Saudi Arabia: Alula's story-tellers promoting region's rich cultural heritage
At the historic crossroads of
ancient trade routes, AlUla has long served as a meeting point of
civilizations. Today, that legacy is being reimagined for the future—through
the transformative power of storytelling.
In June 2025, AlUla hosted its
first-ever intercultural competence workshop, organized by UNESCO in
partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). At the heart of the
program were three local storytellers—Alhanouf, Amal, and Atif—known as Rawis,
a term rooted in Arabic tradition that means “storyteller.” These cultural
ambassadors are guardians of AlUla’s rich heritage, but their roles are
evolving beyond guiding visitors through historical sites.
After attending a UNESCO-led
intercultural training workshop for museum and heritage professionals at UNESCO
Headquarters in February 2025, the Rawis returned to AlUla with a mission: to
ignite dialogue and promote cultural understanding within their own community.
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The workshop brought together 30 RCU
team members across various departments, including Rawis, Heritage Rangers,
intangible cultural heritage specialists, visitor center staff, and site
operations teams. Led by expert facilitators, the sessions focused on the key
elements of intercultural competence—listening without judgment, reflecting on
personal biases, cultivating empathy, and respecting differing perspectives.
More than a training exercise, the
workshop introduced participants to UNESCO’s Story Circles practice—an
approach inspired by ancient oral traditions. In small groups, individuals
shared personal stories, using narrative as a bridge across cultures. Through
this shared experience, participants discovered common emotions and values,
reinforcing a sense of human connection that transcends borders.
For Alhanouf, the experience was
both meaningful and visionary:
“By fostering a safe space for
everyone, we can enhance AlUla’s potential as a global destination. The
techniques we have introduced — like Story Circles — can easily be implemented
in schools, universities, and workplaces across AlUla. I envision a future
where the younger generation thrives in an inclusive environment, contributing
to a vibrant community for all.”
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Looking ahead, UNESCO and RCU are
preparing to expand the initiative. A new visitor experience centered on
intercultural dialogue is set to debut during the upcoming Winter at Tantora
festival in AlUla’s historic Old Town. Visitors will not only explore ancient
landmarks but also take part in Story Circles—engaging in meaningful
conversations and forming authentic connections with the people of AlUla.
The impact is expected to reach far
beyond the festival. UNESCO is developing a set of guidance materials for
museums and heritage institutions worldwide, offering practical tools to foster
intercultural learning and empathy.
From the stone-carved tombs of Hegra
to the living voices of the Rawis, AlUla continues to write a story where
heritage and humanity intertwine. It’s a story that reminds us that every voice
matters—and that this ancient desert remains a timeless meeting ground for hearts
and cultures alike.
Source: UNESCO
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