Al-Ula is a Saudi Arabian town in the Medina region, an ancient passage on the so-called frankincense trade route. The ruins of Hegra, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, are located 20 kilometres to the north. It is for this reason that the Saudi government considers the region to be an area of great potential as a tourist destination.
Consequently, numerous initiatives and investments are being carried out in the Al-Ula area of influence, all of them led by the Royal Commission for Al-Ula (RCU) and within the overall framework of the ‘Journey Through Time‘ master plan. The objectives of this master plan are: harmonious coexistence between nature and people, preservation of Al-Ula’s cultural heritage, and opportunities for sustainable economic growth and development.
In this context, the new initiative just announced by the RCU is the design and construction of a new and unique resort: the AZULIK Al-Ula Resort. AZULIK is a Mexican brand of luxury hotels and villas for adults whose establishments are characterised by an organic sculptural design and construction with local and eco-friendly materials. The stated ultimate goal of AZULIK resorts is to offer guests the possibility to “reconnect with nature” in their facilities.
The new resort, judging by the few images that have emerged, will feature the same architectural characteristics as the existing ones, in other words, an organic design inspired by the sandstone cliffs of the location, local natural materials and a concern for sustainability. In this respect, for example, one of the few details that have been revealed to the press is the limit on private vehicle traffic. Instead, there will be a reliance on electric mobility. Guest experiences and sightseeing will be produced with the utmost respect for the environment, through horse and camel riding and hiking trails.
Sources: Royal Commission for Al-Ula, AZULIK, Construction Week. Images: AZULIK.
