Saudi group announces multi billion programme of openings around Hegra

An ambitious programme of museum and hotel openings has been announced by The Royal Commission for AlUla, located 1,100 km from Riyadh in North-West Saudi Arabia, is an area known for its natural and human heritage. 

It covers 22,561km² and features a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains, and ancient cultural heritage sites.

Hegra, the most famous site in AlUla, is Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a 52-hectare ancient city that served as the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom. It contains over 100 well-preserved tombs with intricate facades carved into the sandstone outcrops.

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), established in July 2017, aims to protect and preserve the region’s natural and cultural significance. RCU is working on a long-term plan to develop AlUla sustainably, making it an important archaeological and cultural destination. Their initiatives cover archaeology, tourism, culture, education, and the arts, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to promote tourism and leisure in the country.

• Dar Tantora (Opening in January 2024): This upscale eco-lodge by The House Hotel is located in historic AlUla Old Town. It will have 30 guest rooms created by restoring and repurposing traditional mud-brick buildings, offering an authentic Old AlUla experience.
• Hegra Boutique Hotel (Opening in January 2024): Situated at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra, this heritage boutique hotel will have 35 guest rooms with a distinct connection to Hegra’s monumental landscape. It will occupy existing structures, including an old railway station and Hegra Fort.
• Khaybar Volcano Camp (Returning in November 2023): This camp offers an unparalleled camping experience in Harrat Khaybar, an ancient volcano landscape. Guests can explore ancient Arabian creations and enjoy luxury accommodations, fine dining, and story-rich excursions.

Coming in the future:

• Autograph Collection hotel, The Bethesda (Opening in 2025): Marriot International Inc will open the first Autograph Collection hotel in central AlUla. The hotel will feature 250 rooms and suites, with dining venues, a spa, swimming pool, fitness centre, business centre, meeting facilities, and retail space.
• AMAN Resorts (Opening from 2025): Three Aman Resorts will offer an extraordinary insight into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, showcasing its unspoiled natural landscapes and archaeological sites.
• Six Senses (Opening in 2027): This luxury resort, spa, and hotel operator will open Six Senses AlUla, spanning 1,200,000 square meters. It will feature 100 guest villas, 25 residences, and a natural oasis surrounded by palm groves and red-sandstone cliffs.
• AZULIK AlUla Resort (Opening in 2027): This eco-luxury resort aims to connect with AlUla’s heritage and ecology, incorporating ancient rock art inscriptions. It will consist of 76 luxury villas with various designs.
• Sharaan Resort and International Summit Centre (Opening TBD): Designed by Jean Nouvel, this architectural landmark is being built into the sandstone cliffs of AlUla. It draws inspiration from ancient Nabataean techniques and offers 51 suites, hospitality pavilions, and two villas.
• Habitas AlUla (Opened in 2021): This eco-conscious resort features 96 villas crafted with ethically sourced organic materials. Located in the Ashar Valley oasis, it offers stunning canyon views, farm-to-table dining, and wellness facilities, among other amenities.
• Banyan Tree AlUla (Opened in October 2022): The first property of Banyan Tree in AlUla, this tented resort offers all-villa accommodations inspired by Nabataean architecture. Guests can immerse themselves in the resort and destination through in-villa, in-valley, and en-voyage experiences.

Recent restaurant openings:

• Entrecote – Caf√© de Paris: This French restaurant in AlUla Old Town offers a set menu with a green salad, the famous Entrecote steak, homemade French fries, and a secret butter sauce flown in from Geneva.
• Saffron: Located in Banyan Tree, Saffron is a signature Thai restaurant offering contemporary Thai cuisine prepared by Thai chefs, providing guests with an authentic taste of Thailand.
• Harrat Banyan Tree: This vibrant restaurant within Banyan Tree AlUla uses locally sourced produce for its fine dining menu. It offers dishes ranging from seafood to Middle Eastern mezze, pasta, and fresh grills.
• Tawlet Fayza: This organic farm-to-table restaurant is inspired by the founder’s grandmother and features an evolving menu with communal tables, encouraging food conversations and connections.
• Daimumah Restaurant: Situated amidst ancient farmland and palm-scattered oasis, Daimumah is an open-air eatery offering diverse dining options. Guests can enjoy local flavors and international favorites while surrounded by the beauty of the oasis.

New cultural attractions

• The Museum of the Incense Road: Opening around 2027, this museum will showcase the ancient trading routes through land and sea and highlight the archaeological excavations in the region.
• The Contemporary Art Museum: Opening in 2027, this museum will feature the work of artists from the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Eastern Mediterranean regions, with collections focused on immersive installations and art related to AlUla’s unique environment.
• Wadi AlFann (Valley of the Arts): Opening in 2026, this large-scale outdoor sculpture park will showcase works by esteemed local and international artists against the backdrop of AlUla’s stunning sandstone cliffs and canyons.
• AlMuatadil Equestrian Village: The Royal Commission for AlUla plans to launch a new global equestrian hub, featuring arenas for grass polo, endurance venues, sand polo, concerts, and dressage. It will also include visitor amenities, accommodations, retail stores, and stables for 740 horses.
• Arabian Leopard Day and rewilding program: Arabian Leopard Day, officially recognised by the United Nations, aims to raise awareness and support for the critically endangered Arabian leopard. The Royal Commission for AlUla has ambitious plans to bring the species back from extinction.
• Hegra’s 15th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: AlUla celebrated Hegra’s 15th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by hosting an international archaeological summit and the Ancient Kingdoms Festival.
• AlUla Moments: AlUla Moments is a brand that hosts various festivals and events to celebrate AlUla’s heritage. These include Winter at Tantora, AlUla Wellness Festival, AlUla Arts Festival, AlUla Skies Festival, AZIMUTH, Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup, AlUla Camel Cup, and the Ancient Kingdoms Festival.
• Outdoor activities: AlUla offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including adventure experiences like abseiling, rock climbing, zip-lining, horse riding, helicopter rides, camping, buggy rides, vintage car tours, cycling, and stargazing.
• Tough Mudder Infinity: AlUla will host Tough Mudder Infinity, an 8-hour obstacle course competition, in February 2024.
• Hero Balloon Flights: AlUla now offers year-round hot air balloon rides provided by Hero Balloons Flights, showcasing the stunning landscapes and oases from a unique perspective.
• Giant Stone ‘Hand Axe’ Discovery: Archaeologists working in AlUla discovered what is likely the largest stone ‘hand axe’ artifact in the world, dating back over 200,000 years.
• AlUla Experiential Tramway: A future project is underway to build a 22.4km low-carbon tramway connecting AlUla’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic oasis towns, and urban centres, offering sustainable transportation options while immersing passengers in AlUla’s history.