Cultural / AlUla Transforms Historical Buildings from Silent Memory to Spaces of Life and Culture

AlUla 01 Safar 1448 AH corresponding to July 15, 2026, SPA - Historical and heritage buildings in AlUla Governorate are no longer silent witnesses to the past; they have become an active part of the present after rehabilitation projects repurposed them to fulfill cultural, tourism, and economic roles, in a model that balances preserving the authenticity of the place with achieving sustainable development goals. These projects embody a concept that goes beyond traditional restoration work; they are based on preserving historical and heritage buildings while repurposing them in a way that aligns with their architectural value, transforming them from structures that ceased to function decades ago into destinations that welcome visitors, host cultural activities, and contribute to revitalizing economic activity and creating new opportunities for the local community. The Old Town of AlUla is one of the most prominent examples of this transformation, with a history spanning more than seven centuries, featuring hundreds of buildings made of mud brick and stone, along with mosques, markets, and historical alleys that once formed the center of social and economic life in the governorate. As residents moved to modern neighborhoods over the past decades, the houses emptied of their inhabitants, yet the place retained its historical value and human memory, still present in the details of the buildings and alleys, and in the stories tied to the lives of the people 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 legacy and repurposing it to maintain the identity of the place, granting it 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 buildings, using traditional materials and inherited construction techniques, and leveraging the expertise of local artisans to safeguard the architectural character of the site, maintain knowledge related to mud architecture, and ensure its continuity for future generations. Development was not limited to buildings alone but included historical squares and pathways that regained their vitality to host shops, cafes, restaurants, traditional crafts, and art galleries, in a scene that restored the place's role as a center of life and community interaction. With the return of activity to these buildings, the memories of residents who were born and raised among its alleys and mud houses also returned, transforming their stories and experiences into narratives they share with children, grandchildren, and visitors, embodying the extension of the place's memory from a past preserved in walls to a living legacy passed down through generations. The "Dar Tantora" project represents a distinguished model of repurposing heritage buildings, where several historical homes were rehabilitated and converted into a hotel facility that adheres to environmental sustainability principles while preserving the authentic architectural identity of the site, reflecting the integration of heritage preservation and offering a unique hospitality experience. Its name was inspired by "al-Tantora," a sundial used by the people of AlUla in the past to determine agricultural seasons and the succession of seasons. The historic Hejaz Railway Station within the Al-Hijr site offers another model of repurposing historical buildings, as its original structures were preserved and reused within a hotel facility, reflecting the feasibility of investing in historical sites while maintaining their archaeological value and architectural elements. Rehabilitation work also 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 urbanism as two pillars that shaped human settlement in AlUla over the centuries. Throughout the year, the Old Town hosts cultural programs and diverse experiences that reintroduce the place as a space for arts, knowledge, and traditional crafts, offering visitors the opportunity to experience history in its authentic environment, turning a visit to the site into an experience that combines heritage exploration with interaction with its human details. Through its ongoing programs of heritage preservation and repurposing, the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate affirms its commitment to making historical sites a vital pillar in cultural and economic development, ensuring that AlUla remains a civilizational icon reflecting the skill of integrating historical heritage preservation with envisioning a future proud of its identity. // End // 19:14 PM 0149