The historic AlUla Oasis, one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent heritage and cultural destinations, witnessed the conclusion of the fourth edition of the AlUla Trail Run, which attracted more than 1,500 runners from 44 countries around the world. This international sporting event reinforces AlUla’s growing prominence on the global endurance sports map and presents a unique model of integrating athletic challenge with the beauty of the desert landscape and the depth of human heritage dating back thousands of years.
Historical background and strategic context
AlUla is more than just a racecourse; it's an open-air museum that tells chapters of ancient history. Renowned as a key stop on the ancient Incense Route, the region was home to kingdoms such as Dadan, Lihyan, and the Nabataeans, who left their indelible mark on Hegra (Madain Saleh), the first Saudi site to be inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. This race aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the national economy and bolster the tourism, sports, and entertainment sectors. The Royal Commission for AlUla is working to transform the region into a leading global destination for sustainable tourism while preserving its natural and archaeological treasures.
A sporting challenge across unique terrain
The race routes varied to suit different fitness levels and ages, encompassing six different categories, from a 1.6km children's race and short and middle-distance races to the ultimate challenge of a 100km ultramarathon. This diversity provided an opportunity for both professionals and amateurs to test their abilities in an exceptional environment. The routes wound through stunning terrain, passing towering sandstone formations, vast desert valleys, and iconic landmarks such as Elephant Rock and the Maraya Conservatory, offering participants an unforgettable sensory and athletic experience where the thrill of exertion blended with the allure of history.
Importance and expected impact
The success of the Darb AlUla race is of multifaceted importance. Locally , the event contributes to boosting the local economy by increasing hotel occupancy and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, while also inspiring the local community to adopt healthy and active lifestyles. Regionally and internationally , the race reinforces the Kingdom's position as a hub capable of hosting world-class sporting events and showcases the country's remarkable development. It also serves as an effective marketing tool, attracting tourists from around the world seeking experiences that combine adventure, culture, and exploration.
Commenting on the event's success, Ziad Al-Suhaibani, CEO of the Sports Sector at the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate, said: “The AlUla Trail is unique in its ability to attract international athletes of all ages to our beloved governorate, in an exceptional sporting spectacle that combines challenge with the beauty of nature. With this remarkable turnout of passionate runners who successfully achieved their goals along our stunning trails, we extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this year's edition, which clearly embodies the power of community sports and its positive impact.”
It is worth noting that the Darb AlUla race is part of the “AlUla Moments” calendar 2025/2026, which includes a range of sporting, cultural and artistic events throughout the year, including the “AlUla Tour” cycling race (January 27–31, 2026) and the “AlFursan Endurance Cup” (February 7–8, 2026), which confirms the continuation of the sporting momentum in this promising global destination.
