The Hijaz Railway Station at AlUla is located within the Wadi AlQura, a famous ancient valley. Since then, AlUla has been a famous place to explore, travel, and immerse in history and heritage. Human civilization started to settle in AlUla due to its significant location on the vibrant Hajj route and trade route. The AlUla region was inhabited by many ancient civilizations in the past, including Dedanites and Lihyanites, who left various archaeological remains.

The region was inhabited by several ancient civilizations in the past., including the Dedanites and Lihyanites, who left behind inscriptions and archaeological remnants. AlUla's significance is not limited to the past. Today, AlUla is more famous because of its rich archeological discoveries and cultural initiatives. In recent years, many activities have shown that the archeological department has renewed its focus on preserving and displaying AlUl's aesthetic, historical, and archaeological treasures. Great importance has been given to preserving the historical trade routes, and they were well-maintained for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims who wished to see old Arabic remanents with forts, watchtowers, and water sources.

AlUla Railway Station stands out among the other 32 railway stations of Hijaz Railway, and is known as one of the key stations of Hijaz. In 1326 AH (1907 AD), chieftains of AlUla warmly received the first railway trip that arrived at the Hijaz station. The Hijaz railway station had a rail system that entered from northwest of Saudi Arabia from Turkey and Syria. Pilgrims from these countries are used to embark on Hajj and Umrah journeys through this route. The marks of the old railway station can be found, and the archeological department is working to preserve the historical remnant. The last station of the Hijaz railway was Madinah. Nowadays, a high-speed railway system is running between Makkah and Madinah, transporting pilgrims in just 2 hours.

Hijaz Railway

The main purpose of building the Hijaz railway was to serve the two Holy Mosques, Masjid Al Haram in Makkah and Masjid E Nabwi in Madinah, and provide a modern means to transport Pilgrims who came from Asia. The glory of the Hijaz railway station was destroyed during World War I; Today, some of its railroads are operatives while the high-speed rail line is transferring passengers between Makkah and Madinah. Today, UNESCO has included both the Syrian Hajj Road and the Hijaz Railway in the Tentative List for World Heritage. Hijaz railway construction began in 1900, with progress made in taking rail lines to Madinah, and the project was completed in 1908. Hijaz Railway expanded its system, reaching Damascus, and started operation in 1913. The project faces serious setbacks and interruptions during World War I, forcing authorities to think of an alternative plan for the extensive rail network.

AlUla Station Museum (The Living Museum)

Archeological activities and deep digging unearthed archeological findings in Saudi Arabia that show Human civilization flourished there for more than 200,000 years. Among these discoveries, archeologists found tools made of stone dating back to the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic periods in AlUla. The discoveries of rock art and monumental stone structures provide valuable insights into the living styles and experiences of people in later prehistoric times.

Booking Hajj and Umrah packages and exploring the living Museum Of AlUla provides a unique opportunity for tourists to explore ancient and historical evidence as you walk by the preserved engines (wagons), where an intricate inscription of the name "Hijaz" is elegantly displayed on the wheels of the wagon. Within this captivating historical monument, many acquisitions and monuments from Damascus to Madinah are preserved, offering a tangible link to the past.

Delving into the Living Museum AlUla Station Museum allows you to explore the narratives of historical figures and the ancient stories that lie behind this continuing project, providing a rich and immersive understanding of AlUla Station Museum's significance.

Hegra Fort

Hegra Fort was built between 1908-1910 to serve as a border fort and a defense wall against Swedish invasion threats and to provide a safe passage to travelers. This fort is situated at the southern end of the Hijaz Railway Station. A series of tunnels, bunkers, and artillery positions increased the significance of this fort. The main tunnel is a long tunnel that extends over 600 meters and is used to stack ammunition and supplies. The fort also had various posts to track the activities and monitor the surrounding areas. Hegra Fortress played a significant role during World War II, where Norwegian soldiers with one woman held a German attack for 25 days. The battle offered a major boost in the morale of the Norwegian people and helped stop the German invasion. After the war, the fort was returned to Norwegian control. Hegra Fortress now serves as a museum and is a popular tourist destination.

Near the Hegra Fort reservoir, the Hijaz railway dual water tower stands as a symbol of strategic planning, saving tons of water supply. This strategic planning of water storage not only helped to refill steam engines but also provided a vibrant marketplace for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Here, amid the shadow of the fort, pilgrims had the opportunity to acquire an array of fresh produce, such as juicy oranges, zesty lemons, and succulent dates. The water tower thus became a hub not just for logistical needs but also for the exchange of goods, enhancing the overall experience for those undertaking the pilgrimage.

Hegra Fort was also used by Hijaz Railway's telegraph staff to make seamless communication arrangements along the tracks. Detailed inscriptions by foreign explorers in the late 1800s and early 1900s add an important layer to the context. The detailed descriptions highlight the presence of a small garden located to the east and south of the fort decorated with flourishing pomegranate trees and stately date palms. This lush oasis not only enhanced the beauty of the surrounding areas of Hegra Fort, but also provided a source of provisions and space to inhale fresh air for those within the fort. Being part of Hijaz Railway Station, Hegra Fort is also undergoing renovations; therefore, it is closed for public visits nowadays.