Riyadh - Saudi Arabia
On the territory of the Kingdom, which has been occupied by civilizations and kingdoms over thousands of years, the Al-Hijr archaeological site in Al-Ula Governorate stands out as a witness to the depth of the Saudi cultural heritage. It was listed in 2008 as the first Saudi site to join the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Its carved rock facades reveal the ingenuity of the Nabataeans in engineering and sculpture, while its walls preserve inscriptions and writings in multiple ancient languages, in addition to water facilities and wells that embody lifestyles and methods of resource management in the region through successive historical stages.

Royal care to maintain the site

The Kingdom gives the site special care through the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate, which operates specialized teams in the fields of antiquities, preservation, restoration, documentation, and heritage management, working to study the monuments, monitor the environmental factors affecting them, and determine appropriate preservation methods for each archaeological component. Conservation work is integrated with archaeological surveys and research carried out by the Authority in cooperation with international experts and scientific institutions, which contributes to documenting the history of the site and developing practices for its long-term protection and management.
A visiting experience that balances accessibility and protection

The preservation’s efforts also include organizing the visiting experience in a way that balances making the site available to visitors and researchers from all over the world, protecting its archaeological components, introducing its historical and cultural value, and spreading awareness of the importance of preserving heritage sites. This trend comes within the framework of a broader strategy aimed at transforming AlUla into a global cultural destination, combining historical authenticity with modern tourism infrastructure.

A favorite destination for Gulf and Arab visitors

Gulf and Arab tourists find Al-Hijr a nearby destination rich in experiences, as short trips to Al-Ula give them the opportunity to learn about a Nabataean heritage parallel to its counterpart in Petra, with the accompanying hotel services, restaurants, and organized tourist itineraries. The growing cultural movement around the site also opens horizons for the Arab investor in the sectors of hospitality, entertainment and services related to heritage tourism, in light of the growing demand for authentic experiences of cultural value.

A role model on National Day
On the anniversary of Saudi National Day, the Al-Hijr archaeological site represents an example of the Kingdom’s extensive cultural heritage, and the care it takes to preserve, study, and introduce it, so that it remains a preserved legacy for future generations.