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AlUla Boasts Two Destinations Among Time’s ‘World’s Greatest Places 2024’

AlUla featured twice on the “World’s Greatest Places 2024” list, published by the US-based Time Magazine.

Among 100 extraordinary global destinations, Dar Tantora and Sharaan Nature Reserve stood out as unique Saudi attractions worth discovering.

Dar Tantora

Inaugurated in May 2024, Dar Tantora The House Hotel is the first hotel in AlUla Old Town, one of the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization’s 2022 Best Tourism Villages. The Hotel has a distinctive location among the 800-year-old mudbrick houses.

AlUla Boasts Two Destinations Among Time’s ‘World’s Greatest Places 2024’

Its luxurious designs amid the desert oasis reflects AlUla’s commitment to preserving heritage based on sustainability principles. This environment-friendly hotel includes 30 rooms that mix authentic historical art with modern and luxury amenities.

Designed by Egyptian architect Shahira Fahmy, Dar Tantora offers traditional Bedouin experiences, including ancient breadmaking, coffee festivities, storytelling gatherings, and beauty sessions using Saudi oils and balms.

AlUla Boasts Two Destinations Among Time’s ‘World’s Greatest Places 2024’

Sharaan Nature Reserve

The second destination on the Time’s annual list is Sharaan Nature Reserve. This global treasure, covering an area of 1,500 km, is one of the breathtaking natural wonders in the heart of AlUla Old Town.

AlUla Boasts Two Destinations Among Time’s ‘World’s Greatest Places 2024’

The Sharaan Nature Reserve aims to protect the delicate ecological system of AlUla by providing suitable environment for endangered species such as Arabian wolf, Idmi gazelle, and large-eared red fox, as well as other plant and animal species.

Moreover, the Preserve seeks to be a safe haven that provides suitable living conditions for the endangered Arabian leopard to return to its natural inhabitant.

AlUla Boasts Two Destinations Among Time’s ‘World’s Greatest Places 2024’

Nomination Criteria

The Time Magazine issues the annual “World’s Greatest Places” list based on the nominations of places from its international network of correspondents and contributors, and through an application process. These places include hotels, cruises, restaurants, attractions, museums, parks, and many more.

The Time focuses on places that offer new and exciting experiences. This year’s list feature 100 exceptional destinations that offer extraordinary experiences.

AlUla Prestigious Status

The ancient oasis city has become a prominent tourist destination for visitors from Saudi Arabia and beyond. In recognition of its status as a global tourist attraction, AlUla received several global awards.

Earlier in July, AlUla was selected as the first destination in the Middle East to get the accreditation of the US-based Destinations International. In May 2024, AlUla was selected by the 2024 World Travel Awards as the Middle East’s Leading Cultural Tourism Project 2024; Middle East’s Leading Festival & Event Destination 2024; and Saudi Arabia’s Leading Cultural Tourism Project 2024.

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