Culture is a fundamental component of tourism in AlUla Governorate, located in the northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Every visitor to AlUla is eager to learn about its unique culture, reflected in its rich history spanning thousands of years, serving as a testament to the successive civilizations that flourished on its land, making it a global tourist destination.
AlUla is centered around an ancient town that emerged in the 12th century, featuring around 900 houses built from mud bricks. In the past, trade caravans laden with incense passed nearby, overlooking palm oases with around three million palm trees. A towering fortress, standing 45 meters tall, was constructed within it, serving as a watchtower and defensive fortification for the town’s wall, which included 14 gates. The town also hosts several local shops, restaurants, and cafes, providing a retreat for families and tourists from various countries.
The old town of AlUla was selected as one of the best tourist villages in the world by the
World Tourism Organization in 2022, among 32 villages from around the globe, for meeting all the selection criteria.
AlUla offers its visitors numerous tourism options. Amidst its natural landscape, which is distinguished by geological diversity and stunning rock formations, visitors can experience desert trips, camping, stargazing in its clear skies, visiting nature reserves, and mountain climbing. Jabal Ikmah is one of the most prominent historical sites in AlUla, considered the largest open-air library in the Arabian Peninsula due to its hundreds of ancient inscriptions and rock carvings. At the same time, visitors can explore historical and archaeological sites, most notably the Hegra area, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Hegra, one can discover Nabatean tombs, various inscriptions, and archaeological excavation sites.
Every year, the Royal Commission for AlUla organizes several diverse festivals and cultural events, including the Winter at Tantora Festival, one of the most importa
nt artistic and cultural events. The festival features many accompanying activities, traditional sports events that hold a special place in the fabric of local culture, such as horseback archery and tent pegging, as well as exploratory tours, art and cultural exhibitions, the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, and many more.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
