About AlUla | The Royal Commission for AlUla

A Living Museum

AlUla is more than just a destination; it’s a journey through time. The region’s heart lies in its capacity to tell stories of ancient civilisations, with Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a window into the Nabataean Kingdom’s architectural prowess through nearly 100 meticulously carved tombs.

Beyond Hegra, AlUla’s history unfolds in the Old Town, surrounded by a verdant oasis, revealing the sophisticated urban planning of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms. These ancient cities, along with thousands of rock art sites in Jabal Ikmah, narrate the area’s significance through the ages.

The cultural heritage of AlUla is matched by its natural splendour. The region’s ecosystem supports diverse wildlife and vegetation, making it a focal point for conservation efforts. This interplay of nature and human endeavour has also paved the way for thoughtful development, balancing preservation with tourism. Visitors can immerse themselves in AlUla’s history, explore its natural landscapes, and engage with the local community, experiencing first-hand the hospitality that has been a hallmark of the region for centuries.

Journey through time...

AlUla’s Prehistory

The prehistoric era of AlUla is marked by significant human presence, as evidenced by numerous rock art sites scattered across the region. These sites provide a glimpse into the early human settlement and their ways of life. The artistic expressions found in these rock art sites, depicting animals, humans, and abstract forms, illustrate the cultural and spiritual dimensions of the inhabitants. This period highlights AlUla’s role as a canvas for ancient human creativity and interaction with the natural landscape.

1st Millennium BCE

During the 1st millennium BCE, AlUla witnessed the rise of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms, two of the most notable ancient civilisations in the Arabian Peninsula. These kingdoms demonstrated advanced urban development, as seen in their sophisticated city planning, architecture, and inscriptions. AlUla, as a centre of these kingdoms, was a hub of commercial, religious, and political activities, showcasing the region’s importance in early Arabian history.

1st Century CE

In the 1st century CE, Hegra emerged as the southernmost city of the Nabataean Kingdom, an influential Arab kingdom known for its architectural, agricultural, and hydraulic engineering feats. Hegra’s elaborate rock-cut tombs, with their detailed facades, reflect the prosperity and artistic achievement of the Nabataeans. Later, this area was annexed by the Roman Empire, integrating AlUla into a broader network of trade and cultural exchange.

7th–12th Century

Between the 7th and 12th centuries, AlUla gained prominence as a vital stop on the incense trade routes. These routes were crucial in connecting the civilisations of the ancient world, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture. AlUla’s strategic location enabled it to serve as a meeting point for traders and travellers from different regions, contributing to its rich culture.

20th Century

In the 20th century, AlUla played a part in the Hijaz Railway project, an ambitious initiative aimed at connecting the Ottoman Empire’s far-flung territories. The railway was primarily intended to facilitate the pilgrimage journey to Islam’s holy cities, enhancing the region’s accessibility and its role in the Islamic world.

21st Century

The 21st century marked a turning point for AlUla with the recognition of Hegra as Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. This acknowledgment catalysed global interest in AlUla’s cultural and historical significance, prompting initiatives to preserve and showcase its heritage. Conservation efforts, along with sustainable tourism development, have been focused on balancing the protection of AlUla’s unique legacy with sharing its stories and beauty with the world.

AlUla's Geology

AlUla's dramatic landscape is a geologist's dream, sculpted over millennia. The region is renowned for its towering sandstone mountains, formed from ancient sands of desert and ocean origins. These geological formations not only create breathtaking vistas but also house the secrets of AlUla's ancient inhabitants, with their stories etched into the very rocks.

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