AlUla, which is Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located deep in the desert in the northwestern region of the country, some 1,100 km from Riyadh

It offers the visitor ancient tombs that are the legacy of 7,000 years of human civilisation, stunning natural rock formations and canyons and a range of adventure sports options and art installations.

This is a vast area covering 22,561km², which embraces a lush oasis valley and towering sandstone mountains.

AlUla has ancient cultural heritage sites, dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned.

The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and has more than 100 well preserved tombs with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement.

The Royal Commission for AlUla

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) was established by royal decree in July 2017 to protect and safeguard this region of outstanding natural and cultural significance.

The Commission is embarking on a long-term plan to develop and deliver a sensitive, sustainable transformation of the region.

This will reaffirm it as one of the most important archaeological and cultural destinations and ready AlUla for visitors.

Useful links

​ www.visitsaudi.com/en/see-do/destinations/alula