| By Salaam Gateway

Overview of the Recognition

Saudi Arabia’s historic region of AlUla has been officially named the World’s Leading Cultural Tourism Project for 2025 at the prestigious World Travel Awards, reinforcing its global standing as a premier destination for culture, heritage, exploration, and discovery. 

Multiple Accolades at the World Travel Awards

In addition to the top global cultural tourism title, AlUla also previously earned regional distinctions, including the 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 at the regional stage of the World Travel Awards. 

Cultural and Historical Significance

Spanning over 22,500 square kilometers in northwest Saudi Arabia, AlUla boasts dramatic desert landscapes, ancient sandstone formations, and key archaeological treasures. Among its most significant attractions is Hegra, the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its remarkably preserved Nabataean tombs. 

Destination Experience and Appeal

The recognition highlights AlUla’s unique blend of natural beauty, cultural legacy, and immersive experiences, positioning it as an international hub where visitors can connect with millennia of human history while enjoying world-class tourism offerings. 

Original Article:

Salaam Gateway. (2025). AlUla crowned world’s cultural tourism project 2025. https://salaamgateway.com/story/alula-named-worlds-cultural-tourism-project-2025