Saudi Arabia's ancient Al-Ula city

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched a vision for Al-Ula that includes a resort designed by French architect Jean Nouvel and a nature reserve, both called Sharaan. Jean Nouvel, the architect behind Louvre Abu Dhabi, will design the resort in Al-Ula, the home of ancient rock tombs. Al-ʿUla is a governorate of Medina Region, and a city in north-western Saudi Arabia. Al-‘Ula was historically located on the Incense route. The city lies within the Governorate of 'Ula, one of seven in the Medina Region. The city is 110 km southwest of Tayma and 300 km north of Medina. The Governorate of 'Ula covers 29,261 square kilometres (11,298 sq mi). The city (municipality) covers 2,391 square kilometres (923 sq mi). The population of the city is 5,426. Al-ʿUla was the capital of the ancient Lihyanites (Dedanites). The governorate contains the first UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Saudi Kingdom, called Madain Saleh (Hegra), 22 km north of the city. Madain Saleh was built more than 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans. Al-‘Ula, the walled city, is packed with mud-brick and stone houses.

Courtesy : Arab News

(Photo/Royal Commission for Al-Ula)