The ancient oasis city of AlUla in north-western Saudi Arabia is one of the country’s most fascinating destinations – and winter is the perfect time to explore its many wonders.
The National has curated an itinerary of five must-do activities, which starts with a guided tour around one of the many magnificent canyons. Explore these incredible sandstone alcoves and learn more about the various civilisations that have inhabited the area for thousands of years.
AlUla is also home to Hegra, the kingdom’s first Unesco World Heritage Site, renowned for its 100-plus Nabatean burial tombs carved from desert rock. The Jabal al-Ahmar Necropolis, which is open to the public, is one of the most well-preserved.
To get the best view of this stunning region, take a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride. Then, once the sun goes down, embark on a desert stargazing tour. AlUla is one of the best locations for astrotourism thanks to its limited light pollution.
Finally, no trip to AlUla is complete without a visit to the Maraya Concert Hall, the world’s largest mirrored building. It boasts a schedule of world-class performances and is home to Maraya Social by famed British chef Jason Atherton, but the structure is also a work of art in itself.
This page was produced by The National in partnership with Saudi Tourism Authority.
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SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)
Cagliari v AC Milan (6pm)
Lazio v Napoli (9pm)
Inter Milan v Atalanta (11.45pm)
Sunday
Udinese v Sassuolo (3.30pm)
Sampdoria v Brescia (6pm)
Fiorentina v SPAL (6pm)
Torino v Bologna (6pm)
Verona v Genoa (9pm)
Roma V Juventus (11.45pm)
Parma v Lecce (11.45pm)
PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
RESULT
Bayer Leverkusen 2 Bayern Munich 4
Leverkusen: Alario (9'), Wirtz (89')
Bayern: Coman (27'), Goretzka (42'), Gnabry (45'), Lewandowski (66')
GRAN%20TURISMO
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'Tell the Machine Goodnight' by Katie Williams
Penguin Randomhouse
The biog
Favourite book: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Favourite holiday destination: Spain
Favourite film: Bohemian Rhapsody
Favourite place to visit in the UAE: The beach or Satwa
Children: Stepdaughter Tyler 27, daughter Quito 22 and son Dali 19
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
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Tips for job-seekers
- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
Persuasion
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
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