort restaurants and old town cafés, with most menus featuring mezze, salads, and grain-based dishes. Fully vegan options are less common but can be found at resort properties with advance notice. The old town cafés serve naturally plant-based items like hummus, falafel, and stuffed vegetables as standard menu offerings.
Are credit cards widely accepted across Al Ula, or is it necessary to carry cash for daily expenses?
Credit and debit cards are accepted at all resort properties, most restaurants, and established shops in Al Ula. Cash is still useful for small purchases at old town stalls, tips, and informal gathering areas. ATMs are available at major commercial areas, and carrying 200 to 300 riyals in cash is sufficient for incidental expenses.
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