AlUla, an ancient Arabic city turned tourism destination in the North West of Saudi Arabia, has announced details of its forthcoming hotel openings.

In early 2024, AlUla will Tantora and Hegra Boutique Hotel, joining Habitas (pictured) and Banyan Tree – which opened in 2021 and 2022 respectively. In the coming years, AlUla will also welcome Azulik AlUla Resort, Sharaan Resort & International Summit Centre – an architectural landmark designed by Jean Nouvel – an Autograph Collection Hotel, three Aman Resorts and a Six Senses.

Dar Tantora is an upscale eco-lodge launched by The House Hotel in AlUla Old Town. The hotel is set to comprise 30 guestrooms created by restoring and repurposing historic mud-brick buildings using modern engineering alongside traditional materials and techniques.

Hegra Boutique Hotel meanwhile will be the first hospitality project located at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra. Launching in Q1 2024, the property will feature 35 guestrooms, each offering a distinct connection to the surrounding landscape. Home to three restaurants, the hotel will occupy several existing structures, including an old railway station, Hegra Fort and other structures.

In September 2023, Marriott International signed an agreement with AlUla Development Company to open the first Autograph Collection hotel, The Bethesda, in central AlUla in 2025. The property will be situated adjacent to the AlUla Museum and opposite the AlUla Farmer’s Market. Plans for the hotel include 250 guestrooms and suites, four F&B venues, a spa, swimming pool, gym, business centre, meeting facilities and retail space.

Aman is set to make its mark on the destination too with three resorts arriving from 2025. True to the brand’s spirit, the properties will offer an insight into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its natural landscapes and archaeological sites.

Further down the line, Six Senses will debut at AlUla in 2027 with a 1,200,000m2 development. Surrounding by palm groves and overshadowed by red sandstone cliffs, the site will be home to 100 guest villas and 25 residences designed to integrate with the natural environment.

Also opening in 2027 is Azulik AlUla Resort, an eco-luxury property that will connect with AlUla’s heritage and ecology. Featuring 76 villas of six varieties, the resort will protect and incorporate nearby ancient rock art inscriptions.

Finally, construction has begun on Sharaan Resort & International Summit Centre, envisioned by the legendary Jean Nouvel. Carved into the sandstone cliffs of AlUla, Sharaan’s construction is inspired by the ancient techniques of the Nabataean inhabitants, who crafted their monuments as integral to the local landscape more than 2,000 years ago. The property will comprise 51 suites, several pavilions and two villas.