AlUla’s Mud Houses Undergo Major Restoration as RCU Revives Traditional Urban Heritage

AlUla, April 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has launched wide-scale restoration projects across AlUla Governorate, focusing on the rehabilitation of historic mud houses as part of its broader mission to preserve Saudi Arabia’s architectural and cultural heritage in alignment with Vision 2030.

These initiatives, which coincide with World Heritage Day on April 18, reaffirm the Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding its traditional urban fabric and revitalizing heritage-rich neighborhoods. The mud houses—deeply rooted in the social and historical identity of AlUla—serve as living testaments to the region’s distinctive character and community values.

RCU’s restoration efforts span the old town and adjacent heritage neighborhoods, prioritizing the authentic revival of traditional structures. Using original building materials such as clay, stone, and palm wood, restoration teams are working to maintain the original aesthetics while integrating modern techniques to improve environmental sustainability and resilience.

The commission is working closely with local craftsmen and architectural heritage experts to ensure that the work reflects international best practices while remaining true to the cultural and historical context of AlUla.

“Preserving the architectural soul of AlUla is more than an act of conservation—it’s a reaffirmation of identity,” an RCU spokesperson stated. “These homes tell the story of generations and are central to the community’s way of life. Through restoration, we aim not only to preserve but to repurpose these spaces for cultural and economic growth.”

Select restored buildings will be repurposed into cultural and tourism spaces such as guesthouses, art galleries, boutique shops, traditional restaurants, and small museums. This adaptive reuse strategy is designed to elevate AlUla’s appeal as a world-class tourism destination that harmoniously blends history with contemporary development.

The initiative is also generating tangible benefits for the local community by creating employment opportunities for artisans, heritage workers, and restoration specialists. In parallel, the RCU has introduced training programs and public awareness campaigns to foster a culture of heritage preservation and ensure continuity for future generations.

These projects reflect Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership in cultural heritage protection and urban revitalization, serving as a model for sustainable development that honors the past while looking toward the future. Through its restoration of AlUla’s mud houses, the Kingdom is crafting a narrative of renewal grounded in cultural pride, craftsmanship, and community engagement.