Exploring AlUla: A Journey Back in Time in Saudi Arabia

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Exploring AlUla: A Journey Back in Time in Saudi Arabia

Once home to wandering leopards, AlUla, a historical region in northwestern Saudi Arabia, is now looking to its past to build a promising future. I visited AlUla some time ago and was captivated by the sight of ancient rock tombs and the vast desert landscapes.

From the airplane window, I couldn't help but marvel at the rock formations and the deep ravines nestled within the wild nature. AlUla is gradually becoming a prominent tourist destination while still maintaining its pristine charm with few visitors, making me feel like a true explorer.

AlUla - A Significant Stopover

It’s no coincidence that AlUla is known as an important stop on the pilgrimage route between Damascus and Makkah. This land once served as a strategic trading post along ancient incense routes, where caravans would rest while transporting spices, silk, and incense from East to West.

Moreover, AlUla was a vital center for the Nabataean people, an ancient community with nomadic roots and the capital of Petra, Jordan. Today, AlUla welcomes travelers from all over the world, from archaeologists to astronomy enthusiasts, and conservationists striving to bring back extinct species.

Discovering the Ancient Town of AlUla

My first stop was the Old Town of AlUla, which has existed since the 12th century. The Old Town Walk, a pedestrian street, has been revitalized with numerous restaurants and shops. However, just stepping off the main street, I found myself immersed in the atmosphere of abandoned adobe buildings, some of which are undergoing restoration.

I joined a guided tour with Wedad, a passionate young woman. "My name means 'love,'" she said. "We are a diverse community with many stories to tell." As we ventured into narrow alleys, Wedad revealed that her great-grandfather once lived here.

Echoes of History

Wedad's great-grandfather was a farmer who grew dates and ran a shop catering to pilgrims. However, in the 1970s and 1980s, the government relocated residents from the Old Town to a more modern area.

"Living in mud houses became impractical as they required repairs every season," Wedad explained. Many families then left to seek job opportunities in Riyadh, causing the local population to dwindle.

Sustainable Agricultural Experiences

A few days later, I visited Al Joud Pilot Farm, which is open to the public for meals and tours. I was welcomed by Mohammed al Joud, the farm owner, who invited me to try dates with a unique twist: a bucket of tahini for dipping.

"I saw a bucket of chocolate and wondered if we could create something similar with tahini," Mohammed explained. This has become a popular attraction, with 2,000 visitors in just the first five months of the year. Mohammed grows fruits like dates, lemons, and mangoes, along with organic vegetables to meet sustainable food needs.

A Beauty Steeped in History

Life in AlUla is deeply intertwined with its ancient history. From civilizations like the Dadanites and Lihyanites to the Nabataeans, this land was once thriving with incense trade and other valuable goods. This is also part of the recovery plan not only for nature but also for the culture in AlUla.

"We are turning back the clock to the 1st century BC," Enass Alsharif, a young rawi, told me while exploring the Hegra area. This site once had 130 water wells and fertile land, which is why the Nabataeans chose this location for trade.

Exploring a Sustainable Future

The sustainable recovery program in AlUla goes beyond reviving animal species; it also aims at developing native agriculture. I was truly impressed by how the local people are transforming, striving to live in harmony with nature and utilize resources sustainably.

Witnessing the revival of AlUla and hearing the inspiring stories from its residents made me feel like I was living in a new chapter of history, where the past and future blend together in the desert's warm sunlight.

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