The historical and heritage buildings in AlUla Governorate are no longer silent witnesses to the past, but have become an active part of the present, after rehabilitation projects repurposed them to play cultural, tourism, and economic roles, in a model that balances preserving the authenticity of the place and achieving sustainable development goals.

These projects embody a concept that goes beyond traditional restoration; they are based on preserving historical and heritage buildings while repurposing them in a way that aligns with their architectural value, transforming them from buildings that ceased to function decades ago into destinations that welcome visitors, host cultural activities, contribute to stimulating economic activity, and create new opportunities for local community members.

The Old Town of AlUla is one of the most prominent examples of this transformation, with a history spanning more than seven centuries, comprising hundreds of buildings constructed from mud brick and stone, alongside mosques, markets, and historical alleys that once formed the center of social and economic life in the governorate.

As residents moved to modern neighborhoods in recent decades, the houses became vacant, yet the place retained its historical value and its human memory, still present in the details of the buildings and alleys, and in the stories connected to the lives of the people and passed down through generations.

Since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, historical and heritage sites in AlUla have entered a new phase, based on preserving the architectural heritage and repurposing it, preserving the identity of the place and giving it a renewed presence that enhances culture, tourism, and the local economy.

Rehabilitation work is carried out according to a methodology that preserves the original elements of the buildings, using traditional materials and inherited construction techniques, and leveraging the expertise of local craftsmen, thereby safeguarding the architectural character of the site, preserving the knowledge related to mud architecture, and ensuring its continuity for future generations.

Development was not limited to the buildings alone, but included the historical squares and pathways, which regained their vitality to host shops, cafes, restaurants, traditional crafts, and art exhibitions, in a scene that restored the place's role as a center for life and community interaction.

With the return of activity to these buildings, the memories of the residents who were born and grew up in its alleys and mud houses returned, turning their stories and experiences into narratives they tell their children, grandchildren, and visitors, in a picture that embodies the extension of the place's memory and its transformation from a past preserved in the walls into a living heritage passed down through generations.

The 'Dar Tantora' project is a distinguished example of repurposing heritage buildings, where several historical houses were rehabilitated and transformed into a hotel facility that adheres to environmental sustainability principles while preserving the original architectural identity of the site, reflecting the integration between heritage preservation and offering a unique hospitality experience. Its name was inspired by 'Al-Tantora,' the sundial that the people of AlUla used in the past to determine agricultural seasons and the succession of seasons.

The historic Hejaz Railway station within the Al-Hijr site presents another model for repurposing historical buildings; its original structures were preserved and reused as part of a hotel facility, reflecting the potential to invest in historical sites while preserving their archaeological value and architectural elements.

The rehabilitation work included the adjacent historical oasis, whose agricultural character was preserved, and its pathways and mud walls were restored using traditional materials, reflecting the historical relationship between the oasis and urban development, as two pillars that shaped human settlement in AlUla over the centuries.

The Old Town hosts year-round cultural programs and diverse experiences, re-presenting the place as a space for arts, knowledge, and traditional crafts, and giving visitors the opportunity to experience history within its authentic environment, turning a visit to the site into an experience that combines heritage exploration and interaction with its human details.

The Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate, through its ongoing programs for heritage preservation and utilization, reaffirms its commitment to making historical sites a vital pillar in cultural and economic development, keeping AlUla a civilizational icon that reflects the skill of integrating the preservation of historical heritage with envisioning a future proud of its identity.

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