The ancient oasis city that is now a £1300 a night luxury holiday destination

A Gulf state is hoping to transform its country’s tourism industry to turn its cities into a popular holiday hotspot for European travellers.

With the success of Dubai and Abu Dhabi reimagination into a bucket list destination for many, other oil rich nations are looking to imitate their success, and one might just have the money to do so.

Since 2019, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, once one of the least travelled to countries on Earth, has gone all in on developing an almost non-existent tourism industry.

In 2019, the Kingdom opened up the country to non-religious visitors and has since invested billions of pounds to kickstart its fledgling enterprise.

The Kingdom possesses a wealth of history, culture and civilization that could give it an advantage as it develops into a tourism hotspot.

In Saudi Arabia’s northwestern Medina Province, a 2,000-year-old oasis city has been revamped to turn it into an extravagant retreat where private tented villas boast stunning views for around £1,300 per night.

It is on one of its many historical sites that the Kingdom has established a high-end, luxury resort which it believes could prove irresistible to the rich and famous.

The resort, named AlUla, looks out over the Ashar Valley and is so big that guests are provided with an electric bike to get around.

Guests have everything that they could possibly wish for at their fingertips for the duration of their stay.

The resort provides luxury infinity pools, Michelin-star restaurants and a range of Middle Eastern wellness treatments.

Music fans have the option of unwinding after a long day of sun-soaking by visiting the mesmerising Maraya concert hall, the largest mirrored building in the world which has already hosted global stars such as Usher, Alicia Keys and John Lennon.

There are a range of activities for guests to enjoy, from luxury star gazing to and visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

Those hoping to enjoy a glass of wine over dinner or a poolside beer, however, will be left disappointed as strict prohibition on alcohol remains in place, despite relaxation in female dress standards and removal of laws around women driving.

Perhaps one to keep in mind for a post-Christmas getaway tied in with dry-January.