Close

Cultural Immersion Meets Refined Luxury

The Chedi Hegra opens its doors in AlUla’s UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Chedi Hegra has officially opened its doors, inviting discerning travellers to explore the heart of Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, Hegra. Nestled within the ancient Nabataean city of AlUla, the hotel is a masterful transformation of the historic Hegra Train Station, seamlessly combining historic preservation with modern luxury. Hegra, once a bustling hub along the Incense Road in the 1st century BCE, has long been a beacon of cultural and historical significance. The railway, a marvel of early 20th-century engineering built in 1907 under German engineer Heinrich Meissner, linked Medina to Damascus, facilitating the movement of pilgrims and trade. Now, The Chedi Hegra pays homage to this storied past while introducing guests to the unparalleled beauty of AlUla’s landscapes and the region’s 200,000 years of human history.

Led by the Milan-based design studio Gio Forma, the hotel integrates historic railway structures with tranquil, modern spaces

At the core of The Chedi Hegra’s architectural identity is a dedication to blending heritage with contemporary design. Led by the Milan-based design studio Gio Forma, the project integrates historic railway structures with tranquil, modern spaces. A standout feature is the Shadow Canopy, or Lamellae – a 700-metre-long design marvel that bridges the historic railway tracks with serene, shaded areas for exploration and reflection. Inside, curated art collections and immersive installations further enhance the connection between the past and present. Among the highlights is Silent Witnesses of the Past by Monika Sosnowska, a poignant piece crafted from repurposed steel rails from the historic Hegra Railway.

“The opening of The Chedi Hegra represents a significant milestone in AlUla’s transformation into a global cultural destination,” remarked Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer of the Royal Commission for AlUla. “This boutique property epitomises sustainable place-making while preserving the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.” The Chedi Hegra features 35 meticulously restored rooms, suites and villas, each offering breathtaking views of the desert’s necropolis and rock formations. Many of these spaces are housed in the original railway buildings, showcasing preserved stone walls and architectural features that resonate with the site’s history. Thoughtful design touches, such as private terraces and plunge pools, create an intimate connection to the surrounding landscape, while interiors draw inspiration from Nabataean heritage. Dining at The Chedi Hegra is a sensory journey, blending local flavours with international finesse. Prima Classe, located in the historic train station, serves Mediterranean dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. By night, the space transforms into the elegant Golden Hour Lounge, where guests can savour the desert sunset alongside the restored Locomotive 964, an original 1906 model that once graced the Hajj route.

Guests at The Chedi Hegra can explore AlUla’s rich heritage through guided tours, wildlife excursions and peaceful walks through desert-inspired gardens. Plans for a tram system beneath the Shadow Canopy promise to enhance possibilities for exploration.

For those seeking rejuvenation, the hotel offers a villa spa featuring treatments inspired by local ingredients, such as dates and moringa. A larger wellness centre, opening soon in a historic mud-brick villa, will include saunas, steam rooms and a sprawling outdoor pool – the largest in Hegra.

With its seamless integration of history, design and luxury, The Chedi Hegra offers a truly unique stay amidst one of the world’s most storied regions. It redefines the boundaries of experiential travel, inviting guests to be part of a living narrative where ancient heritage meets modern sophistication.

Read more features here.

The Latest

Design Take: Inside the Royal Suite at Jumeirah Al Naseem

With sweeping views of the ocean and Burj Al Arab, this two bedroom royal suite offers a lush stay.

Elevated Living

Designed by La Bottega Interiors, this penthouse at the Delano Dubai echoes soft minimalism

Quiet Luxury

Studio SuCo transforms a villa in Dubailand into a refined home

Contrasting Textures

Located in Al Barari and designed by BONE Studio, this home provides both openness and intimacy through the unique use of materials

Stillness, Form and Function

Yasmin Farahmandy of Y Design Interior has designed a home for a creative from the film industry

From Private to Public

How ELE Interior is reshaping hospitality and commercial spaces around the world – while staying unmistakably itself

A collaborative design journey

A Life By Design (ALBD) Group and Condor Developers have collaborated on some standout spaces in Dubai

Ahmed Bukhash podcast

New Episode: In Design With: Ahmed Bukhash

Watch the latest episode on In Design With.

Highlights of the Biennale Architettura 2025

We shine a light on the pavilions from the Arab world at the Venice Architecture Biennale, on display until Sunday 23 November 2025

Read ‘Bold Design’ – Note from the editor – July/August 2025

Read identity magazine's July/August 2025 edition on ISSUU or grab your copy at the newsstands.

Things to Covet

Elevate your spaces with a pop of colour through these unique pieces

Designing Spaces with Purpose and Passion

We interview Andrea Savage from A Life By Design – Living & Branding on creating aesthetically beautiful and deeply functional spaces