Alula: In recent years, AlUla has emerged as one of the prominent destinations for film tourism, capitalizing on its geographic diversity and the richness of its natural and historical sites, which have served as open-air sets attracting filmmakers from around the world and transforming the cinematic shot from a purely artistic scene into a genuine driver for visitation and exploration.
According to Saudi Press Agency, films and television series have become influential factors in shaping travel choices, as visual productions highlight destinations and showcase their unique landscapes and details. This trend has been reflected in AlUla, which has witnessed growing interest in filming locations for local and international productions, offering visitors an experience that combines watching a production with visiting its real-world setting within the context of film tourism.
AlUla has recorded increasing activity in the audiovisual production sector over recent years. In 2025 alone, 83 productions were filmed, including feature films, documentaries, television programs, commercials, music videos, and short films. In 2024, the governorate hosted 85 audiovisual projects, comprising feature-length films, reality programs, documentaries, and advertising works, underscoring sustained production momentum in the area.
The list of productions filmed in AlUla recently includes prominent cinematic works, among them Saudi films screened at international festivals, productions that opened local festivals, and major global projects. These have helped cement AlUla's position as a preferred filming location while increasing the participation of national talent within production crews.
These productions form part of an integrated ecosystem led by Film AlUla, which aims to develop the film industry and link it with the tourism sector by providing a supportive infrastructure that includes natural filming locations and comprehensive regulatory and logistical services, in addition to enabling filmmakers to carry out various stages of production within the governorate.
AlUla Studios represent one of the most important enablers of this ecosystem, serving as a fully integrated production facility featuring world-class soundstages and sound studios, designated outdoor backlot areas, set construction workshops, and customizable workspaces and production offices. The complex also includes supporting facilities such as dressing, makeup, and costume rooms, as well as an advanced recording studio, enabling seamless filming, recording, and post-production in an environment that combines technical readiness with the surrounding natural beauty.
This cinematic momentum has been reflected in AlUla's tourism landscape, as filmed works have raised awareness of its natural and historical sites, transforming them into visit-worthy destinations, integrating tourism with creative industries, and supporting a tourism model driven by cultural and visual content.