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The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has teamed up with luxury hotel operator GHM to create The Chedi Hegra, the first hotel to welcome guests to a unique and authentic luxury experience deep within the ancient Nabataean site in north-west Saudi Arabia. The hotel, set to open by Q4 2023, will feature 35 bespoke guest rooms that offer a distinct connection to the Hegra landscape.

The Chedi Hegra will be built directly into several existing structures, including an old railway station, surrounding buildings, and Hegra Fort. RCU is preserving structural and exterior walls, some with historical mud-brick construction, and integrating them with modern architecture. Most of the UNESCO World Heritage Site will remain untouched by construction and carefully preserved to maintain the integrity of Hegra’s incredibly human and natural heritage.

The Chedi Hegra Guest Room

The Sustainability Charter for AlUla is also being adhered to, with a light-touch tourism approach, imaginative infrastructure, planting of native flora, and an all-electric mobility system. Local construction materials will be used where possible, and the hotel is expected to create at least 120 jobs once fully operational.

The property will feature three fine-dining restaurants, a café, and a full-service spa and pool. Many buildings are connected by an overhead art canopy focused on wind movement and natural light. The on-site restaurants will offer unique experiences for hotel guests and others visiting Hegra. One of the restaurants inside the old railway station will feature an exhibition of carefully preserved artifacts, including a fully-restored train. At the same time, another will sit within the Hegra Fort, and a third will feature unobstructed views from a sunken water basin seating area.

John Northen, RCU Vice President of Hotels & Resorts, said: “Sitting at the nexus of AlUla’s living museum, The Chedi Hegra embodies the fulfilment of our Journey Through Time master plan with its deep respect for heritage, sustainable design features, and an authentic luxury experience that celebrates what makes AlUla a special destination for travellers seeking both comfort and adventure.”

The Chedi Hegra Water Basin

Tommy Lai, Chief Executive Officer of GHM, said: “GHM is thrilled to introduce this luxurious heritage boutique hotel that will offer authentic, unrivaled lifestyle experience deep within the ancient Nabataean site of Hegra. As the first hotel within Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, we are committed to preserving the site’s integrity while seamlessly integrating modern architecture and comforts. I am certain that guests will recognize and appreciate the value we place in minimizing our environmental impact, through the sustainable efforts of the hotel, in addition to our dedication in conserving the legacy of Hegra – a true GHM hallmark of creating inspired spaces.”

The Chedi Hegra is set to become a new destination for luxury travellers seeking an authentic experience steeped in history and culture. With its commitment to sustainable design and preservation of the natural environment, the hotel represents a significant milestone in the ongoing development of AlUla as a world-class tourist destination.