Morning rays, fresh juice, and a new season of discovery
With the rising sun casting long shadows across Hegra, we gear up for another day of hands-on work in AlUla’s breathtaking landscape. This season, it’s all about getting practical: technical tests, precise measurements, and customised methodologies designed to uncover how the ancient materials respond to modern conservation methods.
These activities are the backbone of a scientific approach we’re using to shape a tailored preservation plan for Hegra’s iconic tombs. It’s less about grand discoveries this time and more about understanding the small details—data that will guide every decision we make moving forward.
Spending more time on site means we’ve had to adjust our routines, and let’s be honest, a mid-morning coffee break is non-negotiable. Our favourite spot? The visitor centre. It’s where we recharge with fresh juice and biscuits, catch up with the incredible team that manages the site, and exchange insights about the work ahead. These moments of connection are as refreshing as the snacks—and just as essential for getting through the day.
Every test we run and every break we take feels like another thread woven into the tapestry of Hegra’s preservation story.
Sharing stories under the desert sun
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is the opportunity to present our project to the guests hosted by the Royal Commission for AlUla. These moments allow us to share Hegra’s fascinating history and highlight the importance of preserving its cultural value. Thanks to the RCU, we can engage with major international institutions and organisations, helping to emphasise the global significance of this extraordinary site. It’s a privilege to contribute to raising awareness and ensuring Hegra’s story continues to be told.
Enough work—let’s talk food!
This month, our free time came with a delicious highlight: making arancine! We gathered with fellow Italians working on other projects in AlUla, along with some international friends, for a hands-on workshop dedicated to Sicily’s beloved rice-based dish. With a few Palermitans in the group, there was no room for debate—we made the feminine version of this delicacy: arancina, not arancino (the term used by folks from eastern Sicily).
After a feast of perfectly fried arancine, we capped off the evening with a hot-out-of-the-oven mango jam New York cheesecake. Sure, we could’ve let it cool down, but patience wasn’t on the menu that night!
A wellness journey in the heart of AlUla
AlUla’s experience and activity team never fails to impress. They’re always coming up with amazing ideas for tourists to enjoy their stay and for locals to step away from routine. This month, they outdid themselves with the Wellness Festival, a perfect chance to unwind and dive into new hobbies.
We dove right in, starting with yoga sessions that left us feeling grounded and serene. Then came the hands-on fun: shaping pottery to take home, discovering the delicate art of embroidery, and even attempting some jewellery-making. Our creativity got the best of us—what began as rings quickly transformed into bracelets! It was a refreshing, laughter-filled experience that reminded us how important it is to pause, play, and create.
Desert nights and a rainbow of memories
This month’s gold medal for best excursion definitely goes to Rainbow Rock. This stunning, rainbow-shaped rock formation is the perfect spot for friends to gather and unwind under the moonlight. So deep in the desert and far from city lights, the moonlight was almost too strong that night—its brightness made it harder to enjoy the stars, though we’re not really complaining.
On our way back, we stumbled upon a quirky roadside shopping spot that was impossible to resist. With everything from carpets and vases to jewellery and homemade jam, it was the perfect chance to rummage through endless treasures and take a bit of AlUla’s charm back home.
