Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/tag/royal-commission-for-alula-rcu/ Informing, connecting and developing the world’s travel industry professionals. Tue, 03 Oct 2023 11:49:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 AlUla Moments adds three regional superstars to concert lineup https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/alula-moments-adds-three-regional-superstars-to-concert-lineup/ Thu, 05 Oct 2023 03:15:26 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=847694 The post AlUla Moments adds three regional superstars to concert lineup appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

AlUla Moments released details on its highly anticipated concert series running throughout the 2023/24 season, announcing three more artists who will perform live over the coming months.

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AlUla Moments released details on its highly anticipated concert series running throughout the 2023/24 season, announcing three more artists who will perform live over the coming months.

With her powerful stage presence and soulful voice, Egyptian sensation  Sherine Abdel Wahab is making her way to the ancient oasis city on Friday, October 27. Since rising to prominence in the early 2000s,Sherine has captivated audiences across the Arab world with a diverse musical repertoire spanning pop, folk, and ballads, while her participation over three seasons of The Voice talent show also sealed her status as one of the Arab music scene’s most celebrated names.

Also confirmed for the concert series on Friday, December 29 is Majida El Roumi, the Lebanese Diva who has been an ever-present figure on the regional scene since the 1970s. With a cherished discography spanning classic Arab hits, Lebanese folk songs, religious hymns, and patriotic anthems, Majida’s albums have been highly successful commercially and critically. She has also won many awards throughout her career, including a World Music Award for ‘Best Selling Middle Eastern Artist’ in 2006.”

Looking further ahead to 2024, Saudi musician, singer, and composer Dr. Abadi Al-Johar is another star set to perform – on Friday, January 12. One of the most popular Khaleeji singers in the Gulf, Abadi has composed around 50 albums since he began his musical career in 1968. He has collaborated with many top Arab artists in the decades since and is renowned for his own compositions and hits such as ‘Awazel’ and ‘Eyaunek’.

“We’re thrilled that Sherine, Majida, and Dr. Abadi are joining us for our upcoming concert series,” said Rami AlMoallim, Vice President of Destination Management and Marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU): “These artists have enjoyed enormous success throughout their careers and everyone traveling to AlUla will be well aware of their popularity and accomplishments. Each have incredible reputations for their ability to perform live and we cannot wait for fans and visitors to experience this.”

Each of the three concerts will be held at Maraya, the multi-purpose venue and centerpiece of AlUla’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Besides its pictueresque location, this stunning mirrored building located in the Ashar Valley’s desert canyon houses state-of-the-art facilities and has hosted a wide range of events and performances in recent years.

The concert series will perfectly complement the always-on calendar of events for AlUla Moments. Tickets for Sherine Abdel Wahab’s concerts are available for sale now, while tickts for Abadi and Majida will be available for sale soon.

 

 

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Centro Conservazione E Restauro “La Venaria Reale”, partners with the Royal Commission for AlUla https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/centro-conservazione-e-restauro-la-venaria-reale-partners-with-the-royal-commission-for-alula/ Fri, 14 Jul 2023 03:30:46 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=835659 The post Centro Conservazione E Restauro “La Venaria Reale”, partners with the Royal Commission for AlUla appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Centro Conservazione e Restauro “La Venaria Reale” (CCR) has partnered with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) to further develop expertise in the restoration and conservation of northwest Saudi Arabia’s incredible cultural heritage.

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Centro Conservazione e Restauro “La Venaria Reale” (CCR), an Italian conservation institute, has partnered with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), the authority driving the comprehensive regeneration of AlUla, to further develop expertise in the restoration and conservation of northwest Saudi Arabia’s incredible cultural heritage.

As part of the partnership, a group of 12 young Saudi professionals and new university graduates selected by RCU have travelled from AlUla to Italy for a knowledge exchange programme. The group of 6 women and 6 men will participate in workshops in both Venaria near Turin in northern Italy and AlUla. The multi-modal course will see CCR share best practices for the application of an interdisciplinary approach to heritage conservation science.

Between July 2023 and February 2024, the group – 6 chemistry and biology graduates and 6 conservation officers from different parts of KSA – will take part in integrated and highly interactive modules designed to provide insights into the most relevant technical, scientific, historical, and conservation management issues, including tutoring on functional themes such as the planning, management, and conservation of archaeological sites.

Sara Abram, Secretary General at CCR, said: “Partnering with RCU is a unique opportunity to explore the characteristics of our different cultural, social, and organisational contexts. In this programme, the CCR provides its technical, scientific, and humanistic expertise, through its professionals and with the involvement of lecturers from some of the most important Italian universities and conservation institutes.”

Aimed at deepening knowledge of artefacts and their historical context, the programme reflects CCR’s methodological approach to conservation. Starting with preliminary observations, the course focuses on data collection and processing, and proceeds toward analysis of techniques and assessment, ending with the definition of the most suitable conservation strategies on a case-by-case basis.

Designed in collaboration with conservation experts, including conservators, conservation scientists, and historians, the two main aims of the programme are to enhance technical and scientific knowledge of different works of art and their materials that relate to archaeological contexts; and to raise awareness of the values of cultural heritage, considered as tangible and intangible evidence of history and societies.

The 12-strong Saudi team will be provided with a basic understanding of material conservation methods, processes, and protocols to uphold international best practices. Theoretical and practical workshops in heritage conservation and preservation will empower the next generation of experts from KSA with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in conservation sciences, thus supporting the sector’s future development goals.

During their stay in Venaria, the participants will not only engage with the great Italian tradition of conservation but will also be immersed in the Italian way of life: through awareness workshops and cultural exchange, discovering the UNESCO Royal Palace “Reggia di Venaria,” the city of Turin, and talking with students from the University of Turin.

The collaboration between CCR and RCU reflects the Memorandum of Understanding signed in Venice in May by His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan AlSaud, Minister of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Italy’s Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, to expand cooperation in the fields of archaeology, conservation, restoration and protection of cultural heritage, the film industry, and literature.

Dr Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani, Executive Director of Archaeology, Collections and Conservation at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “Our partnership with CCR aligns with our ambitions to place our community at the heart of RCU’s conservation and sustainable regeneration efforts. Through this initial programme, we will provide the next generation of conservation experts with the knowledge and foundational skills they need to confidently pursue a career in conservation science, supporting our future ambitions.”

Located 1,100km from Riyadh, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km², includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years.

The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and is comprised of nearly 100 well-preserved tombs with elaborate facades cut into sandstone outcrops. Current research suggests Hegra was also an important southern outpost of the Romans after conquering the Nabataeans in 106 CE.

In addition to Hegra, AlUla is home to a series of fascinating historical and archaeological sites such as: AlUla Old Town surrounded by an ancient oasis, Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms, which is considered one of the most developed 1st-millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula; thousands of ancient rock art sites and inscriptions at Jabal Ikmah; and the fascinating and secluded oasis of Kaybar, a green jewel in a sea of lava.

 

 

 

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Royal Commission for AlUla announces Dar Tantora by The House Hotel https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/royal-commission-for-alula-announces-dar-tantora-by-the-house-hotel/ Mon, 17 Apr 2023 01:45:31 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=786654 The post Royal Commission for AlUla announces Dar Tantora by The House Hotel appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

As part of its Journey Through Time master plan, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) will further expand the accommodation offering in AlUla with Dar Tantora by The House Hotel, an immersive and authentic hospitality experience in AlUla Old Town.

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As part of its Journey Through Time master plan, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) will further expand the accommodation offering in AlUla with Dar Tantora by The House Hotel, an immersive and authentic hospitality experience in AlUla Old Town. Dar Tantora will also house a pool and spa as well as a restaurant and café.

RCU is developing the 30-room landmark property by restoring several historical mud-brick buildings using contemporary engineering methods and time-honoured techniques. The development will showcase the Old Town village as a vibrant cultural hub. The rooms will be adorned with traditional décor, furniture and artistic accents, incorporating storytelling elements that capture the area’s intangible heritage. Local artisans received specialised training to participate in the restoration endeavours.

The project reflects RCU’s comprehensive efforts to revive AlUla Old Town with tourism as the engine of development and job creation. RCU is driven by an ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability in its comprehensive regeneration efforts, including the Sustainability Charter that governs each project’s economic, social and environmental impacts. For delivering on this vision, AlUla Old Town was recognised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation as a “Best Tourism Village” in 2022

John Northen, Vice President- Head of Hotels and Resorts, Royal Commission for AlUla, said, “Dar Tantora by The House Hotel will allow guests to live the rich heritage of the AlUla Old Town historical village. Steeped in the past yet embracing progress, this hotel encapsulates RCU’s vision for a diverse range of accommodations as we continue to deliver on our plans for more than 5,000 keys by 2030.”

“We take immense pride in operating Dar Tantora by The House Hotel, a location that seamlessly weaves AlUla Old Town’s cultural legacy with the comfort of modern luxury. At Kerten Hospitality, our dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences resonates with RCU’s objective of creating harmonious communities, and we eagerly look forward to playing a significant role in the region’s development.” Said Marloes Knippenberg, CEO, Kerten Hospitality.

 

 

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AlUla Skies Festival returns for its second edition https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/alula-skies-festival-returns-for-its-second-edition/ Tue, 11 Apr 2023 01:30:14 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=785286 The post AlUla Skies Festival returns for its second edition appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

AlUla Moments announced details of the upcoming AlUla Skies Festival 2023, which is set to return for a second edition from 26 April to 13 May. 

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AlUla Moments announced details of the upcoming AlUla Skies Festival 2023, which is set to return for a second edition from 26 April to 13 May. Now a flagship event in the AlUla Moments calendar, AlUla Skies is once again inviting visitors to explore the skies above the ancient oasis city whilst bringing together adventure, culture, heritage and entertainment. Endless action and a host of unique activities are sure to provide an incredible spectacle from every angle, from hot air balloon and helicopter tours to stargazing and astrophotography.

Phillip Jones, chief tourism officer at Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), said: “AlUla Skies Festival is a unique opportunity to welcome visitors from the Kingdom and the world to AlUla, to further strengthen its position as a leading tourist destination in the region.

“Since ancient times, the sky has been a map for those who visited AlUla, as they were guided by the stars and the constellations to travel on the ancient incense trading route, and today we celebrate the history of the skies with unique events and offers that position AlUla Skies Festival as a must-do on the travelers bucket list every year.”

With the festival designed to celebrate all things skies, its two-week duration will see the skies come alive day and night. Unique and adventurous experiences await with AlUla Hot Air balloon Tour over North Hegra running daily between 7-8 am 4-6 pm. In addition to floating serenely over Hegra, visitors can embark on a journey like no other and make memories that last a lifetime. Birds-eye views of AlUla’s most famous landmarks and stunning desert vistas are available by taking the Helicopter Tour which departs from The Equestrian Village Helipad and runs for one hour from 9-5 pm, whilst visiting Harrat Viewpoint for a magical view of AlUla’s surroundings will run from 4-11 pm.

AlUla Skies is also providing a combined experience of stargazing and astrophotography. From 4.30 – 10.30 pm daily, stargazing will be set in a remote area that offers some of the very best views of the night sky, with expert guides on hand to talk about the stars, constellations and how to shoot the night sky. This activity is a unique opportunity linking stargazing to Arabian astronomy and how Arab civilisations used the skies to navigate. There’s also no better place to witness celestial events than AlUla where an ​exquisite location with minimal light pollution boasts some of the darkest night skies on earth.

What’s more, high adrenaline activity awaits with a Giant Swing where participants jump off the mountain edge and swing through the high canyon walls 85 meters above ground from 4 pm and 5 pm Tuesday to Saturday, Whilst an outdoor cinema is open daily from 4 pm to 1 am, and the AlUla Stairway is open daily, a first-of-its-kind adventure offering. Participants will be accompanied by professional guides as they are suspended in the air on a 45-metre ladder and descent all the way back down on a 150-metre zipline.

 

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The inaugural ‘AlUla Camel Cup’ to offer a grand prize pool of SAR 80 million (more than USD 21 million) https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/the-inaugural-alula-camel-cup-to-offer-a-grand-prize-pool-of-sar-80-million-more-than-usd-21-million/ Fri, 24 Feb 2023 06:18:32 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=773654 The post The inaugural ‘AlUla Camel Cup’ to offer a grand prize pool of SAR 80 million (more than USD 21 million) appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The inaugural AlUla Camel Cup to be held from March 14-17, 2023 will crown a ‘Champion of Champions’ complete with a grand prize pool of SAR 80 million (more than USD 21 million).

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Under the patronage of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chairman of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), the inaugural AlUla Camel Cup to be held from March 14-17, 2023 will crown a ‘Champion of Champions’ complete with a grand prize pool of SAR 80 million (more than USD 21 million).

With the highest prize pots in the world per round of camel racing, the tournament honors the Kingdom’s revered sport in the stunning backdrop of AlUla, a place of extraordinary human and natural heritage. The AlUla Camel Cup is organised by RCU in collaboration with the Saudi Camel Racing Federation (SCRF).

Amr AlMadani, CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla said: “The AlUla Camel Cup will celebrate the most noble of Saudi Arabian sporting traditions, welcoming royalty VIPS, the elite of the sport and many distinguished guests to the most glorious of settings for this illustrious occasion.”

With such deep-rooted historical connections – such as the Incense Road Trading route where camel caravans travelled through AlUla trading precious goods, and the ancient petroglyphs featuring camels engraved across the rocks of AlUla – it is fitting that we celebrate the ‘ships of the desert’ with the first AlUla Camel Cup.

The inclusion of the AlUla Camel Cup to the Saudi Camel Racing Federation’s season ushers in a new era for the Kingdom’s cherished homegrown pursuit.

“We eagerly await March 14 when world-class sport will be combined with natural beauty and the epitome of modern luxury for a spectacle like no other.”

Mahmoud Suleiman Albalawi, Executive Director of SCRF, said: “The pinnacle of the Saudi Arabian camel racing season, which will crown a ‘Champion of Champions’, can have no better setting than the performance grade track at AlUla, a jewel of the desert where tradition meets modernity.

“Saudi Arabia has championed camel racing the world over, with historical records indicating the sport played a part in our ancient culture as far back as the 7th Century. The professional nature of camel racing has a similarly distinguished past, with the first professional camel race held in Saudi Arabia dating back to 1964 as part of a heritage festival.

“The evolving story of the sport, where we pay tribute to its timelessness and the special appeal it holds in the hearts and minds of the region’s people, will reach new heights at the AlUla Camel Cup in March 2023. Here the conclusion of our camel racing season, which began back in August 2022, will reach a truly spectacular finale.”

AlUla Camel Cup is one of the flagship sports events of AlUla Moments 2023 calendar of events and festivals, which includes five major festivals and six marque events. Other sports events taking place in AlUla are “The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in AlUla 2023” (March 4), “AlUla Trail Race” (February 23 and 24), and the recent “Saudi Tour” (January 30 – February 3). In-depth details of each day at the AlUla Camel Cup, and activities surrounding the event, will be released in due course.

 

 

 

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AlUla in Saudi Arabia positions itself as new cycling holiday destination https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/alula-in-saudi-arabia-positions-itself-as-new-cycling-holiday-destination/ Mon, 28 Jun 2021 02:00:26 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=672764 The post AlUla in Saudi Arabia positions itself as new cycling holiday destination appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

AlUla, a boutique heritage and culture destination in North West Saudi Arabia, has chosen to partner with GreenEdge Cycling to introduce the stunning landscape of ancient civilisations to millions of cycling and sport fans around the world

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GreenEdge Cycling, known as Team BikeExchange, for the 2021 Men and Women Cycling WorldTour season, has announced the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) as new Official Partner starting from Tour de France 2021. The partnership will run from July 2021 to December 2023.

AlUla, a boutique heritage and culture destination in North West Saudi Arabia, has chosen to partner with GreenEdge Cycling to introduce the stunning landscape of ancient civilisations to millions of cycling and sport fans around the world. AlUla and GreenEdge Cycling share core values such as sustaining eco-friendly environments and the holistic health benefits of sport for all, and in particular cycling.

With Saudi Arabia only recently opening up to tourism, AlUla is an emerging destination, however the region’s connection with sport has already been established having already hosted multiple sport events from running and eco-trails to motorsports and polo.

This is one of the common goals between AlUla and GreenEDGE Cycling Owner and Chairman, Gerry Ryan, who has been a pivotal investor in sport as a way to connect to his customers and play sports a true way to entertain fans globally.

Home to Hegra, the first UNESCO World Heritage site in the Kingdom, as well as the ancient Kingdom of Dadan, the open-air library of rock inscriptions in Jabal Ikmah, and AlUla Old Town, AlUla’s history goes back more than 200,000 years.

Today the region is opening up as a year-round destination for heritage, arts, nature and adventure. From railway bike trails to functional road bike paths and scenic mountain biking, two wheeled transport and recreation is a big part of AlUla’s Journey Through Time 15-year masterplan, launched in April 2021.

The partnership will include mutually beneficial opportunities for GreenEdge Cycling and AlUla which is set to include a cycling camp in AlUla, encouraging the local community to be engaged with the sport.

Phillip Jones, chief management and marketing officer in RCU said: “Cycling is a premium sport and offers an invaluable opportunity to communicate the premium AlUla experience, our extraordinary heritage and culture as well as our efforts to future proof the destination for the enjoyment of future generations of visitors.”

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AlUla in Saudi Arabia introduced to Indian market https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/alula-in-saudi-arabia-introduced-to-indian-market/ Fri, 30 Apr 2021 01:00:00 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=669965 The post AlUla in Saudi Arabia introduced to Indian market appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) officially launched one of the world’s most significant heritage and culture destinations to the Indian media

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The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) officially launched one of the world’s most significant heritage and culture destinations to the Indian media. The virtual media launch event was addressed by Melanie de Souza, executive director of destination marketing; Dr Rebecca Foote, Director, Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Research from RCU and Huzan Fraser Motivala and Beena Menon, India representatives of RCU.

AlUla’s vast desert landscape features preserved tombs, sandstone outcrops, historic dwellings and monuments, both natural and human-made. As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, it has been decreed that the priceless heritage and nature-based experiences of AlUla will be shared with visitors who will now have the opportunity to experience a living museum and a unique journey through time.

Melanie de Souza said: “AlUla is a destination of global heritage significance that was officially re-opened in October 2020 as a year-round destination. For years, Saudi Arabia has played home to religious tourism, after all this is the birthplace of Islam, but leisure tourism is certainly on the agenda in this country as part of a very ambitious vision 2030. The first tourist visas to the country became available in 2019 and we expect there to be a lot of interest in visiting a hitherto unknown destination post-pandemic.”

RCU has appointed Beautiful Planet Destination Marketing LLP as their India Representative to handle the Marcom and Travel Trade activities in India.

Huzan Fraser Motivala said: “We aim to showcase AlUla, as a destination for Indian travellers seeking unique experiences and AlUla is a natural intersection of human ingenuity and stunning nature as one living environment.”

The history and heritage of AlUla is evidenced by a recent documentary by Discovery Channel, ‘The Architects of Ancient Arabia’ that revealed human civilization’s first building blocks were set in place in AlUla. ‘The Architects of Ancient Arabia’ journeys into Saudi Arabia’s deeper past, following teams of leading international and Saudi archaeologists and a local historian as they reveal new wonders in the previously unexplored land.

AlUla is easily accessible by flight from Riyadh, Madinah and Jeddah. Recently, AlUla International Airport has been approved to receive international flights. RCU has increased the airport’s annual capacity by 300% from 100,000 to 400,000 passengers per year making it a fifth largest airport in Saudi Arabia.

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First-ever destination brand campaign for AlUla, Saudi Arabia unveiled https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/first-ever-destination-brand-campaign-for-alula-saudi-arabia-unveiled/ Mon, 11 Jan 2021 02:00:39 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=572008 The post First-ever destination brand campaign for AlUla, Saudi Arabia unveiled appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The campaign, developed by the Royal Commission for AlUla includes a film directed by renowned cinematographer Bruno Aveillan and a suite of digital assets under the concept of The World’s Masterpiece

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The first-ever destination brand campaign for AlUla, the heritage and culture centrepiece of Saudi Arabia, has been unveiled. The campaign, developed by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) with creative partners Leo Burnett, includes a film directed by renowned cinematographer Bruno Aveillan and a suite of digital assets under the concept of The World’s Masterpiece.

AlUla is the first of the Saudi Vision 2030 projects to open to tourism following Saudi Arabia launching visitor visas for the first time in September 2019. Saudi Arabia was added to the UK corridor list on 10 December 2020.

AlUla will target discerning travellers seeking meaningful, authentic travel experiences. Visitors will explore the main heritage sites of Hegra, Jabal Ikmah and Dadan and adventure tourists will also be catered for with opportunities to tour the key sites of the Ashar Valley in a desert buggy, or ziplining through the canyons. For families, farm visits located close to Hegra offer a chance to get up close and personal with the local flora and fauna.

In what is hoped will be a year of travel recovery, AlUla’s new brand campaign will help to achieve RCU’s long term visitor target of two million visitors by 2035. Melanie de Souza, executive director of marketing in RCU said: “We are already receiving a lot of interest from international travellers excited to explore a new destination with such history including 7000 years of civilisations from the Nabataeans to the Romans. The travel landscape has been irreversibly altered, but as travel slowly resumes, research tells us people will be looking for meaningful travel, vast open spaces and close to nature experiences. AlUla is well-positioned in the domestic market for all of those reasons and internationally as a new and significant boutique heritage and culture destination.”

“The World’s Masterpiece is a play on both the skilful artistry of ancient civilisations who carved elaborate artworks into the rocky outcrops, as well as the pure and unspoilt beauty of the geological rock formations and landscapes sculpted by nature,” said Phillip Jones, chief management and marketing officer in RCU.

The campaign has been launched in broadcast, outdoor and digital from 10 January 2021.

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First-ever destination brand campaign for AlUla, Saudi Arabia unveiled The campaign, developed by the Royal Commission for AlUla includes film and suite of digital assets under concept of The World’s Masterpiece Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU),Saudi Vision 2030,Melanie de Souza,Phillip Jones,AlUla shutterstock_1190257252 (1)
Saudi Arabia’s AlUla opens bookings and unveils new experiences https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/saudi-arabias-alula-opens-bookings-and-unveils-new-experiences/ Sat, 28 Nov 2020 03:35:58 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=566213 The post Saudi Arabia’s AlUla opens bookings and unveils new experiences appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

A city in North West Saudi Arabia and the historical crossroad of ancient civilisations, AlUla, has officially reopened for visitors

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A city in North West Saudi Arabia and the historical crossroad of ancient civilisations, AlUla, has officially reopened for visitors. The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has unveiled the full suite of experiences that are being phased in over the coming months. Heritage sites of Hegra, Jabal Ikmah and Dadan are the first to reopen for bookings.

The Hegra experience includes full immersion into the Nabataean ways of life at sites including the most iconic, Tomb of Lihyan son of Kuza, plus Jabal Ithlib, The Diwan, Jabal Alhamar and the well.

Hop-on, hop-off transportation stops are at seven areas of significance for visitors to explore at their leisure. Visitors can download the Experience AlUla app for an immersive location specific digital guide or have a Rawi (Arabic storyteller) provide a more personal tour of the sites in English or Arabic.

By the end of November, a handicraft pavilion at Hegra will also host a series of interactive activations designed to provide an entertaining appreciation for the Nabataean Kingdom and ways of life like necklace making of date stones, live theatre performance and handicraft workshops. At the ancient city of Dadan, visitors will get the chance to become an archaeologist for the day.

Archaeologists began extensive excavations at Dadan in February 2020 to explore this relatively unknown period in AlUa’s 200,000 years of human history. From December, a family-friendly 40-minute ‘Archaeology for Everyone’ workshop will have kids digging for artefacts to get in on the action. There will also be live immersion shows, audio tours and visitors will have the opportunity to tour the extensive site in a vintage jeep.

Other experiences announced for later in the year include camel tours of key tombs and night-time experiences including light shows and night-time markets. From late December, parts of AlUla Old Town will be open to the public. While full conservation is ongoing, the visitor experience will include Rawi tours of Tantora Plaza and sundial and views from AlUla citadel; the opportunity to experience a bustling Suq, a handicraft pavilions and souvenirs to shop for, as well as new dining options.

Outside of the heritage sites, there will be plenty of other activities to keep visitors entertained. A new Adventure Canyon area will offer a suite of experiences for those looking for high-energy thrills. Keen hikers can book a space on the Adventure Hiking Trail.

From mid-November, visitors will be able to book an evening stargazing tour at AlGharameel rocks. Another trail available from mid-November is the leisurely two-hour cycling trail which runs through palm groves and citrus trees.

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Aman Resorts to debut in ME with three hotels https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/aman-resorts-to-debut-in-me-with-three-hotels/ Wed, 07 Aug 2019 08:38:03 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=515393 The post Aman Resorts to debut in ME with three hotels appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Marking the company’s first entry into Saudi Arabia, the hotel and resort brand Aman has signed a partnership deal with the Royal Commission for Al Ula (RCU) to develop its first Middle East properties in the Medina Region. Under the terms of the agreement, Aman will develop three distinct luxury resorts. Detailed design work on […]

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The post Aman Resorts to debut in ME with three hotels appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

RCU Governor HH Prince Badr (right) with Aman Chairman Vladislav Doronin (left).jpg

Marking the company’s first entry into Saudi Arabia, the hotel and resort brand Aman has signed a partnership deal with the Royal Commission for Al Ula (RCU) to develop its first Middle East properties in the Medina Region.

Under the terms of the agreement, Aman will develop three distinct luxury resorts. Detailed design work on all three properties is scheduled to commence in the coming months with a development timeline that will welcome the first guests in 2023.

Commenting on the agreement, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammad bin Farhan Al Saud, minister of culture of Saudi Arabia and governor of the Royal Commission for Al Ula said: “The decision by Aman to open its first resorts in the Middle East in Al Ula shows the promise and progress of the vision for Al Ula to become a worldwide destination for those seeking unique experiences. This partnership will be the next step in the development of the yet to be discovered masterpiece that is Al Ula.”

Vladislav Doronin, CEO of Aman commented: “With the addition of spectacular Al Ula, this takes us to 10 properties situated near or in UNESCO heritage sites, making it a fitting location for our first destination in the Middle East.”

The Aman partnership is the second major international resort development for the Al Ula region and follows the planned Jean Nouvel-designed resort within the Sharaan Nature Reserve, showcasing architecture hosted by nature.

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RCU Governor HH Prince Badr (right) with Aman Chairman Vladislav Doronin (left)_High Res_25957 RCU Governor HH Prince Badr (right) with Aman Chairman Vladislav Doronin (left).jpg