Neom and AlUla: A tale of two cities

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Updated 21 June 2020
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Neom and AlUla: A tale of two cities

  • How Vision 2030 is reviving the past while building the future

LONDON: Separated by 300 km and 4,000 years of history, Saudi Arabia’s oldest and newest cities may seem to have little in common beyond the mutual heritage of the land they share.

In fact, the story of the ancient settlement of Hegra in AlUla and the vast embryonic megacity of Neom is an inspiring tale of two cities that encapsulates the ambition of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the “bold yet achievable blueprint for an ambitious nation” conceived by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Hewn from the rocks of the Hijaz in the Kingdom’s northwest two millennia ago by the Nabateans, the mysterious forebears of today’s Saudis, Hegra was the nerve center of a commercial empire that dominated trade throughout the ancient Middle East.

Neom, launched by the crown prince in 2017, is destined to transform over 26,500 sq. km in Saudi Arabia’s northwestern Tabuk region, including 468 km of Red Sea waterfront. More than 30 times the size of New York City, it is, as the government has declared, nothing less than “the world’s most ambitious project.”

Both cities are centerpieces of the crown prince’s determination to grow and diversify the nation’s economy away from reliance on fossil fuels, and living examples of how the great strategic plan is focused not only on building the nation’s future, but also on safeguarding its past.

Nowhere in the Kingdom is that past more dramatically represented than at Hegra, an archaeological wonderland that in 2008 became the first site in Saudi Arabia to be inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

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Hegra is surrounded by spectacular monumental tombs, carved from the rocks over 2,000 years ago. Many are decorated with carved images of monsters, animals, human faces and Nabatean inscriptions, offering a unique insight into the lives of the people who lived there.

Once at the heart of a dynamic kingdom that attracted traders, travelers and invaders from the four corners of the Middle East and beyond, today the ancient city is the centerpiece of the 22,000 sq. km AlUla region, an area roughly the size of Belgium.

Home to more than 23,000 sites of archaeological interest, and the focus of fast-moving plans to transform its dramatic landscape and heritage into one of the world’s great cultural tourism destinations, AlUla is a cornerstone of Vision 2030.

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is working to transform an area that throughout history has served as a meeting place for caravans, merchants and pilgrims into a major global destination, a “living, open museum” complete with museums, archaeological sites, luxury hotels and entertainment offerings.

“People from across the world will be touched by the transcendental beauty of AlUla,” RCU CEO Amr Al-Madani said last year. “It is truly a humbling destination. When you visit, you immediately understand why civilization after civilization chose to make this magnificent place their home.”

Tourists will be able to visit soon. This month it was announced that the archaeological sites and other cultural and heritage attractions of AlUla will reopen to the public in October. From then on they will be accessible all year round, adding to the other attractions at AlUla such as the 11-week annual Winter at Tantora cultural festival, which since 2018 has attracted a wide range of international music stars.

Other projects in the pipeline, including the Sharaan Resort and Nature Reserve, due to open in 2023, will boost AlUla’s profile as a must-visit international destination. For those who call AlUla home today, a project that by 2035 is predicted to see 2 million visitors per year will also massively boost the local economy, generating 35,000 jobs and contributing an estimated SR120 billion ($32 billion) to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product.

The project has already had an impact on local lives, demonstrating on a micro scale the massive potential of Vision 2030 to transform the Kingdom’s economic future. Last year, Arab News reported that in under three years Al-Ula, a once-neglected region with few prospects for its residents, had achieved a “negative” unemployment rate of 2 percent.

Many more jobs are on the way. The RCU is running the Hammayah program to train 2,500 residents as advocates for AlUla’s heritage. A scholarship program will also see 1,000 students from AlUla sent overseas to study subjects vital to the region’s development as a cultural tourism destination.

If the ancient city of Hegra dominated the cultural and commercial landscape of its time, 300 km to the northwest a megacity is emerging which, in the words of the crown prince, “will drive the future of human civilization.” Neom, vast and being developed with its own rules and regulations independent of the Kingdom’s existing governmental framework, is perhaps best described as a city-state in the making.

At its launch in October 2017, the crown prince said Neom would “focus on nine specialized investment sectors and living conditions that will drive the future of human civilization — energy and water, mobility, biotech, food, technological and digital sciences, advanced manufacturing, media and entertainment, with livability as its foundation.”

Funded initially to the tune of $500 billion by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which the crown prince chairs, Neom is expected to attract regional and international investment as its potential becomes apparent.

Without doubt it will be an attractive place to live, work and visit — and a dramatic symbol of Saudi Arabia’s determination to meet the challenges of climate change head-on by diversifying its economy away from reliance on fossil fuels.

The rebirth of AlUla
Hegra, ancient city of the Nabataeans in Saudi Arabia’s historic AlUla Valley, is emerging from the mists of time to take its rightful place as one of the wonders of the world

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Situated in a part of the Kingdom blessed with breezes and mild temperatures, the development of what will be some of the world’s largest wind and solar farms means Neom will be powered solely by renewable energy.

Future technologies of all kinds, said the crown prince, will “form the cornerstone for Neom’s development,” from automated vehicles, passenger drones and free high-speed wireless internet access, to new ways of growing and processing food, and free world-class continuous online education.

Despite the 4,000-year gulf between them, in many ways the two cities, ancient and modern, are twinned.

Located within eight hours’ flying time of 70 percent of the world’s population, Neom is, in the words of Gavin van Tonder, head of its water sector, “an opportunity to create a template for what the world needs to be in the future.” The clue, after all, is in the name. Neom is derived from neo, the Latin word for new, and M, the first letter of the Arabic word mostaqbal (future).

Hegra, a self-contained city-state positioned at the junction of Arabia’s key trading routes, was the Neom of its day. Now, emerging from the past as part of the cultural reawakening of the AlUla region, it has a key role to play in the building of that new future.


How Saudi Arabia’s native wildflowers play a vital role in sustainability

Updated 47 min 56 sec ago
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How Saudi Arabia’s native wildflowers play a vital role in sustainability

  • The Kingdom blooms with wildflowers each spring, marking renewal, supporting biodiversity, and enriching cultural traditions
  • Hummayd, a native desert herb, thrives in arid climates and is prized in Saudi culinary and ecological heritage

JEDDAH: In the vast deserts of Saudi Arabia, a humble, yet remarkable, wildflower makes its mark each spring — Rumex vesicarius, known locally as hummayd.

Native to the Arabian Peninsula, this fast-growing plant thrives in sandy soils and plays a significant role in both the natural ecosystem and local culinary traditions.

“Hummayd is an annual herbaceous plant native to Saudi Arabia and widely distributed across its regions,” Arwa Alotaibi, a native plant researcher, told Arab News.

“Scientifically known as Rumex vesicarius, it belongs to the Polygonaceae family, commonly referred to as the dock or sorrel family.”

Hummayd is well adapted to desert conditions and is often found flourishing in arid environments. Its triangular green leaves and red or green flowers distinguish it from other wild plants. It typically grows to around half a meter in height and remains evergreen throughout its life cycle.

Due to its drought tolerance and minimal water requirements, hummayd is suited to Saudi Arabia’s harsh urban and desert climates, said Alotaibi.

“It is particularly abundant in the southern regions of the Kingdom, where rainfall is more consistent, followed by the Hijaz region, Najd, and the northern areas.”

Rumex vesicarius, known locally as hummayd, is an annual herbaceous plant native to Saudi Arabia and widely distributed across its regions. (SPA)

For generations, hummayd has held a special place in Saudi culinary traditions.

The plant can be eaten raw, with bread, or incorporated into tangy stews, Alotaibi said. In the Jazan region, it is especially prized for its unique acidic flavor.

“Rich in vitamin C, the plant aids digestion and helps reduce water retention, making it both flavorful and nutritious.”

Its cultural relevance is captured in a well-known Saudi proverb: “Spring has arrived with the coming of hummayd,” signifying the plant’s role as a seasonal marker of renewal and abundance.

Beyond its culinary and cultural value, hummayd is also ecologically beneficial, serving as vegetative ground cover, helping to stabilize hillsides, rehabilitate degraded land, and enrich green open spaces.

“Its presence supports biodiversity in desert ecosystems, providing a food source for animals such as camels, sheep, and rabbits,” Alotaibi said.

It is a tough plant that grows well in sandy, dry areas with very little water. It can survive harsh desert conditions and still remain green. (SPA)

As such, with its resilience, versatility, and deep cultural roots, hummayd is more than just a wildflower — it is a symbol of spring, sustainability, and Saudi heritage.

During spring, the Kingdom bursts with a bouquet of delicately fragranced wildflowers, blanketing the normally sandy landscape with a beautiful color palette.

The typical blooming period starts from February to April, with slight variations depending on plant type and geographic elevation. Some flowers may bloom as early as January, especially in the warmer southern regions, while others in elevated areas flower later.

“Wildflowers bloom across Saudi Arabia each year, with blooming seasons varying by region depending on plant type and climate,” Alstine Van Joshua, co-founder of the Saudi Botanical Society, told Arab News.

“In general, wildflowers bloom during spring, especially after winter rains when temperatures become moderate and there is sufficient soil moisture.”

Humaid (Rumex vesicarius) is an edible wildflower that blooms in the Saudi desert during the spring. It is seen as a sign the season of growth and renewal has arrived. (SPA)

In the northern regions, areas such as Jouf experience a burst of wildflowers following winter rainfall, while in the southern highlands, areas such as Asir and Al-Baha, known for their cooler climate and high elevations, support a wide range of wildflower species.

Najran and Jazan also boast rich plant diversity, especially among the region’s deep valleys and high mountain areas.

Even in the Kingdom’s eastern and central deserts, wild desert flowers grow in sandy and wadi environments, typically after prolonged rainfall.

These plants are highly adapted to the harsh climate and require minimal water, making them an effective tool in combating desertification and restoring ecological balance.

It is a tough plant that grows well in sandy, dry areas with very little water. It can survive harsh desert conditions and still remain green. (SPA)

“Native plants contribute to biodiversity by providing natural habitats for various creatures, such as birds and bees,” said Van Joshua.

“Their value extends beyond the environment to include cultural and heritage dimensions, as they are traditionally used in folk medicine and decoration during social occasions, especially in regions such as Najran, Asir, and Jazan.

“Reviving this vegetation reflects a deep commitment to protecting nature, improving quality of life, reducing carbon emissions, and achieving net-zero goals.

“It also supports the creation of a more resilient and sustainable environment that secures natural resources and green spaces for future generations.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• Hummayd has triangular evergreen leaves and blooms in red or green flowers. 

• It grows mostly in southern Saudi Arabia, but is found throughout the Kingdom. 

• The plant is rich in vitamin C and aids digestion. 

• It can be eaten raw, with bread, or cooked as a sour stew. 

The preservation of local vegetation is closely linked to environmental sustainability, and is considered one of the main pillars of reforestation projects and the rehabilitation of degraded lands.

Indeed, these plants play a vital role in stabilizing soil, preventing erosion, enhancing rainwater absorption, and restoring soil fertility. In doing so, they support biodiversity by providing natural habitats for wildlife and contribute to ecosystem recovery and stability.

“In the face of relentless drought, blazing sun, and cold desert nights, they stand with quiet grace, unyielding, patient, and strong beyond measure,” Munira Alhazani, CEO of the Saudi Botanical Society, told Arab News.

“These resilient plants reflect our own journey, the emotions we carry, the challenges we face, and the courage that blossoms in our darkest moments.

“It is our passion, a steadfast love for life, that fuels our onward journey. Yet beneath this strength lies a fragile hope, a whisper of fear that in a fleeting moment of weakness, they might tire, fade, and quietly disappear.”

People in Saudi Arabia eat Humaid raw or cooked for its sour taste and health benefits. It can aid digestion and is rich in vitamin C. (SPA)

Efforts to protect the Kingdom’s wildflowers align closely with the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative.

The Saudi Green Initiative aims to plant 10 billion trees within the Kingdom and rehabilitate 40 million hectares of degraded land, while also improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions.

On a regional scale, the Middle East Green Initiative seeks to plant 50 billion trees, including 40 billion outside the Kingdom, in what is considered the largest reforestation project of its kind.

The initiative aims to combat desertification, reduce emissions, and enhance the quality of life throughout the region.

“Local vegetation plays a direct and foundational role in achieving the objectives of these national and regional initiatives, as well as in supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Van Joshua.

“Through these efforts, the Kingdom affirms its pioneering role in environmental protection — locally and regionally — while striving to build a more sustainable future and ensure a better quality of life for future generations.”
 

 


Saudi Shoura Council speaker participates in Rome conference

Saudi Arabia's delegation was headed by the speaker of the Shoura Council, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh. (Supplied)
Updated 20 June 2025
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Saudi Shoura Council speaker participates in Rome conference

  • Event aims to build bridges, promote mutual understanding

ROME: The Second Parliamentary Conference on Interreligious Dialogue — titled “Strengthening Trust and Embracing Hope for our Common Future” — has started in Rome, with the participation of the Saudi delegation headed by Shoura Council Speaker Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh. The event is being attended by heads of parliaments from around the world.

Lorenzo Fontana, the president of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy, praised the body’s significant and vital role, stressing the importance of the conference in building bridges and promoting mutual understanding.

 


Pesticides workshop held in AlUla

The workshop targeted farm owners, agricultural workers, and those interested in the sector. (SPA)
Updated 20 June 2025
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Pesticides workshop held in AlUla

  • The workshop was part of a series of different guidance programs and workshops implemented by the National Center for Palms and Dates throughout the year in many regions of the Kingdom

ALULA: A workshop, titled Safe Handling of Palm and Date Pest Pesticides, was held on Friday in the AlUla Governorate. The event, which was organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates, in collaboration with the Royal Commission for AlUla, took place in the agricultural sector of the commission’s headquarters.

The workshop targeted farm owners, agricultural workers, and those interested in the sector. It aimed to raise awareness about safe pesticide use while enhancing efficiency in agricultural pest control in a way that improves production quality while ensuring environmental safety.

The workshop was part of a series of different guidance programs and workshops implemented by the National Center for Palms and Dates throughout the year in many regions of the Kingdom. They bid to support the agricultural sector’s development and enhance sustainability practices.

 

 


KSrelief distributes shelter aid in Somalia’s Togdheer region

The assistance comes as part of a 2025 initiative to distribute shelter aid to displaced persons in the African country. (SPA)
Updated 20 June 2025
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KSrelief distributes shelter aid in Somalia’s Togdheer region

  • The assistance will be distributed in cooperation with the UN World Health Organization to 45 healthcare facilities in northwestern Syria, based on field-identified needs

TOGDHEER: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center recently distributed 1,030 pieces of clothing, 475 shelter bags, and 20 tents to several camps in the Togdheer region of Somalia, benefiting 1,525 families and 9,150 individuals. The assistance comes as part of a 2025 initiative to distribute shelter aid to displaced persons in the African country.

Earlier, three relief trucks provided by the Saudi aid agency arrived on Wednesday in the town of Sarmada in Syria’s Idlib governorate, carrying 20 tonnes of medical aid.

The assistance will be distributed in cooperation with the UN World Health Organization to 45 healthcare facilities in northwestern Syria, based on field-identified needs. The aid supports frontline medical teams in underserved areas, benefiting about 150,000 people.

Elsewhere, the agency distributed 3,000 cartons of dates to families in need in the Shabwa governorate of Yemen, benefiting 18,000 individuals.

 


Masam Project achieves massive success in Yemen

Updated 20 June 2025
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Masam Project achieves massive success in Yemen

  • KSrelief has implemented 3,438 diverse humanitarian projects across 107 countries, valued at over $7 billion, since its launch in May 2015

RIYADH: Masam, a project launched by the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, has achieved a significant milestone by clearing 67,585,167 sq. meters and removing 500,000 explosives from Yemeni lands since its launch in June 2018.

Items removed include anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, unexploded ordnance, and explosive devices indiscriminately planted to harm civilians.

Demining efforts have dramatically reduced casualties — and allowed displaced people and farmers to return and resume cultivation — earning widespread praise from the UN and international organizations.

The agency has also initiated the Artificial Limbs Centers Project in several Yemeni cities, providing prosthetics and aiding physical rehabilitation to those injured by explosives.

The Masam Project stands as a vital contribution in enabling a safe and dignified life for Yemenis.

KSrelief has implemented 3,438 diverse humanitarian projects across 107 countries, valued at over $7 billion, since its launch in May 2015.