Riyadh: Historic and heritage buildings in AlUla Governorate have been transformed from silent witnesses to the past into active components of the governorate's present. Rehabilitation projects have repurposed them for cultural, tourism, and economic uses while preserving their authenticity.

According to Saudi Press Agency, AlUla's Old Town, with a history spanning more than seven centuries, stands as one of the most prominent examples of this transformation. It comprises hundreds of mud-brick and stone buildings alongside historic mosques, markets, and alleyways. Squares and historic passageways have been revitalized to accommodate shops, caf©s, restaurants, traditional crafts, and art galleries.

The Dar Tantora project represents a distinguished model of heritage building repurposing. Historic houses have been rehabilitated and converted into a sustainable hotel while preserving the site's original architectural identity. Its name is inspired by the "tantora," a sundial once used by AlUla's residents to track agricultural seasons.

The historic Hejaz Railway station at Hegra has also been preserved and repurposed as part of a hotel facility. The adjacent historic oasis has retained its agricultural character, with its mud walls and passageways restored using traditional materials.

Through its ongoing heritage programs, the Royal Commission for AlUla reaffirms its commitment to making historical sites a vital pillar of cultural and economic development.