Located in the heart of AIUIa’s Old Town, the 30-room boutique eco-community is the world’s first property built entirely using traditional earth construction techniques and materials.
Designed in collaboration with renowned Egyptian architect Shahira Fahmy, it uses the southern end of the Old Town heritage site, repurposing surviving homes into exquisite multi-level accommodations.
AlUla boasts a history spanning 7,000 years as a crossroads along the ancient Incense Road trade route. The Old Town was established in the Islamic era as a respite for pilgrims traveling to Mecca, with its shady palm oasis and plentiful wells.
In building Dar Tantora, Fahmy worked closely with local craftspeople to restore the original 12th-century structures using traditional mud bricks, stonework and intricate murals. These vibrant wall paintings depict local flora, fauna and cultural motifs, reviving the celebratory art that once adorned newlywed homes.
Sustainability is at the core of the low-impact property, which is lit by candlelight and relies on restored irrigation and ventilation systems to minimise energy use. The restaurant, JOONTOS, sources ingredients from local AlUla farms and implements a zero-waste philosophy.
