Designed by GioForma and aiming for a 2027 opening, NUMAJ, an Autograph Collection Hotel in AlUla is slated to be a new hospitality landmark that signals the transition from leading conceptual designs to physical execution for the Public Investment Fund-backed AlUla Development Company (UDC).
Marking a new chapter for the AlUla Development Company (UDC), once completed, this property will be a 250-key hospitality experience that is as much about cultural immersion as it is about luxury. During a ceremony attended by leadership from both UDC and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), the project was unveiled not merely as a development, but as a destination designed to harmonise with the soul of the desert.
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Everything we know about NUMAJ, Autograph Collection
Opening its doors in 2027 under the prestigious Autograph Collection by Marriott, NUMAJ will offer a highly curated stay centred on refined resort living.
Slated to be the first Autograph Collection hotel in the region, NUMAJ's identity is inspired by the Nu Ursae Majoris star system. This star system is a constellation that served as a guiding light for the ancient travellers who once traversed this historic region and used the stars as guides. This theme of "celestial guidance" is brought to life by GioForma, the architectural firm responsible for the iconic, mirrored Maraya.
Rather than imposing upon the landscape, NUMAJ is designed to be an extension of it. The hotel's architecture will embrace the natural interplay of light and shadow, using fluid lines and earthen textures to create a sense of discovery at every turn. It is expected that its well-curated design will encourage guests to slow down and reconnect with the land. Its also important to note that NUMAJ is being built and developed with a deep respect for the environment it inhabits, targeting LEED Gold certification. The resort’s commitment to sustainability is woven into its service and operations, featuring water-efficient landscaping and the reuse of water for its lush, desert-adapted gardens.
Every element of the guest journey is set to be intentionally crafted to reflect AlUla’s unique identity:
- Five distinct dining venues will offer guest's a diverse range flavour profiles, from high-concept fine dining to relaxed, open-air dining experiences that celebrate local ingredients.
- The hotel's comprehensive wellness and spa sanctuary will provide treatments inspired by regional traditions, offering a space for restorative escape.
- Integrated leisure and social spaces will host storytelling and artistic programs, bridging the gap between the modern traveller and the region’s ancient heritage.
A defining feature of the guest experience will be the resort’s adherence to the AlUla Dark Sky policy. By utilising energy-conscious, low-impact lighting, NUMAJ ensures that the majesty of the night sky remains unobstructed. Here, hospitality doesn't end at the hotel walls — it extends upward to the stars, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience the desert exactly as the ancient travellers did.
AlUla's Supporting Position for Vision 2030
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by senior officials, including John Pagano, Managing Director of UDC, and Abeer AlAkel, CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). The project represents the region's move towards delivering high-quality, investment-ready assets that support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the continued transformation of AlUla.
As a cornerstone of AlUla’s masterplan, NUMAJ is more than a hotel; it is a vital part of a growing, vibrant community. By blending global hospitality standards with local authenticity, the project supports a new era of sustainable tourism in Saudi Arabia. It stands as a testament to AlUla's future — a place where world-class luxury and a 200,000-year-old human legacy live in perfect, hospitable balance.
NUMAJ, an Autograph Collection Hotel by Marriott International is slated to open in AlUla in 2027
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