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The Royal Commission for the ancient Saudi Arabian city of AlUla has approved plans for a new eco-luxury destination with its own museum
Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 31 May 2023
The resort will feature a museum, VIP club and 76 luxury villas Credit: Azulik
Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has revealed plans to develop an eco-luxury resort in the ancient city that will offer its own museum.
Slated to open in 2027, the Azulik AlUla Resort forms part of the RCU’s ‘Journey Through Time’ masterplan, which will see the development of 15 cultural institutions across Saudi Arabia, as well as the country’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil by developing tourism and entertainment destinations.
Among its offerings, the resort will be home to a branch of SFER IK - a multidisciplinary art museum that explores nature, art and ancestry. Based in Mexico, the cultural attraction currently has two offerings in the Yucatan region, with each space created as a natural extension of its surroundings.
Now expanding into Saudi Arabia, SFER IK said in a statement, that it was thrilled to be opening in a place “where the history of the world was decided”.
“SFER IK will play its part through art in the construction of a new historical legacy for the region, following the idea that art can reconnect sensibilities, heal wounds, and above all fertilise innovation,” said the statement.
“This mixture of natural landscape, ancestral human presence and the ambition to create works of gigantic dimensions inserted in the landscape permanently as land art is a rare proposition in the world of contemporary art, and we are embarking this journey with excitement, curiosity and creativity.”
The resort will be operated by Mexican luxury hospitality brand Azulik and will be located in AlUla’s Nabatean Horizon District, close to several major attractions that are currently under development, including Wadi AlFann, an ancient valley that will host large-scale landscape artworks, and the AlMutadil Equestrian Village.
SFER IK will be joined at Azulik AlUla by 76 luxury villas, a VIP club, all-day dining venues, a spa and welcome lounges.
Created by Roth Architecture, the resort will be designed to complement the surrounding sandstone cliffs and will feature undulating exteriors and natural materials.
It will also have a strong emphasis on sustainability, banning all vehicle traffic on-site, instead offering a property-wide electric-mobility system and horse and camel routes. It will also use a natural waterway system to feed irrigation lines and safeguard against flooding. In addition, the property will aim to preserve local ancient rock art.
“Azulik AlUla is centred on the concept of sustainability and connection with the natural and human heritage surrounding this magnificent property,” said John Northern, VP of hotels and resorts at RCU.
“The resort is one of several assets contributing to AlUla’s growth as a leading destination in line with our Journey Through Time masterplan.”
Museums and galleries
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