Set against the backdrop of Hegra’s iconic rock formations, The Chedi Hegra combines cultural immersion with refined luxury.
AlUla, 4 December 2024 – The Chedi Hegra officially opens its doors at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra, inviting guests to experience an unparalleled fusion of history, luxury, and cultural immersion. Built out of the ruins of the Hegra Train station and set amidst the ancient Nabataean city surrounded by several other ancient heritage sites, The Chedi Hegra promises an exceptional journey that connects travellers to the rich heritage and captivating beauty of AlUla.
Hegra, located in Northwest Saudi Arabia, dates to the 1st century BCE and was once a major city along the historic Incense Road. The railway route, constructed in 1907 under the supervision of German engineer Heinrich Meissner, served as an important link from Medina to Damascus, facilitating the movement of pilgrims and goods. With 200,000 years of human history and its remarkable heritage, the AlUla region is a significant hub of cultural and historical discovery. The Chedi Hegra, preserves the original railway structures, seamlessly blending the past with a tranquil modern experience.
The architecture and interiors of The Chedi Hegra, led by Milan based design and architecture studio, Gio Forma, harmonize historical elements with contemporary sophistication, capturing the unique character of this extraordinary location. A central feature of the property is the Shadow Canopy, known as Lamellae—a 700-meter-long structure that unites historic railway tracks with modern design, creating a serene space for reflection and exploration. Guests are invited to embark on an artistic journey where the surrounding landscape serves as a canvas for immersive experiences. Curated art collections, including a gallery at the Hegra Railway, will be displayed to showcase handcrafted historical pieces.
Art at The Chedi Hegra serves as a bridge between the past and present, bringing Hegra’s rich story to life. The hotel offers guests an immersive artistic journey through the region’s history, creating a space where culture and design merge effortlessly. One of the key highlights is Silent Witnesses of the Past by Monika Sosnowska, an evocative installation crafted from repurposed steel rails from the Hegra Railway.
“We are delighted to welcome guests to The Chedi Hegra, a landmark destination that celebrates AlUla’s incredible history while providing an unparalleled luxury experience,” said Mahmoud Sakr, General Manager at The Chedi Hegra. “Our vision is to create a retreat where visitors can explore the wonders of Hegra, immerse in the finest hospitality, and connect with the soul of this extraordinary region.”
“The opening of The Chedi Hegra represents a significant moment in the ongoing development of AlUla as a must-visit heritage and cultural destination. This unique property, conceived from the ruins and romance of one of history’s most significant rail routes, offers visitors the rare opportunity to experience the UNESCO site of Hegra at all the most magical hours. This boutique property is the epitome of AlUla’s vison to be a leading tourism destination that prioritises sustainable place-making and preserves the culture and natural beauty of the region. We are excited to see The Chedi Hegra become an integral part of AlUla’s journey,” said Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer, Royal Commission for AlUla.
The Chedi Hegra features 35 thoughtfully restored rooms, suites, and villas, offering stunning views of the surrounding desert including the necropolis and nature-carved rock formations. The limited number of rooms reflects the hotel’s commitment to preserving the original structures, with many rooms created from existing buildings on-site, incorporating original stone walls and historic architectural features. This approach maintains the integrity of the original structures, blending their timeless craftsmanship with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy private terraces, plunge pools, and interiors inspired by the rich heritage of the Nabataeans, seamlessly connecting with the surrounding natural landscape.
Dining at The Chedi Hegra is an experience in itself, with sophisticated options that celebrate both local and international flavours. Prima Classe, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, is housed in the historic train station and serves Mediterranean cuisine crafted with locally sourced ingredients. In the evening, it transforms into the elegant Golden Hour Lounge, where guests can unwind while watching the desert sunset and admire the restored Locomotive 964, an original 2-6-0 model crafted by the Arnold Jung Lokomotivfabrik in 1906. This rare locomotive, which ran along the Hajj route until the 1920s, underwent a meticulous, year-long restoration process, involving over 15,000 man-hours. For a more casual yet refined experience, the Al Mahattah Lounge offers international cuisine, gourmet bites, and a luxurious high-tea service, accompanied by tales from Rawi, the in-house storyteller. Guests can also visit the Saudi Coffee House, where they can immerse themselves in Saudi coffee culture through interactive workshops on brewing, roasting, and cup decoration, while savouring authentic Saudi coffee. Looking ahead to 2025, The Chedi Hegra will introduce an exceptional array of dining experiences, further elevating its culinary offerings. Al Mokhtasar will offer romantic dinners and themed feasts like “Madfoon,” accompanied by live entertainment and storytelling. Al Qala’ah will feature fine dining with private rooms, a rooftop, and a terrace overlooking the desert. Al Mawrid will provide a starlit dining experience, blending culinary artistry with the magic of Hegra’s night skies.
Beyond the hotel’s luxurious offerings, guests can dive into the rich heritage of AlUla with a variety of curated experiences. From guided tours of the UNESCO site to exploring Hegra Wildlife and Nature, visitors can witness the natural beauty of a sanctuary that protects endangered species like the Arabian Oryx, Gazelles, and Nubian Ibex. The property’s desert-inspired gardens and pathways offer a peaceful setting for relaxation, with plans to introduce a tram system beneath the Shadow Canopy at a later stage to enhance exploration across the expansive property.
Wellness is central to The Chedi Hegra experience. A dedicated villa with spa facilities, including a private pool, is currently available, offering signature treatments inspired by AlUla’s natural ingredients such as dates, rosemary, and moringa. Additionally, a 1,200-square-meter spa and wellness centre housed in a historic mud-brick villa is set to open in the coming months, featuring saunas, steam rooms, and post-treatment relaxation areas. The Pool & Fitness Centre will complement the wellness offering with the largest outdoor pool in Hegra, fitness rooms, and versatile studios for personalized workouts or group classes.
Managed by General Hotel Management Ltd. (GHM), The Chedi Hegra marks a significant milestone in GHM’s global expansion and its debut in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. GHM’s plans align with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s Vision 2030, reflecting a shared commitment to transforming Saudi Arabia into a global destination for cultural and sustainable tourism. With its presence in Saudi Arabia, GHM aims to elevate the luxury hospitality industry in the region by delivering unparalleled service and experiences.
The Chedi Hegra redefines luxury in Saudi Arabia, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the extraordinary cultural, natural, and historical beauty of AlUla, while enjoying GHM’s renowned hospitality and service. With its unique location within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Chedi Hegra offers a rare opportunity to stay amidst a cultural treasure, blending comfort with a deeply meaningful connection to one of the world’s most storied regions.
About The Chedi Hegra
A luxury GHM resort, The Chedi Hegra is located within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra, AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Set amidst the ancient Nabataean city and striking rock formations, the 35-key resort offers guests a unique blend of history and modern luxury. With views of the desert landscape, The Chedi Hegra features fine dining at Prima Classe, housed in a transformed train station along a historic railway, and a variety of immersive experiences that celebrate local culture and heritage. The resort provides exclusive access to AlUla’s natural reserves and curated wellness programs, including a signature spa inspired by the region’s natural elements. The Chedi Hegra offers a secluded, culturally rich escape where ancient history meets refined hospitality, promising guests an unforgettable Stay to Remember.
About GHM
Since 1992, General Hotel Management Ltd (GHM) has been melding the refined grandeur of contemporary Asian designs with local character for inspired, memorable spaces showcasing the best each destination has to offer and providing guests with a true style to remember. Under its legendary portfolio, GHM conceptualises, develops and operates some of the world’s most exceptional luxury hotels and resorts; each property being a distinct original that welcomes an unrivalled lifestyle experience.
GHM’s exclusive portfolio includes The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, UAE; The Chedi Muscat, Oman; The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland; The Chedi Hotel and Residences Luštica Bay, Montenegro; The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort, Doha, Qatar; and The Chedi El Gouna, Red Sea, Egypt. As part of the brand’s plans to continue its legacy globally, GHM currently has numerous projects in the pipeline, including The Chedi Wadi Safar and The Chedi Trojena in Saudi Arabia.
About AlUla
Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km2, includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned.
The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and is comprised of 111 well-preserved tombs, many with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement.
Current research also suggests Hegra was the most southern outpost of the Roman Empire after the Roman’s conquered the Nabataeans in 106 CE.
In addition to Hegra, AlUla is also home to ancient Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms and considered to be one of the most developed 1st millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula, and Jabal Ikmah, an open-air library of hundreds of inscriptions and writings in many different languages, which has been recently listed on the UNESCO’s memory of the World Register. Also AlUla Old Town Village, a labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes developed from at least the 12th century, which has been selected as one of the World’s Best Tourism Villages in 2022 by the UNWTO.
