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CAPTURED BY ALULA
CREATIVE DIRECTION: MARNE SCHWARTZ
PHOTOGRAPHY: VLADIMIR MARTÍ
FASHION ASSISTANT: CHARLOTTE MARSH-WILLIAMS
HAIR AND MAKEUP: MANUEL LOSADA
PRODUCER: STEFF HAWKER
TALENT: NIDHI SUNIL
WORDS: OLIVIA MORRIS
A new dawn arrives among the resplendent beauty of this desert oasis. The sun peeks over the horizon, cascading a golden hue over the majestic region of AlUla. I feel the morning breeze arrive, seemingly with the whispers from the ancient past, dating back over 7,000 years. A vast area of over 9,000 square miles (22,500 sq km), I am invited into the world of AlUla, where history and modernity meet among festivals, art installations, galleries and archaeological spectacles.
“CAPTURED BY ALULA” IS PUBLISHED IN THE 7TH EDITION OF GRAZIA MIDDLE EAST ORDER YOUR COPY HERE.
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The sanctum of AlUla awaits exploration. My first stop? A stunning desert canyon which invites us all to immerse ourselves in the natural environment among the ancient civilisations of the Kingdom in the company of world-renowned performers as you dance on the sand beneath the stars at the Azimuth festival.
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Welcome to greener pastures. A place for reflection and solitude. I am at one with nature, immersed in the special holistic narrative AlUla has held for thousands of years. My mind, body and soul are to be nurtured through sound healing amid the desert dunes, morning walks beneath the sky painted in orange and pink hues or under the stars during candlelight meditation sessions – AlUla’s Wellness Festival awaits.
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Contemporary fused with ancient history, I discover. The sun highlights the evidence of modern-meets-heritage. Sacred shadows become the silent narrators of the interplay between the present day and the past.
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I feel the winds are changing, and a fresh scent of the Arabian desert arrives. A sense of reverence comes. It’s that time when the changing of the seasons is welcomed – a new lease on life, as marked by the Winter at Tantora Festival.
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As I adventure, I hear the echoes of the bygone era of the AlUla old town. I’m mesmerised by the ancient ruins of a once-thriving epicentre of trade, which still thrives in the memory of its history. The golden light imbues AlUla’s ancient structures with an enchanting aura.
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The living history of Hegra invites me, the modern-day explorer, to wander through the remnants of its beauty. A tapestry of stones and rock formations, the enduring imprint of AlUla is present on the sands of time. I hear the whispered tales of the Nabataean civilisation and see the intricately designed rock faces, showcasing remarkable ancient architectural prowess.
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I am transported back over 2,000 years to this archaeological gem, also known as Al-Hijr. The detailing carved into rose-hued sandstone is like nothing I’ve witnessed before. The towering facades, adorned with ornate motifs and inscriptions, stand as a testament to the Nabataeans’ mastery of architecture and artistry.
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The ancient incense road narrates a story of trade and culture, a crossroads of a civilisation that left its mark. In AlUla Old Town, I can almost feel the aura of the hustle and bustle of the former incense route, a hub of spice trade connecting Arabia, Egypt and India. It’s a history which is most certainly not forgotten, celebrated in AlUla’s Ancient Kingdoms Festival.
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The sun is beating down on my face, the fresh Arabian air engulfing me. I look up, not a cloud in the sky, a magnificent blue oasis envelops the AlUla terrain. I can witness the wonders from above during the AlUla Skies Festival and, come nightfall, experience the phenomenon of the stars.
The desert ship presents itself to me. Ancient companions to bedouins, camels have long been a vital means of transport for passengers and cargo throughout Arabia’s history. It’s a companionship that continues to be marked to this day with The Camel Cup, under the patronage of HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
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The stillness of the desert around me creates a surreal atmosphere. In the distance, I see myriad greenery, a visual representation of the cohabitation of the contemporary and the historical. AlUla Arts Festival invites you and I to experience a glimpse into the quiet magnificence that echoes throughout this vast, historical land.