Here are five ways it’s shaping the future of food in this lush oasis in north-west Saudi Arabia.
- Celebrating the fundamentals of food
The slow food movement emphasises seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, which aligns perfectly with AlUla’s deep-rooted food heritage. At the Dadan Culinary Arts Centre, traditional cooking methods and time-honoured recipes are revived, ensuring local flavours and techniques are preserved even as the city grows as a premium destination for dining.
In the spirit of Saudi hospitality and the warmth, AlUla invites travellers to slow down and savour each bite of every meal. Whether enjoying a picnic of fresh produce and items picked from the Dadan Farmers Market or dining at the Centre’s Diyar Restaurant, AlUla encourages a deeper appreciation for food, where it comes from, how it’s prepared, and the people behind it. - Supporting farmers and sustainable agri-tourism
The Dadan Farmers Market, held every weekend, showcases the oasis’s agricultural abundance, from fresh dates, grown across millions of palm trees, to fragrant citrus fruits and organic vegetables. Every purchase directly supports local farmers, strengthening AlUla’s farm-to-table economy and fostering a closer connection between producers and consumers.