Shaping AlUla’s Future
About RCU
RCU at a Glance
The core of our work lies in the careful balance between conservation and development. By safeguarding AlUla’s unique heritage and natural features, we aim to generate economic growth and sustainable development. Our strategies are crafted to not only protect but also enhance AlUla’s environmental and historical integrity, ensuring every initiative aligns with sustainable principles. This thoughtful approach positions AlUla as a model for preservation and progress, where its past informs its future.
Historical Preservation
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is bringing AlUla's stories of the past to life by protecting its unique history and sharing it with the world. Through partnerships and community involvement, we’re making sure future generations can explore and learn from this crossroads of ancient civilizations.
Sustainable Tourism
RCU is transforming AlUla into a breathtaking destination where adventure and culture meet sustainability. By protecting natural beauty and ancient sites, and working together with global partners and local communities, we’re creating a place where every visit makes a positive difference for the future.
Community Development
RCU is driving AlUla forwards with economic opportunities and enhanced infrastructure, ensuring the community thrives alongside the area’s development. By investing in jobs, education, and public services, we’re crafting a prosperous future for every resident.
Aspiration
Our Aspiration
RCU was established to protect and safeguard AlUla, a region of outstanding natural and cultural significance in north-west Saudi Arabia. RCU is embarking on a long-term plan to develop and deliver a sensitive, sustainable transformation of the region, reaffirming it as one of the country’s most important archaeological and cultural destinations and preparing it to welcome visitors from around the world.
RCU’s development work in AlUla encompasses a broad range of initiatives across archaeology, tourism, culture, education, and the arts, reflecting the ambitious commitment to cultivating tourism and leisure in Saudi Arabia, outlined in Vision 2030.
Welcome to AlUla, begin your journey
01
Living in AlUla
Stay informed and discover the vibrant life in AlUla's community.
02
Business in AlUla
Explore business and investment prospects in AlUla and access essential services for suppliers.
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Visiting AlUla
Discover AlUla, a unique destination filled with heritage and adventure.
Strategic Initiatives
Explore the initiatives that promote cultural, economic, and environmental development in AlUla.
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Sharaan Nature Reserve
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Khaybar Heritage Village
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Journey Through Time
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Path to Prosperity
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Kingdoms Institute Research Hub
Archaeology, Collections and Conservation
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Arabian Leopard Programme and Fund
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AlUla Languages Institute
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Hammayah Programme
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I Care
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Scholarship Programme
Learn MoreRegulatory Instruments
This page provides access to all regulatory instruments issued by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), aimed at enhancing compliance and ensuring transparency and ease of accessibility
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Stay connected with the latest news, stories, and highlights from the Royal Commission for AlUla. From groundbreaking developments to cultural events, get an inside look at everything happening in the region.
Royal Commission for AlUla Launches AlUla App to Enhance User Experience
he Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has launched the “AlUla App,” a comprehensive, unified platform that serves as a digital gateway, bringing together services and information in a single destination. The launch forms part of RCU’s ongoing efforts to enhance service delivery, improve quality of life for AlUla's residents and local community.
Royal Commission for AlUla, KAUST Launch Specialist Lappet-Faced Vulture Tracking Program
RCU in collaboration with KAUST, has launched a specialist GPS tracking program for the lappet-faced vulture, as part of its efforts to protect wildlife, deploy scientific research and innovation in the conservation of endangered species, and support ecological studies and the management of protected areas in AlUla.
AlUla Summer Fruits Season Launches as Part of 'Khayrat AlUla'
The AlUla Summer Fruits Season, part of the, will take place from 16 to 22 July 2026, at the AlManshiyah Farmers' Market. The event aims to showcase the diversity of AlUla's agricultural produce, empower local farmers and productive families, and create greater economic opportunities linked to seasonal crops.
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Royal Commission for AlUla Launches Khayrat AlUla Season
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has announced the launch of the "Khayrat AlUla" agricultural season 2026–2027, as part of its efforts to enhance the competitiveness of AlUla's agricultural sector, improve production efficiency, and empower farmers, in support of the governorate's sustainable development objectives and in alignment with the AlUla Vision and Saudi Vision 2030.
THE ROYAL COMMISSION FOR ALULA LIFTS SUSPENSION ON LAND SALES AND REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS IN CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN ALULA TO ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND UNLOCK INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has lifted the suspension on land sales, purchases and related real estate transactions in selected areas of central and southern AlUla. This important step reinforces RCU’s commitment of placing people at the heart of development and creates a more attractive environment for urban investment and sustainable economic growth across AlUla.
The Royal Commission for AlUla Signs Partnership with Alliance Aviation at Future Investment Initiative
In a milestone agreement that reinforces AlUla’s position as a global logistics hub in north-west Saudi Arabia, the Royal Commission for AlUla has signed a partnership with Alliance Aviation Arabia, in the presence of His Excellency Engineer Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services.
AlUla partners with Meta to host first ever “Instagram creators summit” in the MENA region
The Instagram Creators Summit is set to take place in the historic destination of AlUla from 20th to 22nd April, marking the first-ever event of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa.
THE ROYAL COMMISSION FOR ALULA PARTICIPATES IN THE FOURTH EDITION OF "SAUDI MEDIA FORUM 2025”
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is participating in the Saudi Media Forum 2025, held in Riyadh from February 19-21, under the theme: "Media in an Evolving World”. This forum gathers leading experts and specialists to discuss the future of media, showcasing its latest developments and digital transformations, and empowering innovators to exchange ideas and experiences.
RCU Plants 500,000 Trees and Shrubs, Advancing Ecological Restoration Efforts and Supporting Saudi Green Initiative Goals
Half a million trees and shrubs planted in Sharaan Nature Reserve in support of long-term, Kingdom-wide efforts to plant 10 billion trees
‘Leap Of Hope’ Campaign To Strengthen Global Awareness And Action To Conserve Critically Endangered Big Cat Species
Following the United Nations declaration of the first International Day of the Arabian Leopard, on 10 February the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) continues to expand its long-term mission to safeguard the ‘Critically Endangered’ Big Cat species from the physical world into the virtual.
RCU Expands Gaming Initiative With A New Game Promoting Arabian Leopard Conservation
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has expanded its gaming initiative with Quest for Hope, centred on conservation of the Arabian Leopard.
New Partnership with Université Paris 1 Boosts Cultural Ties and Shared KSA-France Development Goals
AlUla and Saudi Arabia’s long-standing ties with France, and some of the European nation’s leading institutions, have been further strengthened with the signing of a new far-reaching partnership agreement between Paris-based Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU).
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‘AlUla, Wonder Of Arabia’ Exhibition Opens In Beijing
The 'AlUla, Wonder of Arabia' exhibition held its grand opening ceremony today at the Meridian Gate - West Wing in the Palace Museum, at Beijing’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forbidden City.
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RCU to Join Global Leaders at the 54th World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland
AlUla, Saudi Arabia, Day Month Year: The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) will once again attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, taking place in Davos, Switzerland, from 15-19 January.
RCU Strengthens Ties with China as a Key Partner in Culture, Heritage, and Tourism
The Royal Commission for AlUla’s (RCU) strengthened and expanded its longstanding cultural, heritage, and tourism ties with China during two major global cultural forums.
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Archaeologists Publish First Detailed Description Of Long-Term Neolithic Occupation Sites In North-West Arabia
Ground-breaking archaeological research in AlUla County in north-west Saudi Arabia has published the first comprehensive description and analysis of a long-term dwelling type identified in the region during the Neolithic period.
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AlUla to Host Inaugural Arab Camel Racing Cup and International Camel Endurance Championship
Camel sports enthusiasts, teams, and owners, from the across the region to travel to AlUla for the first edition of these new competitions, each featuring multi-million SAR prize pools
Strategic Partnership with China's Henan Province for Cultural Collaboration and Heritage Preservation
RCU and Henan Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration have signed a strategic partnership on cultural collaboration and heritage preservation as RCU builds its global partnership network and deepens Saudi ties with China.
RCU Joins Global Tech Leaders And Entrepreneurs At 2024 Leap Digital Innovation Conference In Riyadh
AlUla’s digital transformation and the Royal Commission for AlUla’s (RCU) tech-based development strategies are being shared with industry leaders, innovators, and investors at this year’s LEAP conference.
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Arabian Leopard Fund Launches Scholarship to Train Future Conservationists for Protecting Endangered Big Cats
First batch of 50 students will be offered specialised training at diploma, bachelor’s or master’s degree level
RCU Launches ‘I Care’ Campaign to Celebrate and Protect the Cultural Heritage of Northwest Arabia
RCU, the cultural custodian of northwest Arabia, has launched a new, inclusive heritage conservation campaign that aims to deepen and enrich the public’s knowledge, awareness, and desire to protect and uplift AlUla’s ancient history.
AlUla Takes a Leap as the Premier Desert Polo Destination with New Partnership with Argentina’s La Dolfina Team
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has signed a new strategic partnership with leading Argentine polo team, La Dolfina, that will greatly empower and expand AlUla’s developing status as the number one destination for desert polo among other heritage and equestrian sports.
Use our comprehensive e-services across tourism, business, entertainment, education, and various other sectors to enhance your AlUla experience.
Issuance of a building permit
This service allows submitting a request to issue a building permit or a fencing license.
Renewal of a commercial license
Through this service, you can enhance the continuity of your commercial business, as this service enables you to renew your commercial license, and you can also renew it with the modification of the license data.
Issuing Survey Report
This service allows the Beneficiary to apply for a survey report and he/she can follow up on the request via RCU platform
Issuance of a commercial license
Through this service, you can start practicing a commercial business by issuing a commercial activity license for the following activities, for example, but not limited to a business license, environmental licenses, an industrial company license, a medical company license, a food company license, a tourism company license, Professional establishment license in addition to the safety permit issued by the General Directorate of Civil Defense for all commercial
Event site permit service
A service that enables the beneficiary to submit a request to issue an event residence permit to the event organizer, as well as the location of the event and the duration of the event.
Modification of a commercial activity license
To enhance the continuity and expansion of the commercial business of the beneficiaries through this service, the commercial license data can be amended by increasing the area of the shop or modifying the commercial activity and others.
Add Previous Building Permit
A service is allowing the beneficiary to add a previous paper building permit to the list of registered permits on the RCU platform, so that it becomes available later for the beneficiary to use when applying for related sub-services.
Correction of building permit data
A service that allows the beneficiary to submit a request to correct license data and send it to the licensing supervisor in the municipality/secretariat for approval or rejection
Renewal of a building permit
A service that allows the beneficiary to issue a renewal of his building permit.
Add and Modifying a Building Permit
This service allows the beneficiary to add, modify and delete building components in his license.