December 2025
This visit focused on assessing progress since the previous trip in June, exploring new opportunities for cultural engagement and refining plans for the "Alleyways of AlUla" pilot project.
Arrival and initial observations: The team travelled from Medina to AlUla by road, observing the surrounding landscape to better understand the region’s heritage and its potential for storytelling and tourism.
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Oasis and Old Town exploration: ​The visit began with a guided tour of the Oasis Heritage Trail, which provided insights into traditional domestic life and cultural themes for future interpretation projects. ​The team explored the Daimumah District, now a hub for creative workshops and noted the richness of Oasis agriculture, including citrus, bananas and over 2 million date palms. ​
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In Old Town, the team assessed potential installation sites for the pilot project, reviewed signage and architectural features, and noted significant developments since the previous visit, including the adaptive reuse of buildings into functional retail spaces. ​A new immersive exhibition, “Place of Remembrance,” focused on traditional AlUla weddings, showcasing the integration of modern systems into historic spaces. ​
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Stakeholder engagement and project development: ​The team presented the "Alleyways of AlUla" pilot project proposal to partners, RCU. ​ Meetings with local organisations explored potential collaborations for workshops and long-term projects. ​ A trial installation of pilot artworks was planned in Old Town. ​
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North Market and intangible heritage initiatives: The team visited the North Market site, which is nearing completion, and discussed potential collaborations with university students to assist with site clearance and knowledge exchange. ​A new proposal was introduced to explore decorative door painting as a cultural heritage initiative, combining oral traditions with heritage tourism. ​
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Museum collections and community engagement: SCT visited the RCU Museum to assess collections for the pilot project’s second phase. ​They also attended the AlUla Old Town Heritage Show, followed by an outdoor dinner at the fort, which provided opportunities to engage with local stakeholders and community members. ​
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Digital survey and exhibition planning: Point cloud scanning of the “Place of Remembrance” building was conducted to support the planning of a future exhibition during the AlUla Arts Festival in February 2026. Additional research and documentation were carried out at Maraya and Ashar Valley. ​
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Departure and reflections: The visit concluded with a return journey to Medina, during which the team visited historic Ottoman fortifications along the Hijaz Railway route for comparative research. Throughout the visit, the team engaged with local community members, vendors and stakeholders, fostering meaningful connections and gathering valuable insights for future projects. ​
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The Sustainable Conservation Trust extends its gratitude to the British Council and the Royal Commission for AlUla for their support and hospitality, which were instrumental in the success of this visit. The team looks forward to continuing its collaboration and contributing to the preservation and celebration of AlUla’s rich cultural heritage.