In the heart of AlUla Oasis lies AlUla Old Town, a place where history feels alive. For centuries, families lived in its mud-brick houses, traded in busy market streets, and gathered in shaded squares. The town became a stop for pilgrims and merchants, becoming a centre of community life. When residents moved to modern AlUla in the 1980s, the old lanes and walls remained, waiting to be rediscovered.
Today, restoration has brought the Old Town back to life with vibrant markets, boutique hotels, and cultural events, showing how heritage and modern living can come together in one destination.
At the heart of AlUla
Set in Medina Province in northwestern Saudi Arabia, AlUla Old Town lies beside the Oasis and the AlJadidah Arts District. Its location makes it central to AlUla’s heritage cluster, including Hegra, Dadan, and Jabal Ikmah.
Key highlights of the location include:
- Easy access from AlUla’s modern city and airport.
- Walking distance to restaurants, galleries, and arts districts.
- Viewing terraces that overlook the Oasis and the surrounding mountains.
The central positioning has helped AlUla attract travellers from across the world. This, in turn, has created rising demand for hospitality, holiday homes, and serviced rentals near the Old Town; a sign of the city’s growing lifestyle and real estate appeal.
Walls that Preserve History
The story of AlUla Old Town’s history begins in the 12th century, when settlers built a fortified mud-brick community around the Oasis.
- Served for centuries as a hub on trade and pilgrimage routes.
- Contained nearly 900 homes, 400 shops, and five main squares at its peak.
- Abandoned in the 1980s as residents moved to modern AlUla, leaving it preserved.
- Today restored under the Royal Commission for AlUla, aligned with Vision 2030 goals of heritage preservation, tourism growth, and boutique real estate projects.
Market Street of AlUla Town
The AlUla Old Town market is one of its most vibrant experiences, bringing back the spirit of an Arabian trade hub. Along the narrow lanes of the historic Market Street, visitors can explore:
- Handcrafted pottery and jewellery created by local artisans using traditional techniques.
- Woven baskets and textiles dyed with natural colours from the Oasis.
- Antiques and souvenirs that echo the heritage of the Hejaz region.
- Food stalls offering dates from AlUla’s farms, fresh pomegranate juice, and traditional Saudi sweets.
- Street performances and cultural showcases, from oud music to traditional dance, adding energy to the market atmosphere.
Also Read, Bir Hima Rock Petroglyphs and Inscriptions: Arabia’s Ancient Canvas on Bayut.sa.
Experiences that stand out
Walking through AlUla Old Town today means engaging with both history and modern design. Experiences include:
- Guided tours through shaded mud-brick alleys.
- Panoramic views from terraces overlooking the Oasis.
- Cultural programs linking Old Town to Al Jadidah Arts District.
- Heritage stays like Dar Tantora – The House Hotel, where restored mud-brick homes have been transformed into boutique accommodation.
These experiences highlight how historic settings can be redefined for contemporary living. The presence of boutique hotels and cultural districts also signals new opportunities for real estate growth in AlUla.
AlUla Town & Vision 2030
AlUla Old Town fits squarely within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. As one of the flagship heritage projects, AlUla is being developed to balance preservation and progress. The restoration of Old Town is not just about saving old walls. It is part of a larger plan to:
- Protect ancient heritage and natural beauty while building sustainable tourism infrastructure.
- Support local communities through arts, culture, education, and economic opportunities.
- Develop high-quality hospitality and visitor experiences that respect conservation.
This alignment shows Old Town is more than a heritage site. It becomes a core part of a national strategy to diversify the economy, promote culture, and position Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map.
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