AlUla Celebrates Intangible Heritage Day, Showcasing Deep Cultural Authenticity
The Governorate of AlUla celebrates International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which falls on October 17th every year. The day, adopted by the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is a global occasion to celebrate the living heritage that shapes the identity of peoples and solidifies their cultural authenticity.
The celebration underscores AlUla's commitment to protecting its ancient heritage and living traditions and empowering its local community to transmit its knowledge and stories to future generations, enhancing the sustainability of culture as a pillar of national development and an enabler of Saudi Vision 2030.
AlUla is rich in diverse cultural heritage, particularly prominent in the performing arts, including Al-Ardah, Al-Zir, Al-Dahha, and other traditional folk expressions such as poetry and stories. The heritage also includes the social customs associated with marriage ceremonies and the entrenched traditions that have been passed down across generations.
Coffee, traditional gathering spaces, and mud houses symbolize generosity and hospitality. Meanwhile, the art of mud construction and the crafts of pottery, engraving, and carving display the authentic creativity that has characterized AlUla over the centuries. Al-Sadu also stands out as a traditional handicraft based on weaving threads into intricate geometric patterns that reflect the identity and aesthetics of the desert (Badia) life.
Additionally, traditional foods have become an integral part of the local identity, alongside the ancient irrigation methods associated with agriculture and the oases.
Palm trees hold a special place in the lives of the people of AlUla, along with the associated activities like date harvesting and the traditional manufacturing of their products. Palms serve as a deeply rooted symbol connecting the history and livelihood of the Saudi people, providing food, professions, and ways of life. Additionally, camel chanting stands out as an authentic part of AlUla’s culture, which is renowned for camel breeding and care.
AlUla also features a notable presence of Arabic calligraphy arts, with its diverse forms, embellishments, and inscriptions that reflect the aesthetics of expression and the deeply rooted cultural identity.
As part of its future activities, AlUla is preparing to launch the Ancient Kingdoms Festival from November 20 to December 6. It will be followed by the renowned Winter at Tantora Festival, which starts December 18 and runs until January 10, 2026. AlUla is thus continuing to strengthen its cultural and tourism presence both locally and internationally.
