Five heritage stories reveal AlUla’s rich history across civilizations

Five heritage stories shed light on the rich history of AlUla, where archaeological landmarks and diverse cultural legacies reveal successive chapters of human presence in northwest Arabia. AlUla is home to evidence of human activity dating back 200,000 years and settlements more than 7,000 years old, making it a meeting point for civilizations and trade routes throughout the ages.

The first story begins at Hegra, where Nabataean tombs carved into the rock stand as a testament to the region’s architectural and sculptural development, and its interaction with ancient world civilizations. Hegra is the first Saudi site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, featuring around 141 tombs, including 93 decorated ones. These reflect a blend of Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek, and Roman architectural influences, all expressed in a distinctive Nabataean style.

The second story moves to Dadan and Lihyan, where the first millennium BCE saw the rise of the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms. These kingdoms excelled in urban planning, architecture, and inscriptions. Sandstone statues, some larger than life, showcase advanced artistry and deep-rooted local traditions, as seen in the Lion Tombs and statues believed to represent Lihyanite kings.

The third story focuses on the Incense Road, which connected vast regions of the ancient world, with AlUla as a key stop. Caravans laden with incense, spices, and jewelry passed through, fostering the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas. Archaeological and artistic evidence highlights this cultural interaction, and the Incense Road Museum offers insights into this legacy.

The fourth story highlights the role of camels in AlUla’s life and ancient trade routes. The domestication of camels brought about significant social and economic changes. Rock art and archaeological finds document the camel’s role in transporting goods and travelers, as well as its symbolic importance in local communities.

The fifth story centers on the Tantora in the heart of AlUla’s Old Town—a traditional stone structure used to track seasons and time through the sun’s shadow. Residents relied on the Tantora to organize the agricultural calendar and determine the timing of winter crops such as wheat and barley.

‘Journey Through Time’ project to develop AlUla

In this context, the “Journey Through Time” masterplan, overseen by the Royal Commission for AlUla, aims to develop and restore archaeological sites and natural and cultural oases. The project includes the creation of five cultural centers by 2035: the Old Town Oasis, Dadan Oasis, Jabal Ikmah Oasis, Nabataean Oasis, and the ancient city of Hegra. These centers will feature museums, galleries, cultural facilities, and hospitality experiences that reflect the region’s unique identity.