Discovering AlUla: How The Past Shapes The Future Of Saudi Arabia’s Heritage

It is strange to look up at the giant, deep-red rock formations and see everything yet nothing. They rise up like flames during the day, and at a distance, an uneven pattern reveals itself, stitching the sky and the land together. That is all I could see till far and beyond until a fellow traveller, who had visited AlUla a bunch of times before, broke the silence and stretched out her hand to point at something closer. “You see that?” she asks. I try to follow her gaze, squinting and desperately trying to save myself from any chances of embarrassment. I take too long. “Look closer and focus, you will see.” I do as she says and the grand Maraya Theatre comes out of hiding just as the sunlight shifts a little, finally falling in my vision. 

There’s disbelief at first. How does a structure so grand hide in plain sight? Then comes awe, which never really fades away. In fact, a realisation quickly follows: this is what AlUla is. A mirage that is so real. It is at once a proof of what the future holds and a reflection of how the past always moulds it.

Converging The Past And The Future

It is in this very futuristic setting that archaeologists from all over the world came together to discuss AlUla’s historical wealth at the World Archaeology Symposium, organised by the Royal Commission of AlUla as a part of a larger biennial series aimed at highlighting the region’s corpus of significant historical sites and cultural heritage. 

Held over two days, the event was an in-depth examination of how mobility shapes the histories of local communities. Talking about how this initiative functions as an important conduit between the world and the region’s future as a significant archaeological site, Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani, vice president of culture at the RCU, said, “We view this summit as a global platform to host and accommodate archaeologists and specialists from various fields related to archaeology, such as museums, conservation, and other domains. It is a unique space for archaeologists to discuss topics not typically covered in scientific conferences worldwide. We hope that the outcomes of these discussions will help build a clear roadmap for the sustainability of archaeology as a science and address some of its challenges.”

Among other priorities, Alsuhaibani also discussed the plan to develop AlUla as a sought-after destination for cultural heritage. While AlUla has quickly become a first choice among travellers seeking ultra-luxe hospitality, Alsuhaibani reiterates its potential to quickly become a destination known for its heritage. He said, “Al-Ula has gained global recognition due to its rich history and uniqueness. It is a cultural landscape. The area's natural beauty is extraordinary, and I’ve been coming here for over 20 years, always amazed by the landscape. What makes Al-Ula unique is not just the beauty of its nature but also its historical significance. People have been settling here for over 200,000 years, which shows the deep connection between nature and human history.” 

AlUla’s local community, especially the youth, is also involved in this process. For instance, the storytelling tradition of Rawi has been picked up and fostered by many who grew up in AlUla. Several of them have undergone formal training as Rawis and are actively involved in transmitting the stories of the past across the many historical sites. Talking about the depth of this community engagement, Alsuhaibani said, “Community development is a cornerstone of AlUla’s growth. One of the flagship initiatives launched in 2018 is a scholarship program for the local community. This program allows students to study tourism, agriculture, museum studies, and conservation at leading global universities—areas essential to AlUla’s development. Additionally, archaeological projects involve training local community members to build capabilities for managing critical work in the future. Initiatives like the Madrasa (School of Art) provide extensive training in art production, enabling locals to create marketable products. This approach fosters a sustainable economic cycle while raising community awareness and skills to contribute to AlUla's development.”

Things To Do In AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Al Ula’s history stretches back thousands of years, serving as a crossroads for ancient civilizations. Once a key trade hub for the Nabateans, who controlled lucrative routes across the Arabian Peninsula, the region flourished with the exchange of goods like frankincense and myrrh. The Nabateans left behind iconic landmarks such as Madain Saleh (Al-Hijr), a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its rock-carved tombs and facades. Before the Nabateans, the Lihyanites, an Arab tribe, made their mark on the region, influencing the development of the civilization that followed. With the rise of Islam in the 7th century, Al Ula became an important stop along the pilgrimage route to Mecca. Over the centuries, the region’s significance continued to grow, culminating in recent efforts to preserve its cultural heritage and promote sustainable tourism under Saudi Vision 2030, transforming Al Ula into a major tourist destination. Here are the must-visit places: 

Madain Saleh (Al-Hijr)

Madain Saleh, or Al-Hijr, is Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most iconic archaeological site in Al Ula. This ancient Nabatean city was once a vital stop along the incense trade route and is home to 131 monumental tombs, many of which feature elaborate facades carved directly into the rock face. These tombs were created for the elite members of the Nabatean society and are a testament to their impressive architectural and engineering skills.

The site is often compared to Petra in Jordan due to its rock-cut architecture, but what makes Madain Saleh stand apart is the sheer majesty of the tombs—some of which are 30 feet high and intricately detailed with inscriptions and carvings. As you wander through the site, you’ll encounter inscriptions in Nabatean script, a precursor to Arabic, that provide a glimpse into the culture and beliefs of this ancient civilization. With their towering facades, the tombs create a hauntingly beautiful landscape that feels timeless and eerily alive with history.

Elephant Rock (Jabal Al-Fil)

Elephant Rock, or Jabal Al-Fil, is one of the most striking natural formations in Al Ula. This monolithic sandstone structure is over 50 feet tall and has been naturally shaped over thousands of years into the form of an elephant with its trunk reaching down to the ground. The rock is located in a vast desert valley, and its silhouette against the setting sun creates a dramatic and breathtaking scene.

The area around Elephant Rock offers a variety of opportunities for exploration and photography for those with a keen sense of adventure. The surrounding desert landscape is just as mesmerizing, with towering sandstone formations, deep red valleys, and a sense of profound tranquillity. The geological formation, though naturally occurring, feels as though it was sculpted specifically to capture the imagination, inviting visitors to pause and marvel at the wonders of nature’s artistry.

Al Ula Old Town

Al Ula’s Old Town dates back to the 12th century and is a maze of ancient mudbrick homes, narrow alleyways, and structures built into the landscape. This ancient settlement was once a thriving centre of commerce, a place where traders and travellers would rest as they passed through the region on their way to Mecca. The town's construction reflects the traditional desert architecture of the time, with homes made from mudbrick and palm fronds designed to protect against the harsh desert sun while maintaining a cool interior.

Walking through the Old Town feels like stepping back in time, as the crumbling walls and streets still echo with the footsteps of past inhabitants. The Al Ula Heritage Trail offers a guided tour through the area, allowing you to see remnants of ancient shops, dwellings, and mosques that were central to the life of the town. The ruins of the old town are often overlooked, but for those who take the time to explore, the experience is nothing short of transformative, offering a tangible connection to the lives of those who lived here centuries ago.

Jabal Ikmah

Jabal Ikmah is often referred to as the "open library" of Al Ula because of the hundreds of inscriptions found on its cliffs. These carvings, dating back to between the 1st century BCE and the 4th century CE, include religious texts, poems, and markings made by the people who lived in this area during the ancient and early Islamic periods.

Walking through Jabal Ikmah feels like stepping into the mind of the ancient desert dwellers. The inscriptions cover a range of topics, from the sacred to the mundane, and are etched into the cliffs in a variety of scripts, including Old North Arabian, Safaitic, and Nabatean. Many of the texts are still legible, providing a fascinating glimpse into the daily life, beliefs, and language of the people who once called this desert landscape home.

The site’s remote and quiet location only adds to the sense of reverence that surrounds it. As you stand before these ancient writings, you can feel the deep connection to the people who carved them, and you can almost hear the faint echoes of their voices across the centuries.

The Royal Cemetery

The Royal Cemetery, located near Madain Saleh, is a collection of tombs that once belonged to the nobility of the Nabatean civilization. The cemetery includes 21 tombs, most of which are carved directly into the cliffs surrounding the area. These tombs are smaller than those at Madain Saleh, but they are equally remarkable in their craftsmanship.

What sets the Royal Cemetery apart is its location, nestled in a more remote part of Al Ula, offering a sense of intimacy and solitude that the more popular sites like Madain Saleh don’t provide. The tombs are adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions that offer clues about the individuals interred there and their role in Nabatean society. As you explore the site, you’ll see the deep respect the Nabateans had for their dead, with many of the tombs designed to protect the deceased for eternity.