Tourexpi
The spectacular mountain and its sandstone canyons feature more
than 300 historically significant carved inscriptions, most of which date from
the second half of the first millennium BCE. The site features the largest
collection of inscriptions recording the ancient Dadanite Kingdom's religious
rituals, daily activities, and relations with neighboring peoples.
As part of its role in delivering Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030,
RCU is heavily investing in the study and conservation of sites such as Jabal
Ikmah, an open-air library situated in the world's largest living museum. These
efforts to enhance the world's understanding of Jabal Ikmah, while improving visitors'
access in a sustainable way, have contributed to this public affirmation by
UNESCO of the magnitude and international significance of AlUla's documentary
heritage.
José Ignacio Gallego Revilla, Executive Director of the Kingdoms
Institute, Archaeology, Heritage Research, and Conservation Department at the
Royal Commission for AlUla, said: "The significance of Jabal Ikmah's
inscriptions transcends regional boundaries to reach the level of global
relevance, in particular as part of the evolution of Old Arabic languages and
dialects. Their authenticity and integrity, both for the information preserved
about ancient societies as well as the conservation of the site, bring together
the essentials that make this place unique for the Memory of the World as the
chronicle of a lost time through the largest number of inscriptions in an
Ancient North Arabian script."
As a crossroads on the incense and pilgrimage routes, the AlUla oasis
was a hub of commercial and cultural exchange. It hosted merchants of myrrh,
frankincense, and other precious commodities. This cultural richness propelled
the growth of settlements, including Dadan. The Dadanite Kingdom flourished and
developed its own alphabet form of the South Semitic writing system. The
Dadanites then recorded their history through petroglyphs carved into the
sloping red and yellow sandstone rocks of AlUla. The greatest concentration of
inscriptions is sheltered in the gorge of Jabal Ikmah, which is characteristic
of AlUla's jagged landscape formed by tectonic movements that date to the
opening of the Red Sea 30 million years ago.
Many of Jabal Ikmah's inscriptions reflect a variety of subjects such as
rituals, kings, animals and agriculture, key to the story of AlUla's past.
Conservation of such landmarks is central to RCU's vision for the future of
AlUla, which emphasizes the region's cultural heritage as both a beacon for
tourism and a springboard for innovation and economic benefits that raise the
quality of life for the community.
The listing builds on RCU's existing partnership with UNESCO. RCU's
global network of partners for culture, which also includes ICOMOS, the Louvre
Museum and the French Agency for the Development of AlUla (Afalula), plays a
vital role in the regeneration of AlUla County as a leading global destination
for cultural and natural heritage.
RCU is establishing the Kingdoms Institute as a global hub for
archaeology, heritage research and conservation. Currently active as a research
organisation, the institute will have a permanent base in the Dadan district of
AlUla, a site that by 2035 is expected to be a prime destination for two
million visitors a year attracted largely by its rich heritage.
Image Credit: © RCU
The most interesting news
New TUI Study Reveals 75 percent of Brits Crave Home Comforts Abroad
Slippers, Tea, and Familiar Smiles Top the List.
Hyatt Opens Mumian Shaoxing Hotel, Blending Industrial Heritage and Cultural Luxury
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, in partnership with Shenzhen Yuen Kai Hotel Management Co., Ltd., has announced the grand opening of the Mumian Shaoxing Hotel, marking the debut of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in Shaoxing, China.
Emirates Launches Summer 2025 Travel Perks for Young Passengers
Emirates has unveiled a variety of travel experiences and services aimed at enhancing the journey for children and families during the summer season.
TUI Care Foundation Supports Sustainable Tourism in Jamaica
TUI Care Foundation has announced two major initiatives to support sustainable tourism in Jamaica: the launch of a new TUI Academy for youth and the Destination Zero Waste programme in Montego Bay.
Amazon Prime’s travel hit puts global spotlight on Turkish city of Mardin
Featuring historian Bettany Hughes and presenter Alex Outhwaite, the documentary series The Wanderer brings Mardin’s rich history and natural charm to viewers in 137 countries, supported by Türkiye’s tourism bodies.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Launches Spring Booking Campaign Including U.S. Itineraries
As part of its spring campaign titled "The Beauty of the Moment," running through July 31, 2025, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is offering a range of immersive cruise experiences across North America, the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada, the Arctic, and the Pacific.
Kempinski Hotels Celebrated with Top Honours at Global Hotel Alliance Awards 2025 in Brussels
Kempinski Hotels has been recognised with multiple top accolades at the 2025 Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) Awards, held at the historic Solvay Library in Brussels.
Condor Launches ‘Round Up for the Future’ to Support Sustainable Aviation Fuel
German leisure airline Condor has introduced a new initiative titled “Round up for the future”, allowing passengers to make a meaningful environmental impact with a small gesture.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises to Visit All Inhabited Azores Islands in 2026 – No Packing, Just Exploring
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises invites guests on a rare journey through Portugal’s green Atlantic paradise: the Azores.
Ryanair announces July offer for prime members
Over €450 in savings within just four months – all for €79.
IHG to Open Holiday Inn Bengaluru Electronic City
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Thanishq Hospitality to develop a new Holiday Inn in Bengaluru’s Electronic City.
Hilton Named India’s Numberr 1 Great Place to Work for Third Year in a Row
Hilton (NYSE: HLT), Asia’s fastest-growing hospitality company, has once again secured the top spot as India’s No. 1 Company to Work For, as recognized by Great Place to Work®.
Eurowings: Bus Transfers in Mallorca, SunExpress Codeshare and Triple Credit Card Win
Eurowings now also operating buses.
North Korea Opens Kalma Coastal Resort After Seven Years of Construction
North Korea has officially opened a large coastal resort in Kalma, located along the country’s eastern shoreline. According to state media, leader Kim Jong Un described the development as one of the year’s greatest achievements.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Sendai Reopens After Full Renovation, Blending Nature and Modern Comfort
Mitsui Fudosan Hotel Management Co., Ltd., together with Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd., has announced the reopening of the Mitsui Garden Hotel Sendai on June 14, 2025, following a complete renovation designed to enhance the guest experience.
Dominican Republic’s Tourism Sector Projected to Generate Over US$21 Billion
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that the travel and tourism sector in the Dominican Republic will reach a historic milestone in 2025, contributing over US$21 billion to the national GDP.
Relax and Start the Summer Holidays with Lufthansa
As the summer school holidays begin in Hesse, Lufthansa is preparing for one of its busiest travel periods of the year.
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Unveils Major Expansion with Over 20 New Rides and Attractions
Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is set to make waves this summer with the grand opening of its highly anticipated expansion on July 1.
Lufthansa Group appoints Kevin Markette as senior director – regional sales South Asia
Lufthansa Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Markette as senior director – regional sales South Asia.
Radisson unveils secluded coastal gem: Radisson Resort Ruža Vjetrova in Montenegro
Radisson Hotel Group proudly announces the opening of Radisson Resort Ruža Vjetrova, a premium beachfront retreat nestled on an isolated peninsula along the Adriatic coast in Dobra Voda, Montenegro.
Windstar Cruises' new Star Explorer debuts in the Mediterranean for winter 2026/27
Fresh itineraries, local flavor, and yacht-style cruising—Windstar's newest yacht invites guests to see Europe in a whole new light.
