AlUla Wins Gold at 2026 Responsible Tourism Awards

AlUla has won Gold in the Nature Positive category at the 2026 International Centre for Responsible Tourism Awards, in a ceremony held on 27 September 2026. The recognition highlights the destination's nature-first approach to tourism development.

The award acknowledged the Royal Commission for AlUla's efforts to place the environment at the heart of its tourism model. More than 50% of AlUla's roughly 22,561 square kilometres is now designated as nature reserves, a scale of protection that anchors the region's long-term conservation strategy.

Restoration work in the region has been extensive. More than 500,000 native trees have been planted, and over 1,500 animals have been reintroduced into the wild, supporting the recovery of local ecosystems and native species.

Why it matters

For residents and visitors across the Kingdom, the recognition reinforces AlUla's position as a leading destination that balances tourism growth with environmental care. Families and travellers exploring the area can experience a landscape shaped by active conservation, from expansive reserves to reintroduced wildlife.

The achievement reflects a wider commitment to sustainable tourism, offering the community a destination where heritage, nature, and responsible travel come together in one of Saudi Arabia's most distinctive regions.

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