Frequently Asked Questions

RCU was established in July 2017.

The objectives of RCU include preserving AlUla’s natural and cultural heritage, developing the area into a global destination for cultural and eco-tourism, and driving economic growth and community development.

The AlUla strategy focuses on sustainable development, conservation of historical sites, and enhancing the visitor experience through world-class attractions, infrastructure, and community engagement.

The role of RCU in Saudi Arabia is to oversee major economic, cultural, and infrastructural development projects, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives to promote sustainable growth, diversification, and cultural enrichment.

Living in AlUla offers a unique blend of ancient culture and modern living against the backdrop of stunning natural beauty. Residents enjoy a peaceful lifestyle with access to modern amenities, cultural events, and outdoor adventures, all within a community that values heritage and sustainability.

AlUla hosts a variety of community programmes ranging from cultural workshops and art exhibitions to environmental conservation projects and sports events. These programmes are designed to enrich the community’s social, cultural, and physical well-being.

Residents can participate in AlUla’s development projects through public consultations, volunteer opportunities, and community meetings. RCU frequently seeks resident input on projects to ensure they meet the community’s needs and expectations.

Saudi Vision 2030 aims to enhance the quality of life for AlUla residents by investing in infrastructure, boosting the local economy, creating job opportunities, and preserving the area’s natural and historical sites for future generations.

Residents and prospective residents can provide feedback or suggestions through the feedback and suggestions form available on this page. Your insights are invaluable to us and will be considered in future planning and development efforts.

Expats can explore investment opportunities in diverse sectors such as tourism, hospitality, real estate, technology, and renewable energy, with a special focus on the emerging projects in AlUla, aimed at cultural and eco-tourism development.

Saudi Arabia offers vast business opportunities across sectors including technology, tourism, entertainment, and mining. The Vision 2030 initiative aims to diversify the economy, opening new prospects in AlUla for sustainable tourism and cultural heritage projects.

AlUla is a year-round destination, coming to life particularly from October to April when the beautiful weather and extensive calendar of festivals and events takes place. Some of the region’s coolest summer temperatures also make it an enjoyable place to spend long evenings outdoors from June to September.

Yes, AlUla offers a range of guided tours that cater to different interests, including history, nature, and adventure, ensuring a rich and informative experience.

In AlUla, you can enjoy a wide array of activities, from hiking and hot air balloon rides to exploring ancient sites and attending world-class events and festivals.

AlUla is accessible via its international airport, welcoming flights from major cities. Road access is also available for those who prefer a scenic drive into the heart of wonder.

Path to Prosperity has been designed to increase economic opportunities for our community. It will supercharge economic development by creating thriving new neighbourhoods and districts, such as the Entertainment, Retail, and Business Area in AlUla South.

Path to Prosperity encourages greater uptake of sports through access to new recreational facilities, with AlUla Sports Club & High-Performance Centre, AlUla Private Gym, and Mughayra Sports Village being some of the priority projects. Public spaces for outdoor living will feature outdoor gyms, skate parks, and football pitches.

Path to Prosperity reimagines public spaces for a growing population. The expanded public realm will combine public facilities and beautiful green open spaces to promote an active and social lifestyle for the people of AlUla.

Recognising the importance of education, Path to Prosperity’s development areas will be equipped with quality schools, including kindergartens; elementary, intermediate, and high schools; international and private schools; and special needs schools.

Path to Prosperity encourages residents to share in the transformative power of arts and culture. It will enable the development of centres of creativity and collaboration, with spaces for our community to socialise and grow their skills.

Path to Prosperity reimagines public spaces for a growing population. The expanded public realm will combine public facilities and beautiful green open spaces to promote an active and social lifestyle for the people of AlUla.

Path to Prosperity is introducing new healthcare services, and priority projects include uplifting primary healthcare centres and Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Hospital. In addition, the Social Rehabilitation Centre will open in 2025 in AlUla South.

The Sharaan Nature Reserve in AlUla aims to preserve natural beauty, restore biodiversity, and balance ecosystems. It’s located in the Eastern Canyons, featuring diverse habitats for native species.

Sharaan was chosen due to its diverse desert habitats and historical significance. Restoration is crucial due to overgrazing and habitat degradation.

Governance involves a steering committee of international conservation experts to meet global standards.

The reserve is open to the public with guidelines to minimise impact, following an initial launch event for animal release.

Goals will be achieved through habitat restoration, boundary fencing to exclude livestock, reintroduction of native species, and community engagement.

Partners include IUCN and CAWM(College of African Wildlife Management) for ranger training and local communities for conservation efforts.

The Saudi Wildlife Authority is a key partner, contributing endangered species for reintroduction efforts.

Future plans involve developing long-term management and action plans with stakeholders to ensure conservation success.

Sharaan’s unique geological features, holistic conservation approach, and community benefits set it apart.

RCU commits to protecting the Arabian Leopard, including captive breeding and reintroduction, and establishing a global conservation fund.

RCU plans to designate more protected areas in AlUla for conservation, aligning with broader environmental goals.

The project supports Vision 2030 by promoting environmental sustainability, creating conservation-based sectors, and fostering community engagement.

The Arabian leopard is classified as “Critically Endangered” by IUCN

There are two key Arabian Leopard conservation programmes in the region, one in Sharjah in the UAE (Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife) and the other in Saudi Arabia (Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Centre), now under RCU’s management

The Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Centre in KSA is the only active conservation breeding centre for Arabian Leopards in the region

In addition, RCU also funded the launch of the Arabian Leopard Fund, which now operates as a separate entity focused on the regional conservation of the Arabian Leopard

Absolutely, AlUla is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination.

AlUla International Airport (ULH) is the closest airport, offering both domestic and international flights.

You can reach AlUla by flying into AlUla International Airport, which is well-connected with major cities. Alternatively, you can drive from nearby cities like Medina or Tabuk.

Yes, AlUla is open to visitors from around the world. Tourists should adhere to local customs and regulations during their visit.

Absolutely, AlUla is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination.

While AlUla is close to Hegra, they are distinct sites. Hegra is a UNESCO World Heritage site within the AlUla region.

The cost varies based on travel style, accommodation choices, and activities. Planning in advance can help manage budgets effectively.

RCU’s mandate covers AlUla County in addition to Khaybar, Tayma, and AlMua’azam Fort. Constituting the most important part of AlUla’s development, the Journey Through Time masterplan is the first masterplan to be announced and RCU will announce more plans and projects in the future. The Journey Through Time Masterplan covers the core heritage area of AlUla and integrates AlUla’s most precious heritage sites.

Design Space AlUla is a dynamic design centre and the first permanent space in the region dedicated to showcasing AlUla’s design initiatives. It serves as a gallery, archive, and workshop, encouraging creativity and innovation through exhibitions and collaborative programs.

You’ll find Design Space AlUla in AlJadidah Arts District, a lively area known for its blend of culture, cuisine, and creativity. In addition to exploring creative designs, visitors can enjoy artisanal coffee shops, gourmet dining, and a range of food trucks. 

An enticing program designed to inspire, promote, and mobilize businesses towards sustainability while delivering exceptional quality service to our valued visitors. This program aims to not only support businesses and the overall ecosystem but also foster their participation in the AlUla season.

The program offers an inclusive opportunity for businesses operating in various sectors, such as Food and Beverages, Retail Stores, Activities, and Farms. With a strong emphasis on quality, the program aims to enhance customer satisfaction through improved services, leverage social media platforms, ensure compliance with standards, contribute to the preservation of the environment and sustainable tourism destinations, and promote local content participation.

All businesses owners/ investors or individuals whom products are serving one of the following categories: 

•    Food & Beverage

•    Retail Stores 

•    Activities

•    Farms

1.    The brand itself must have a minimum of one year of experience (operational for one year or more).

2.    Maintaining at least 30% Saudization (from AlUla local community.

3.    At least 80% of customer satisfaction rate in social media platforms (minimum 100 reviews).

4.    The applicant must adhere to the operational guidelines across the overall contract period.

5.    The business has to use Environmentally Friendly Materials such as biodegradable disposable plastics.

6.    The applicant must submit a Feasibility Study which contains -but not limited to- (Scope, Product Design, Financial Study and Operational Plan).

7.    The final approval is subjected to RCU review while checking the product uniqueness and its suitability to the selected area within AlUla.

8.    All governmental authorities’ requirements must be followed prior, during and after obtaining the Municipality Permit/License and during the whole contract period.

9.    A quality representative must be assigned by the applicant.

Small Scale Business (Local Community Prioritized)

•    Sponsorship of approved CAPEX and up to 30% (a maximum of 100,000 SAR

•    License Facilitation

•    Promotion (RCU social media)

•    Location

Mid-Scale Business

•    Sponsorship of approved CAPEX and up to 25% (a maximum of 500,000 SAR)

•    License Facilitation

•    Promotion (RCU social media)

•    Location

Large Scale Business

•    Sponsorship of approved CAPEX and up to 20% (a maximum of one million SAR)

•    License Facilitation

•    Promotion (RCU social media & Influencer)

•    Location

1.    The brand itself must have a minimum of one year of experience (operational one year or more).

2.    Number of Employee. 

3.    The amount of CAPEX.

•    To sustain the businesses success during and after the season.

•    Enhance the satisfaction levels and the quality of the services provided to our visitors.

•    Support in business sustainability and growth by monitoring market status.

•    Develop a transparent application website to support with a clear incentive scheme.

•    Increasing the level of employment available in AlUla.

During the season starting from September 2023 to March 2024 and businesses owners/ investors will have the opportunity to apply during June – September

•    Feasibility study

•    Licensing/permits cost

•    Rent/location cost

•    Design and construction

•    Equipment & tools

•    A maintenance contract (pest control, equipment maintenance. etc)

•    Employee salaries

•    Submit a Feasibility Study which contains -but not limited to- (scope, product design, financial study, and operational plan). 

•    Product uniqueness and its suitability to be selected to operate in AlUla. 

•    Contain of local content plan.

•    Environmentally friendly material plan.

•    The proposed project must be in AlUla (with an estimation to the financial study). 

•    Fill the Excel sheet with all relevant quotations reflecting the cost of the products that are above 10k SAR.

Accepted applicants will operate in AlUla as per the accepted Location by RCU.

Issuing Payments will be after signing the contract in accordance so, the business will be sponsored as per the below scheme:

•    50% of the awarded sponsorship – after obtaining the Municipality Permit/License.

•    25% of the awarded sponsorship – after the 1st third of the period.

•    25% of the sponsorship amount will be disbursed upon completion of the approved period and evaluation of the financial documents.

•    Assurance team for inspection/ audit

•    Mystery Shoppers

•    Surveyors

•    QR codes

•    Visitor's feedback through social media

•    Contracts were created to preserve the RCU rights.

•    Vendors will be responsible for all assets and the preservation of the location.

•    Payments will be stopped in case of non-compliance

•    The last payment will be released after validating all documents from the finance team.

•    Businesses will be monitored by all excellence tools and systems.

•    Google Review (i, e: 4 out of 5 as an overall customer satisfaction). 

•    Trip Adviser (i, e: 4 out of 5 as an overall customer satisfaction).

Incentive Program offers opportunities for both International and local existing businesses and the brand itself must have a minimum of one year of experience (operational for one year or more).

All required governmental documents will be submitted before obtaining the Municipality Permit/License which has to be valid during the whole contract period.

Any responsible person from the same business (supervisor/ manager or owner) that can close observation, social media compliant and ensure the quality that are compliance to the RCU excellence guidelines. 

Any application is sponsored or incentivized by any other government programs will be terminated from the Incentive Program at RCU. 

Utilizing at least 30% of AlUla’s product, services, manpower, or a combination of all to implement the local content.

The compost is produced from recycled agricultural waste from AlUla farms, primarily palm tree residues.

Compost can be requested through our online portal.

The optimal time for compost application is during soil preparation, typically between mid-October and mid-January.

The summer fruit harvest runs from 22 July until the end of the month.

Mangoes, figs, and grapes

Once a year.

Yes, preserved and refrigerated fruits are available in stores and directly from participating farmers

At AlManshiyah Farmers Market.

The requirements will be implemented in phases. Each phase will be announced with clearly defined geographic boundaries, along with a grace period of at least 30 days before enforcement begins.

Residents can check the zoning map published by the Royal Commission for AlUla or contact the call centre to confirm their area classification.

Yes. Availability is expected to increase progressively as demand grows.

Prices may vary based on product quality. The Ministry of Commerce will oversee the market to ensure fair and transparent pricing practices.

No formal supplier list will be released. The key requirement is that the product meets approved specifications, regardless of the supplier.

Those subject to the regulation will receive a grace period of at least 30 days to correct their lighting conditions once implementation begins in their area. If a violation is detected, an additional 14-day grace period will be granted before a fine is issued.

Notifications will be sent via SMS, along with on-site notices posted through the inspection platform. These notices will include a link to the regulation.

The fine for a violation is SAR 3,000, and it will be doubled if the issue is not resolved after the warning period.

The property owner is the legally accountable party for complying with the regulation.

These concepts will be simplified and clarified through awareness campaigns and user-friendly guidance materials.

There are currently no financial support programmes associated with the regulation.

Yes, within specific exceptions outlined in the regulation. All conditions in the technical guide must still be fully met.

Yes, depending on the zone and building type. Each area has defined shutdown times and permitted lighting modes.

The Inspection, Monitoring, and Compliance Department in Cities is responsible for conducting inspections and applying regulatory actions.

Inspections generally take place during evening and nighttime hours, when lighting is actively in use.

There is no fixed timeline for review; however, community feedback may be considered in future updates.

Light-measurement equipment and inspection data are used to determine each site’s level of compliance.