AlUla Cultural Oasis Scenic Road

The ambitious plans by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) to protect and restore the beautiful, historic landscape of the Oasis within the AlUla Valley and return it to a moment in time is well under way. The masterplan looks to protect the historic core by redirecting the main road away from the Old Town as one major objective.

In doing so, the Scenic Road is proposed as a visitor route that immerses users in the fusion of desert, mountain and Oasis, reinforces the visitors journey through an ancient, working, and fertile landscape, and draws vehicle movement away from the historic core.

A new approach to infrastructure has emerged that simplifies and blends vehicle surfaces into the rural landscape and minimise its impact on views of the Oasis. Alongside the new route, the restoration of the agricultural landscape will bring the Oasis to life again, replenishing the fruit plantations and restoring the contrast between the lush, green trees and the surrounding desert and mountains.

At one point, the Scenic Road corridor crosses the once abundant Oasis to reveal historic walls and field patterns that will be restored and interplanted with traditional fruiting trees. Paths and cycle paths will travel across the plantations for users to enjoy the palm shaded landscape and the spectacle of flowering and fruiting trees.