AlUla: Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, AlUla has further strengthened its reputation as a global cultural hotspot after being named the World’s Leading Cultural Tourism Project 2025 at this year’s World Travel Awards.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the prestigious award—one of the most respected in the travel industry—was determined through votes from international experts, senior executives, buyers, tour operators, and travel agents.
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards honour excellence across tourism and hospitality, covering categories ranging from destinations and hotels to airlines, events, and cultural experiences.
This latest recognition adds to a growing list of accolades for AlUla. The region recently earned titles including Middle East’s Leading Cultural Tourism Project 2025, Middle East’s Leading Festival and Event Destination 2025, and Saudi Arabia’s Leading Cultural Tourism Project 2025 in the regional edition of the awards.
Known for its desert landscapes and deep historical roots, AlUla is home to iconic cultural treasures such as Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its remarkably preserved Nabataean tombs.
With a history spanning 200,000 years—and 7,000 years of continuous civilisation—the region’s heritage is showcased through the Royal Commission for AlUla’s immersive, year-round cultural and tourism experiences.
