AlUla, 4 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH

AlUla Governorate has evoked its ancient civilizational legacy on the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, marked on 21 May each year, affirming its standing as one of the leading historical and cultural destinations where civilizations met and knowledge was exchanged over thousands of years along the ancient trade routes of northwestern Arabia.

AlUla's human and cultural depth is reflected in its archaeological and historical sites, which tell the stories of successive civilizations and highlight its historical role as an important stop for trade caravans, travelers and pilgrims, shaping a diverse cultural identity whose traces remain present today.

Hegra, Witness to Successive Civilizations

The archaeological site of Hegra is AlUla's most prominent civilizational landmark, the first Saudi site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, with distinctive rock-cut facades and historical inscriptions in multiple languages documenting the presence of different civilizations that left their mark on the region across the ages.

The governorate is also home to heritage sites, Islamic inscriptions and historical writings that reflect the cultural diversity the region has witnessed and document the ways of life and social customs shaped by continuous civilizational interaction over the centuries.

A Living and Renewing Cultural Heritage

This cultural diversity is visible in the folk and performing arts for which AlUla is known, including the Dahha, Rafihi and Zeer, along with the handicrafts and oral narratives the local community has preserved as an authentic part of the memory and cultural identity of the place.

AlUla continues to strengthen its cultural presence by hosting artistic and knowledge events and cultural initiatives that bring together artists and creators from around the world, promoting cultural dialogue and highlighting human diversity through a contemporary vision inspired by the region's history.

Supporting Cultural Identity and Sustainable Development

These efforts align with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals of supporting the cultural sector and strengthening its role in economic and social development, while preserving the civilizational and natural heritage and enabling the local community to safeguard its cultural legacy and pass it on to future generations.

At a Glance

  • Location: AlUla
  • Occasion: World Day for Cultural Diversity
  • Key landmark: the archaeological site of Hegra
  • Date: 21 May 2026
  • Heritage arts: Dahha, Rafihi, Zeer
  • Audience: visitors, researchers and culture and heritage enthusiasts