AlUla – April 18, 2025

On World Heritage Day, AlUla Governorate highlights its status as one of the most important cultural and tourism destinations in Saudi Arabia, thanks to its diverse civilizational and human heritage, which links world civilizations and embodies the depth of the history and diversity of cultures that have succeeded one another on its land.

AlUla: A Living Human Memory

AlUla is home to world-renowned archaeological sites, foremost among them Hegra (Mada'in Saleh), the first Saudi site listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, in addition to ancient villages, architectural remains and inscriptions that document the evolution of language and culture in the region across the ages.

Tangible and Intangible Heritage Reflecting the Spirit of the Place

AlUla's cultural identity is not limited to historical landmarks but extends to intangible heritage – folk arts, oral tales, social customs and traditional handicrafts – still practiced among AlUla's residents today, making it a living model of coexistence between modernity and authenticity.

The Royal Commission for AlUla affirms its commitment to preserving this diverse heritage through quality initiatives that combine heritage preservation and sustainable development, in line with Saudi Vision 2030's goals of transforming AlUla into a living, open museum for the world.

A Celebration Reflecting Global Commitment

World Heritage Day represents an opportunity to renew global commitment to protecting cultural sites, and AlUla affirms, through its participation in this international occasion, its role as a global cultural center and partner in international efforts to protect shared human heritage.