AlUla Film Production Guide by AlUla

PRODUCTION

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PART 1 WELCOME TO ALULA PART 2 GUIDE TO ALULA’S CIVILISATIONS

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Part 2.1 Dadan

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Part 2.2 Hegra

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Part 2.3 The Old Town

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Part 2.4 New AlUla

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Part 2.5 Beyond AlUla

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PART 3 INTRODUCTION TO FILM ALULA

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Part 3.1 The Royal Commission for AlUla

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Part 3.2 The Royal Commission for AlUla Projects

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Part 3.3 Filmmaking in Saudi Arabia

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Part 3.4 Landscape

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PART 4 WORKING IN SAUDI ARABIA

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Part 4.1 Incentives

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Part 4.2 Filming Permits

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PART 5 INTERVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS

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PART 6 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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ALULA

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WELCOME

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LOCATED IN THE NORTH-WEST REGION OF SAUDI ARABIA, ALULA COUNTY IS AN EXTRAORDINARY AREA OF UNTOUCHED WILDERNESS AND NATURAL BEAUTY THAT FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS WAS AN IMPORTANT CROSSROADS FOR ANCIENT CIVILISATIONS.

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FOR YEARS THIS REGION HAS REMAINED LARGELY HIDDEN, VAST, AND UNDISTURBED WILDERNESS. ITS REMOTENESS HAS ENSURED MUCH HAS REMAINED UNTOUCHED IN THE MODERN ERA.

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BREATH-TAKING ROCK FORMATIONS, VOLCANIC CRATERS, LUSCIOUS OASIS AND VAST SANDSTONE CANYONS

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AREA OF ALULA 22,561KM

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3 VOLCANOES

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5 SUCCESSIVE CIVILISATIONS WITH OVER 100 TOMBS

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ALULA OFFERS FILMMAKERS A REGION OF PRISTINE LANDSCAPES THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN SEEN ON SCREEN. THE EXTRAORDINARY SWEEPING VISTAS ARE THE PERFECT BACKDROP FOR A WIDE GENRE OF FILMS SUCH AS HISTORICAL EPICS, FANTASY ADVENTURES, EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL WORLDS, AND DRAMATIC WAR MOVIES.

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A L U L A

A UNIQUE PLACE

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In the ancient world, AlUla was positioned on the incense route from Southern Arabia into Egypt, Mesopotamia, ancient Rome, and the Mediterranean and became an important area for commercial and cultural exchange. The ancient Arabian Kingdoms of Dadan, Lihyan, and Nabatea successively established seats of power and major cities in AlUla from the first millennium BCE to the early first millennium CE. The combination of fertile soil and readily available water enabled the population to flourish.

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OASIS

AN ANCIENT WORLD

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HEGRA

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The spectacular landscapes present the backdrop for a diverse array of locations, different countries, and cities, or even another period in time. The vast wilderness terrain offers an endless list of locations, such as Afghanistan or Iraq in one scene and a medieval Arabian city in the next. Or a stunning Arabian oasis dense with lush vegetation or fictional planets that transport audiences to a world far away. This vast scope of environments provides filmmakers with an impressive and unique collection of filming locations making it the number one choice in the region for international and local productions.

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Our most famous heritage site is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site of an ancient Nabataean city surrounded by over 100 monumental, beautiful and well-preserved tombs with elaborate facades cut into the natural sandstone rock outcrops.

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FILM ALULA LOOKS FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU TO THE REGION

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C I V I L I Z A T I O N S A L U L A ’ S T O

ALULA’S CIVILISATIONS

Over thousands of years, multiple societies have travelled through AlUla’s valley and have made AlUla their home. Major settlements included the capital city of Dadan, the seat of power for the Kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan, the prosperous city of Hegra for the Nabataeans, and an outpost of the Roman Empire.

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Rock art or petroglyphs are found across AlUla depicting hunting and other scenes with animals that inhabited AlUla thousands of years ago. Many of these animals are now extinct in the region, giving us fascinating insights into the environment of AlUla’s past.

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Evidence for the earliest human activity in AlUla dates back approximately 200,000 years ago in the form of prehistoric stone tools. In later prehistory, enigmatic funerary structures were constructed across AlUla and particularly on the harrat lava fields. Many prehistoric tombs feature stone wall “tails” that form circle and pendant shapes in the landscape. Funerary avenues forming paths through groups of tombs can also be identified along with henges dating to the Neolithic and Bronze Age.

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Excavations at the site of Dadan and contemporary sites such as Umm Daraj have so far revealed impressive temples or sanctuaries, indicating a strong religious aspect to these ancient societies. Pilgrimage is a key element of the inscriptions found at Jabal Ikmah, its majority of which also date to this period.

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Dadan was the capital for both the Dadanite and later the Lihyanite Kingdom, and became a pivotal hub on the incense route linking the Southern Arabian kingdoms to the markets in Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Mediterranean world, and beyond.

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HEGRA P A R T

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AlUla’s position on these important routes drew the attention of the Nabataeans, who settled in Hegra during the early first century BCE. Hegra was likely the most significant city of the Nabataean Kingdom after its capital at Petra and was important for its control of the incense routes. The most visible evidence for the Nabataeans is the monumental tomb facades carved into the area’s dramatic sandstone outcrops.

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Construction of the famous Hijaz Railway began in 1900 and aimed to connect the Islamic Holy City of Makkah to Damascus and on to Constantinople (modern Istanbul).

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THE HIJAZ RAILWAY

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Twelve Hijaz Railway stations were constructed in AlUla County. The outbreak of the First World War saw the Railway become a target. Large, well-garrisoned stations like AlUla, while difficult to attack by land, were open to raids from the air. British aircraft carried out a series of bombing campaigns on AlUla in 1917, whilst troops led by famous British Army officer, T.E. Lawrence, during the Arab revolt attacked the line outside of the county. The Hijaz Railway never recovered from the damage of the wars. Subsequent civil unrest and severe winter storms led to the collapse and abandonment of the Hijaz section of the line by the 1920s.

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The settlement of Old Town was continuously occupied from the twelfth century until the 1980s when its last occupants moved to the current city. It is overlooked by a citadel dating to at least the tenth century. Its houses, built of mud brick, date palm wood, and stone blocks, some taken from the surrounding ancient settlements, were accessed by a series of small alleyways often measuring less than three metres wide.

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TOWN

Today AlUla Old Town is an abandoned, atmospheric labyrinth of tightly packed streets. AlUla’s inhabitants still feel a connection to the place, to its walls, rooms, and streets, recalling details passed down to them by their parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

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THE OLD P A R T

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The first mention of AlUla in epigraphic sources comes from the era of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Prophet is believed to have visited the region three times: in his youth, in 7AH, and in 9AH (629 and 631 CE respectively). On his

Following the advent of Islam in the seventh century CE, the AlUla Valley was an important connecting point between the Levant and the Holy sites of Makkah and Madinah. The area’s settlements were visited by pilgrims following the Syrian and Egyptian Hajj routes.

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AlUla found a renewed significance in the Islamic period. Following the decline of trade in the third century CE and the abandonment of Hegra, new settlements were established that utilised the area’s agricultural potential and access to important travel routes to maintain AlUla’s importance.

journey to Tabuk in 630 CE, he is thought to have stopped at Wadi al-Qura and passed the ruins of Hegra, as recorded in early Islamic sources. The Prophet’s early followers also left graffiti and inscriptions in AlUla: descendants of the Prophet’s companions, writers of the Hadith, and early pilgrims are believed to have created commemorative inscriptions along the routes they travelled.

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The city continued to be inhabited following the annexation of the Nabataean Kingdom by the Roman Empire in 106 CE, after which it became part of the Roman province of Arabia.

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Present-day AlUla City is nestled amongst the majestic cliffs along the AlUla oasis valley. There is an estimated population of 45,000 persons and the land made up of small farms cultivating date palms, clover, wheat, fruit, and vegetables.

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In the 20th century, the new town centre was established beside the old town and eventually the people left the old buildings. The last family is said to have left in 1983, whilst the last service in the old mosque was held in 1985.

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NEW ALULA P A R T

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BEYOND C I V I L I Z A T I O N S

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KHAYBAR FORT AND HISTORICAL OASIS IS SET IN A VALLEY PUNCTUATED BY DRAMATIC ROCKY OUTCROPS THAT HAVE BEEN STRONGHOLDS OF DEFENSE OVER THE CENTURIES.

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KHAYBAR

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THE KHAYBAR HISTORICAL OASIS IS A TAPESTRY OF AGRICULTURE, LATE PREHISTORIC ARCHEOLOGICAL SETTLEMENTS AND THE RUINS OF A MEDIEVAL CASTLE OVERLOOKING A TRADITIONAL TOWN. KHAYBAR IS SURROUNDED BY LAVA FIELDS OF WHICH THE LARGEST ONE, THE HARRAT KHAYBAR, IS CALLED AFTER ITS NAME.

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Set in the lunar volcanic landscape of the Harrat Khaybar, the Khaybar Natural Area is a landscape of geological wonders and otherworldly beauty. With volcanic peaks rising out of the basalt lava fields, this is a landscape where the archaeological traces of past civilisations are overlaid onto a truly remarkable volcanic desert ecosystem to which native plants and animals are uniquely adapted.

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KHAYBAR NATURAL AREA

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FILM ALULA

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INTRODUCTION TO

Film AlUla was established in early 2020 by the Royal Commission for AlUla with a mandate to promote filming in the AlUla region and develop a film-friendly ecosystem to support productions. Film AlUla is a member of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) and follows best practices as laid down by the AFCI as well the Royal Commission for AlUla’s charter of best works practices.

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We can also recommend and organise a professional local and regional supply chain of experienced crew, production companies, and rental equipment that can support international and local productions including feature films, television drama series, commercials, and documentaries.

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We provide free consultation for productions intending to film in AlUla, free location scouting and can assist all productions with expert knowledge of filming in AlUla and the rest of Saudi Arabia.

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COMMISSION

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THE ROYAL

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The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) was established by Royal Decree in July 2017, formed as part of the Kingdom’s Saudi Vision 2030, to protect and safeguard AlUla.

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RCU is embarking on a long-term plan to develop and deliver a sensitive, sustainable transformation of the region, reaffirming it as one of Saudi Arabia’s most important archaeological and cultural destinations and preparing it to welcome visitors from around the world. P A G E

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Its vision includes an ambitious plan to preserve and enhance the natural, historic and cultural features of this land whilst including art as a contributor to this region’s character, vibrancy, economy, and quality of life.

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RCU’s development work in AlUla encompasses a broad range of initiatives across archaeology, tourism, culture, education, and the arts, reflecting the ambitious commitment to cultivating tourism and leisure in Saudi Arabia.

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RCU’s development plan commissions the infrastructure and visitor facilities that will underpin AlUla’s future success, while protecting its natural beauty and historic sites.

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AlUla over many thousands of years has been home to innovation, evolved society, leaders of civilizations. Now, AlUla is ready to awaken again. Working hand-in-hand with the local community, RCU invests in education and learning for AlUla’s next generation and create training and employment opportunities for its people.

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THE ROYAL COMMISSION FOR ALULA

ROYAL COMMISSION FOR ALULA PROJECTS:

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HABITAS ALULA

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The resort will consist of 100 luxury, experiential rooms to be developed and operated by Habitas in AlUla, supporting the RCU commitment to light-touch tourism and sustainability.

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Habitas plans to develop a communityinclusive, sustainable hospitality ecosystem in AlUla, with a localized approach to resourcing, training, and employment, to support regional trade and artisans by developing sustainable microeconomies.

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HOTELS & RESORTS

The RCU has started construction of a new community-focused, eco-friendly resort in the desert canyons of Ashar Valley AlUla following the signing of a new partnership with Habitas.

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The result will see guests immersed deep within the beauty of the 1,500 -square-kilometre Sharaan Nature Reserve, experiencing AlUla’s nature, wildlife, and heritage within a new generation of luxury. A L U L A

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HOTELS & RESORTS

Jean Nouvel’s partnership with the RCU drives the mission towards AlUla becoming a global tourism destination with immersive experiences in wilderness, wildlife, and heritage.

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The international AZULIK Group of Hotels and Resorts are adopting a unique and innovative method of design for AlUla, eco-friendly and will merge arts with nature. This conforms with the Commission’s vision to develop while preserving the distinctive environmental and natural attributes of the place.

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Located near AlUla’s signature Maraya concert venue, Ashar Resort will be managed under the prestigious luxury resort brand Banyan Tree. The expansion of the high-end camp will see 47 new tents added to the existing 30 tents and 5 luxury villas, following a sensitive design ethos that allows each tent to blend into the striking scenery of the Ashar valley.

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The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has announced a partnership agreement with Accor, in-line with its strategy to develop AlUla as a luxury tourism destination and place of heritage for the world.

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ASHAR RESORT

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COMMUNITY TRAINING PROGRAMMES

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CHEF’S OF ALULA

A community-focused initiative that aims to develop the next generation of creatives and artists in AlUla, increase local pride of RCU’s commitment to the local community and position AlUla as a significant and emerging arts destination. Artists, creatives and talented artisans in AlUla will be provided an opportunity to participate in a series of workshops and create traditional crafts that complement the cultural heritage and natural beauty of AlUla.

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A group of 11 local boys and 13 local girls between the ages of 21-36 left AlUla chasing their dream to attend Ferrandi, the prestigious school of culinary arts in Paris. The group were given the opportunity to prepare for careers in gastronomy and hospitality and return to AlUla with a wealth of knowledge and ideas on combining French and AlUla cuisines

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COMMUNITY TRAINING PROGRAMMES

The RCU launched a project to establish a specialized center for agricultural, economic development to improve the quality and cultivation of Peregrina in AlUla. The Peregrina Center relies on providing training workshops for stakeholders to learn about the method of planting, harvesting seeds and the oil presses mechanism. The centre’s operators are also working on oil analysis, quality control, filling and product packaging in the final stage.

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MARAYA

The venue can hold up to 550 seats and is highly equipped with the latest theatrical and operatic sound systems. The structure is cube-shaped with the exterior walls covered entirely in mirrors that reflect the picturesque nature of AlUla.

Maraya Venue is a giant mirror cube. A silent and respectful building that sits as site-specific landmark. A true vision of “Land-art, Architecture”. P A G E

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ARCHAEOLOGY F I L M T O I N T R O D U C T I O N

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State-of-the-art technologies and methods are also being employed, such as scanning and photography captured from light aircrafts, helicopters, and drones to ‘see’ what lies amongst the site’s palm groves and vegetation while helicopter team will record the harder to reach areas.

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Only 4% of AlUla’s ancient archaeology is discovered and there is no location in the world with such a number of inscriptions, rock writings, and sculptures on the mountains, as well as undiscovered towns buried underground, waiting to be unearthed.

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As part of an extensive development program launched by RCU, a team of world leading archaeologists have been drafted in to undertake a comprehensive survey of the region in Saudi Arabia. The program is enlisting a team of worldleading experts, led by RCU archaeologist Dr Rebecca Foote, who will carefully document, map, and model the area.

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One of the Royal Commissions’ missions is to restore, protect, and conserve the sensitive ecosystem native to AlUla. The region hosts an abundance of fascinating wildlife, including red necked ostriches bedecked in rich plumage, regal Nubian ibex, and graceful Idmi gazelles. Efforts are currently underway to restore the area, allowing for its natural inhabitants to reclaim the land. Endangered Arabian wolves, gazelles, and large-eared red foxes are already again roaming these beautiful lands, demonstrating a healthy ecosystem.

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SHAARAN NATURE RESERVE

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FILMMAKING

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Saudi Arabia is the latest country to join the global film industry and is primed to become a significant player in the film-making industry. The rapid expansion of cinemas in the Kingdom has proven to the world that there is a huge appetite for cinema and Saudi Arabia has quickly become the largest box office market in the Middle East.

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Despite the absence of a robust filmmaking industry in Saudi Arabia over the years, a talented pool of Saudi filmmakers have been producing compelling feature films and television dramas. To date, the Kingdom has produced sixteen films in the country which have received acclaim on the international Festival circuit.

Those include successful international partnerships such as Haifa Al- Mansour’s ground-breaking film ‘Wadjda’ shot in 2011 with a German and Saudi crew that was selected as the Saudi Arabian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards. The first time the country submitted a film to the Oscars.

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Other films with international partnerships include ‘Born a King’ directed by Agusti Villaronga, shot in 2018 with a Saudi, UK, and Spanish crew.

‘The Perfect Candidate’ directed by Haifa Al-Mansour, was shot in 2018 with a joint Saudi and German crew.

A popular Saudi animation show talks sarcastically about general issues in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world using short stories represented by characters that reflect segments of society in Saudi and Arab community.

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‘Champions’ is a film about Saudi Arabian footballers directed by Manu Calvo and was shot in 2020 as a Saudi, Spanish, and UK co-production.

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‘Bilal: A New Breed of Hero’ is an animation actionadventure directed by Khurram H. Alavi and Ayman Jamal, it won “Best Inspiring Movie” on Animation Day at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.

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‘Barakah Meets Barakah’ directed by Mahmoud Sabbagh shot in 2015 was the first feature film from Saudi Arabia to participate in the Berlin International Film Festival where it won the jury award.

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SAUDI LANDSCAPE P A R T

Saudi has three main cities; Riyadh in the central region of Najd; the capital of the country with a population of 7.6 million; Jeddah a port city in the western region of Hejaz, and Dammam in the eastern region. Mecca and Medinah are the two Holy Cities in the western regions. Other major cities are Hail and Tabuk in the north and north-west and Abha in the south-west region.

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Saudi Arabia occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula, with the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba to the west, the Arabian Gulf to the east, and Yemen to the south. The total length of its land boundaries is 4,431 kilometres and occupies 2.2 million square kilometres, nearly the same size as western Europe.

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The landscape of Saudi Arabia is amazingly varied and runs contrary to the stereotype of a vast desert wilderness. The northwest of Saudi Arabia is marked by mountain ranges, rocky canyons, and palm oases reaching into the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea. The region is also rich with ancient heritage sites and historical significance. The north-west is also regularly blanketed in snow during winter and spring, which is always a surprise and a delight to residents and visitors to the region.

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The culture of Saudi Arabia is defined by its Islamic heritage, its historical role as a trading centre, and its Bedouin traditions. The various regions of Saudi have distinct and varied cultures.

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The Hijaz area in the west of the Kingdom is marked by the beautiful coastline and the Hijaz mountain range from where it takes its name. Jeddah’s Old City has traditional multistorey buildings and merchant houses and was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014.

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The Hijaz has three major cities including the coastal city of Jeddah and the Holy cities of Mecca and Madinah. Hijazi culture holds particular significance in Saudi, Jeddah is considered one of the most culturally rich cities in the Kingdom with a 3,000-year-old history.

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The south-western provinces of Al Bahah, Aseer, and Jizan boast Saudi Arabia’s highest mountains with valleys of trees, forests, greenery, lakes, and cultivation which include the production of tropical fruits. The provinces receive more rainfall than any other province in the Kingdom and the climate remains cool and humid throughout the year.

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The Central and Eastern Provinces host the largest sand desert in the world, the Rub’ Al-Khali which spans 1,000 kilometers in length and 500 kilometers wide. It has some of the highest dunes in the world and is among one of the harshest climates in the world with temperatures reaching 50 degrees in summer. The landscape however hosts oasis palms including the largest oasis Al-Ahsa as well as long coastline of sandy beaches.

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Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and traditions have been shaped by its position as a historic trade hub and the birthplace of Islam. In recent years, the Kingdom has undergone a significant cultural transformation, evolving century-old customs to fit the contemporary world we live in today.

A R A B I A

Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia and the primary language. English serves as an informal second language in the Kingdom and is spoken by a large section of its society. All road signs are bilingual, showing information in both Arabic and English.

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Women are not expected to wear an abaya and headscarf, however, a modest dress code is required which covers shoulders and knees.

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Men and women work freely together in a collegial manner. Men and women are required to dress modestly, refrain from public displays of affection, and avoid using profane language or gestures.

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INCENTIVES

Film AlUla is currently working on a rebate program. Please contact us directly for further information on incentives or check our website Filming.experiencealula.com.

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We suggest communicating with Film AlUla at the earliest opportunity to enquire about our exceptional rebate. The rebate will cover productions that predominantly shoot in the county of AlUla and feature AlUla landscapes.

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- Synopsis and scope of work - Number of crew and cast - Number of vehicles

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- Shooting dates - Production insurance - Ministry of Media (GCAM) approval if available We suggest you communicate with us at the earliest opportunity.

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- Name of the project

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You will need to provide us with the following information:

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FILMING PERMITS P A R T

Film AlUla is the only authority that can grant a filming permit in the county of AlUla. All applications must be made electronically to filming@rcu.gov.sa

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• Ministry of Media (GCAM) – approval to film in Saudi Arabia • General Authority of Civil Aviation – permits for helicopter filming and drones

• Ministry of Defence – for use of military equipment or personnel

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• Ministry of Foreign Affairs – issuing visas for filming purposes

CODE OF PRACTICE Productions must be aware that AlUla is a cultural, historic and archaeological landscape and that this landscape holds invaluable heritage sites and rare natural habitats that need to be preserved for current and future generations to enjoy and study.

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• Ministry of Interior – for permissions to film inside of Saudi Arabia

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• Ministry of Culture – for support filming inside of Saudi Arabia

• Saudi Customs – bringing in cargo for film use

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Film AlUla will also help facilitate government relations and can liaise on your behalf with the following government entities:

We have a strict Code of Practices which you can download from our website.

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F R E E L A N C E C I N E M AT O G R A P H E R

HAIFA ALMANSOUR

LUJAIN ALBISHI

PRODUCTION DESIGNER/ ART DIRECTOR

AHMAAD BAAGEEL PRODUCTION DESIGNER/ A R T D I R E C T O R F R O M R I YA D H

ABDULRAHMAN ALNAFISAH COSTUME DESIGNER- BORN A KING

FRANÇOISE FORCADE

A S S I S TA N T D I R E C T O R FROM JEDDAH

ATHBA ALKHUDAIRY PRODUCTION C O - O R D I N AT O R B A S E D I N R I YA D H CREDITS: HAIFA AL-MANSOUR’S ‘ P E R F E C T C A N D I D AT E ’

AFNAN BAWYAN SCRIPT SUPERVISOR FROM JEDDAH

T E S T I M O N I A L S

PRODUCER

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TESTIMONIALS

KHALID ALSUDAIRY

I N T E R V I E W S

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INTERVIEWS

STUART SUTHERLAND

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Meet some of the crews who have had first-hand experience on shooting a production in Saudi Arabia and their personal experiences.

COSTUME DESIGNERBORN A KING

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After shooting ‘Born a King in Riyadh’, we wanted to explore locations in other regions. We were introduced to the Help Centre “Markaz Al Oun” in Jeddah, which is a fantastic organization for children and people with disabilities. The centre helped us audition young special needs adults and was invaluable. When we scouted the beautiful buildings of Old Town and the vibrant cityscape of Jeddah so it was an easy decision to film there.

WHAT DID YOU THINK OF SAUDI ARABIA BEFORE COMING HERE AND HOW DID THAT CHANGE AFTER FILMING? My only understanding of Saudi was from the media. On arrival I quickly realised there’s a high number of young people who speak fluent English and are educated to a very high standard. They have big dreams and want to embrace international partnerships. We found the Saudis very collaborative and welcoming and willing to help us however they could. There were cultural traditions we had to respect and uphold but the international crew enjoyed themselves here.

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HOW DID YOU CHOOSE JEDDAH FOR FILMING CHAMPIONS?

We wanted to tell a story about the founding of a nation and were drawn to the story of ‘Born A King’ as it’s a historical action-adventure from the point of view of a young boy. We read about Prince Faisal’s fascinating true story visit to London on a diplomatic mission in 1919 and his relationship with his father, King Abdulaziz, and thought that this would make a fabulous film with international appeal

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In my opinion, a producer is a person that ties everything together. We are the people that start with a great idea for a project and then bring in the right creative talent to execute it. They, of course, bring their vision to the project and it’s the producer’s job to give them freedom whilst keeping them on the right track. This will enable the project to attract the right level of actors and finance to be able to make the film, we’re here to help creatives tell their stories.

HOW DID YOU COME ACROSS BORN A KING?

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DESCRIBE YOUR JOB?

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WE FOUND THE SAUDIS VERY COLLABORATIVE AND WELCOMING AND WILLING TO HELP US HOWEVER THEY COULD

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STUART SUTHERLAND

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Wadjda was the first feature film ever to be filmed in Riyadh. P A G E

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Saudi Arabia has a lot of obstacles to overcome, but people have a lot of curiosity. In my vision the more we are diving to the film industry the more we will bloom to the next level and hopefully we will have more representations in international awards

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WHAT IS YOUR FUTURE VISION FOR THE FILM INDUSTRY IN SAUDI?

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I started making short films and a documentary shortly after that, until it was the right time to make my first feature film. Wadjda is a story that took place in a humble family in Saudi Arabia, and I wanted it to have the authentic Saudi feel. It was 2012, nobody has ever filmed in Saudi Arabia at that time which made that option difficult. I found a German production company who were interested in exploring the industry in Saudi Arabia and I was able to push forward filming the entire film in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Bringing people to life is not easy, and with the lack of casting agencies casting can get really difficult. For me it was word of mouth casting and a bit of luck. The thing about working in Saudi that it is very intimate, once you find the right talent and train them, you will watch them grow and learn and to me that is very exciting.

ARAB HOSPITALITY IS IMMEDIATELY EVIDENT AS THE LOCAL CREW ENJOYED SHARING STORIES, SONGS, INTRODUCING FOODS & CULTURE TO THE INTERNATIONAL CREW.

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My first entry to the film industry started in 2005, there was a competition in Abu Dhabi called Emirates Film Competition for film makers in the region, which was my stepping stone to filmmaking.

HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE CASTING IN SAUDI FOR BOTH MOVIES?

With the new vision of Saudi Arabia and the opened opportunities I felt it was the right time to make a film highlighting a story of a woman in politics as well as the intimacy of a man and his passion for arts.

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WHEN DID YOU START IN THE FILM BUSINESS?

Saudi Arabia has a scary exterior on the outside, once people fly in they are pleasantly surprised. Arab hospitality is immediately evident as the local crew enjoyed sharing stories, songs, introducing foods & culture to the international crew. On the other hand; International crew offered them training and were patient in teaching them different aspects of the industry. Many remained friends long after filming ended.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE STORY OF THE PERFECT CANDIDATE?

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HAIFA ALMANSOUR

HOW DO INTERNATIONAL CREW PERCEIVE SAUDI ARABIA AND HOW DOES THAT CHANGE DURING FILMING?

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As an architect, I have a passion for creating and building worlds. I can move from a world to another, led by a story and a director.

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WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR MOST SATISFYING MOMENTS? As a production designer seeing my work come to life is always satisfying. I’m very proud of my work on the Maestro Pizza commercial which won ‘The Best Saudi National Day’ commercial in 2019. Also, the feature comedy ‘Shams Almaarif’, directed by Faris Godus, it was quite a challenge as we had to build twenty-five sets from scratch!

HOW DO INTERNATIONAL CREWS PERCEIVE SAUDI ARABIA AND HOW DOES THAT CHANGE DURING FILMING? There’s always excitement in experiencing a new culture, new food, the people, and shooting in untouched locations. On the US feature the US art team were surprised by the availability of tools, equipment, and products. They came prepared to shoot in the wilderness and were pleasantly surprised by how resourceful the market in Saudi is.

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THEY CAME PREPARED TO SHOOT IN THE WILDERNESS AND WERE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED BY HOW RESOURCEFUL THE MARKET IN SAUDI IS.

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DESCRIBE YOUR JOB

One of my very early international projects is the short film ‘Lollipop’, directed by Hana Alfasi and shot in the US. I also worked on ‘Stones’, directed by Nicole Vanden, and a US feature which was partially shot in AlUla.

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After gaining a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Dammam in Saudi Arabia, I started to shift gradually into filmmaking. I have always had a huge interest in movies and storytelling. During my Masters in Science in Architecture in Los Angeles exposed me to opportunities to explore filmmaking. I began working on student films as an art assistant, finding my way to learn more from working on music videos and commercials as an art director.

WHAT PRODUCTIONS HAVE YOU WORKED ON INTERNATIONALLY?

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HOW DID YOU START IN THE FILM BUSINESS?

Makzn 7 is an art department service house that aims to provide and cater to the film and commercial market with high standard art solutions. Makzn 7 aims to have the best of both worlds: local experience and vision with international standards.

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PRODUCTION DESIGNER/ ART D I R E C T O R F R O M R I YA D H

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AHMAD BAAGEEL

CAN YOU GIVE AN OVERVIEW OF YOUR COMPANY?

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WHEN DID YOU START IN THE FILM BUSINESS? My father and I wanted to shoot local films in 2014. We saw it as an opportunity to be one of the first production companies in Saudi Arabia to invest in films. In 2017 we were approached by the producers of Born A King about

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We were the production service company for a US feature film which shot for three days in AlUla and ‘Born A King’ which shot for ten days near Riyadh. We work mainly on producing local films and providing support for production services. Also, working on short films such as ‘Dunya’s Day’ directed by Raed Alsamari that won the Short Film Jury Award at the Sundance Film Festival, and ‘Black Sand’ directed by Hajar Alnaim.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SHOOTING LOCATION? For me, AlUla is one of my favourite shooting locations. It has amazing scenery with a lot of different options plus it’s got great weather all year long.

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WHAT PRODUCTIONS HAVE YOU WORKED ON?

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I work as the General Manager of Nebras Films. I produce documentaries, commercials, and short films for clients. On larger feature films I work as a Production Manager organising logistics, helping to budget with producers, and importantly negotiating costs. During production, I make sure filming runs smoothly for the producers and directors.

filming in Saudi. Even though we hadn’t officially launched we knew it was an opportunity we couldn’t miss out on.

In Saudi, we now have considerable experience filming short films, commercials and TV series however feature films are still a new concept. We need to compete internationally in terms of experience, crew rates and mindset. Even though most new crew are enthusiastic and excited to learn, the fresh feel of the crew is noticeable and we need more experience and training.

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DESCRIBE YOUR JOB?

In Saudi, we now have considerable experience filming short films, commercials, and TV series however feature films are still a new concept. We need to compete internationally in terms of experience, crew rates, and mindset. Even though most new crews are enthusiastic and excited to learn, the fresh feel of the crew is noticeable and we need more experience and training.

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GENERAL MANAGER OF NEBRAS FILMS A N D P R O D U C E R B A S E D I N R I YA D H

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES THE INDUSTRY FACES IN SAUDI ARABIA?

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ABDULRAHMAN ALNAFISAH

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES THE INDUSTRY FACES IN SAUDI ARABIA?

FOR ME ALULA IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SHOOTING LOCATIONS. IT HAS AMAZING SCENERY

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WHAT PRODUCTIONS HAVE YOU WORKED ON INTERNATIONALLY?

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I started in the wardrobe department in 2000 and have worked all around the world. My biggest highlights are the Harry Potter franchise, Sam Mendes’ ‘Spectre’, and Thomas Vinterberg’s ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’.

My second visit was for filming: that on the other hand was tricky. We were one of the first international films to shoot in Saudi and the lack of experts and technicians was expected. Everyone around me understood the difficulties and everyone was positive and helpful. The thing I noticed in the Saudi crews was the enthusiasm of treating this as more than just a job.

I visited the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives which had the original attire from that period. The details were important for instance; the width of the embroideries on the period bishts, so much narrower than the contemporary ones, the pattern of the long hanging sleeves on the traditional Saudi thobe, or the correct placement of the belt and sword. When I went back to London where I found more Saudi outfits in The British Museum.

WHAT WAS ONE OF YOUR BEST MOMENTS OR SATISFYING MOMENTS? At the end of filming, we took black and white pictures of the cast in their costumes and compared them to original pictures from the 1910s. You couldn’t tell the difference between the original pictures and the ones we took on set.

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HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO GET THE DESIGN DETAILS?

I was so surprised by the warmth and amazing welcome I received. I felt safe and accepted. Everyone was polite and so excited about taking me to different cultural things like tea and the local cuisine. And of course, the vintage markets!

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A costume designer is a person who plays with fabrics and shapes and builds a character’s personality using clothes. I personally favour period or fantasy films and love creating a look from scratch.

WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED COMING TO SAUDI ARABIA?

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DESCRIBE YOUR JOB?

I NOTICED IN THE SAUDI CREWS WAS THE ENTHUSIASM OF TREATING THIS AS MORE THAN JUST A JOB

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FRANÇOISE FORCADE

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WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FILMING LOCATION? This is a hard one to answer, but I believe one of the most interesting was when we filmed scenes of ‘The Perfect Candidate’ in Saudi TV’s studios. It might seem like an odd one to choose, but what was very interesting to see the difference in the way TV and film

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WHAT PRODUCTIONS HAVE YOU WORKED ON? I worked in the long-form Saudi films produced by Ithra; ‘Distance Zero’ where I worked mostly behind the scenes managing the editing phase and ‘Last Visit’ also where I was an assistant cameraman. I also worked on Haifa Almansour movie ‘Perfect Candidate’ as video operator. My main job was to manage all monitors on set and operate playback. I also assisted as 3rd AC when we shot with two cameras.

I graduated as a marketing student but I was always curious how films were crafted. Friends recommended I work on a film, ‘The Great’, directed by Abdulrahman Khoja. I worked in the wardrobe department but I moved into the AD team as I was more interested in being on set and directing.

I love desert locations. AlUla had the most beautiful desert locations I have ever seen, with unique canyons and rock formations. The American crew was blown away by its beauty.

WHAT PRODUCTIONS HAVE YOU WORKED ON?

For me as a freelancing AD, I think the main challenge we face is the risk of working full time in what’s considered a slow industry in the region. We need more mentors and more guidance. We need some clear rulebooks so that the industry can move forward as one.

I have worked as a 1st AD on multiple commercials and music videos. My first feature film was ‘Book of the Sun’, produced by the Red Sea Film Festival. I worked on a US feature film as an AD. We shot in AlUla for three days which was a great experience. I worked as a 1st AD on ‘Whispers’, the Netflix series production directed by Hana Al Omair.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES THE INDUSTRY FACES IN SAUDI ARABIA?

T E S T I M O N I A L S

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE SHOOTING LOCATION?

P R O D U C T I O N

In 2014, I took my first intensive film course at The New York Film Academy. I was intrigued by cameras from an early age. I wanted to know how to use them to their full potential. The way you can portray limitless expression and mood through a single frame is just incredible. I believe it is a never-ending pursuit in finding your voice through moving images.

cinematographers operate using the same equipment. It was a glimpse into a workflow that was very close to what I know yet very different at the same time.

WHEN DID YOU START IN THE FILM BUSINESS?

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A L U L A

WHEN DID YOU START IN THE FILM BUSINESS?

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F R E E L A N C E C I N E M AT O G R A P H E R

LUJAIN ALBISHI

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KHALID ALSUDAIRY

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WHAT ARE YOUR HIGHLIGHTS OF FILMING IN SAUDI ARABIA? There have been many but in particular, three film sets stand out as real career highlights. The first was the battle scene in ‘Born a P A G E

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MANY CREWS HAVE EXPRESSED THEIR DESIRE TO COME BACK TO SAUDI AND SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF THE INDUSTRY HERE.

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They are careful and hesitant at first, as they don’t know what to expect. After settling in and realising we are similar to every other country, with a few variations, of course, they start to enjoy themselves. Many crews have expressed their desire to come back to Saudi and support the growth of the industry here.

King’ which we shot in the stunning Al Thumama National Park. We had a crew of over three hundred people filming a major historic battle very close to Riyadh with incredible stunt doubles from Spain. The second scene was the airport scene in ‘The Perfect Candidate’, it was the first time a crew had access to filming in an international airport in Saudi. And then the football scene in the movie ‘Champions’ in the Al Jawhara Stadium in Jeddah. The adrenaline and passion on the day was extraordinary, to film scenes on such an epic scale was so exciting and a moment of national pride for everyone involved.

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WHAT DO INTERNATIONAL CREWS THINK OF FILMING IN SAUDI ARABIA?

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CREDITS: HAIFA AL-MANSOUR’S ‘ P E R F E C T C A N D I D AT E ’

I believe in the potential of Saudi as a country and its wealth of talent. The scenery and landscapes are varied, breath-taking, and utterly unique offering a wealth of remarkable backdrops and opportunities. At the moment we lack the infrastructure of other countries but with the establishment of Film AlUla, Saudi Film Commission, and more government support we will quickly become a competitive film destination.

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P R O D U C T I O N C O - O R D I N AT O R B A S E D I N R I YA D H

In Saudi Arabia, I have worked as a production coordinator on Agustí Villaronga’s ‘Born a King’, Haifa Al Mansour’s ‘The Perfect Candidate’, and most recently Andres Vicente Gomez’s ‘Champions’ which was shot in Jeddah with an international crew.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES THE INDUSTRY FACES IN SAUDI ARABIA?

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ATHBA ALKHUDAIRY

WHAT PRODUCTIONS HAVE YOU WORKED ON IN SAUDI ARABIA?

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G U I D E

I worked on the Andres Vicente Gomez’s ‘Champions’ with a predominantly Spanish crew who were surprised and intrigued by our culture. They were able to meet locals from different traditions and cultural backgrounds. The crew welcomed the differences and similarities and enjoyed working in harmony, it was a very happy and productive experience for all.

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FILMING IN JAZAN IN THE SOUTH-WEST. IT HAS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE EVER FROM GREEN MOUNTAINS INLAND TO WONDERFUL BEACHES AND A SHORELINE ON THE RED SEA.

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WHAT’S YOUR EXPERIENCE OF WORKING WITH INTERNATIONAL CREWS?

Filming in Jazan located in the south-west of the country, it has the most beautiful landscape featuring a mountain backdrop and stunning beaches on the Red Sea. We filmed in a small village, Ahad Al Masarihah, and the locals were very welcoming and supportive. We shot a wedding sequence and the locals helped us design the flowers and hair accessories for our extras. The relationship between villagers and the crew was wonderful. I was able to explore the deep culture of my country in a way that I never experienced before.

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I started in 2016 as a local script writer for a children’s animation show. I then moved to script supervision for a range of local productions within the country. I have always bee passionate about writing and curious to discover different sides of the craft.

WHERE HAS BEEN THE MOST EXCITING PLACE YOU’VE FILMED IN SAUDI?

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HOW DID YOU GET INTO SCRIPT SUPERVISING?

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SCRIPT SUPERVISOR FROM JEDDAH

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We look forward to helping you make your project in AlUla a success!

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INFORMATION

You will also find everything you need to know about the weather, the region, travel times, and accommodation, which will help you navigate logistics when considering AlUla as your next film set.

I N F O R M A T I O N

ADDITIONAL

You will find contacts for agencies, highly skilled crews, and industry professionals who work year-round on features, television, and advertising that can assist you in all aspects of your production.

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This section includes some useful information to help you plan your production in AlUla.

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MAKKAH EASTERN PROVINCE BAHA

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LOCATION Elephant Rock Dadan Gharameel Hegra Hijaz Railway Maraya Shaden Resort Ashar Resort Sahary Resort Sharaan Nature Reserve

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P A R T

P R O D U C T I O N P A G E

I N F O R M A T I O N

HARRAT KHAYBAR

MEDINA

P A G E

0142

DISTANCE (KM)

Alula

Riyadh

1,053

TRAVEL TIME (HOURS) 9:30

Alula

Jeddah

737

7:00

Alula

Tabuk

362

3:52

Alula

Al Madinah

328

3:26

I N F O R M A T I O N

*12th May

Ramadan ends

*13th - 16th May

Eid Al Fitr holiday

*19th July

Arafat Day

*20th - 22nd July

Eid Al Adha

*10th August

Muharram (Muslim New Year)

23rd September

Saudi National Day

*Dates depend on the lunar month and the sighting of the new moon and may adjust by a day or two

A D D I T I O N A L

Ramadan begins

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G U I D E

*13th April

P A R T

P R O D U C T I O N

0143

FROM

HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES

A L U L A P A G E

DISTANCES AND TRAVEL TIME BY ROAD

2021

P A G E

0144

TIME ZONE This time zone is in use during the whole year.

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G U I D E

0145

A D D I T I O N A L

P R O D U C T I O N P A G E

LOS ANGELES

NEW YORK

LONDON

DUBAI

BEIJING

MUMBAI

10 hours ahead

7 hours ahead

3 hours ahead

1 hour ahead

5 hours behind

2 hours 30 mins behind

P A R T

A L U L A

I N F O R M A T I O N

Saudi Arabia falls under Arabia Standard Time (AST) and is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

P A G E

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Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average Temperature

P R O D U C T I O N G U I D E

0147

39°c

35°c

SUNRISE AND SUNSET TIMES, DAYLIGHT HOURS MONTH January February March April May June July August September October November December Sourced from timeanddate.com

P A G E

39°c

SUNRISE 07:07 06:55 06:30 05:59 05:38 05:32 05:42 05:56 06:07 06:19 06:37 06:57

SUNSET 17:54 18:15 18:30 18:43 18:58 19:11 19:12 18:55 18:25 17:54 17:34 17:35

DAYLIGHT HOURS 10HRS 46 MINS 11 HRS 20 MINS 12 HRS 00 MINS 12 HRS 44 MINS 13 HRS 19 MINS 13 HRS 38 MINS 13 HRS 30 MINS 12 HRS 58 MINS 12 HRS 17 MINS 11 HRS 35 MINS 10 HRS 57 MINS 10 HRS 37 MINS

32°c

31°c 22°c

25°c 21°c

24°c

19°c

21°c

25°c 20°c 11°c

10°c 5°c

24°c 17°c

15°c

18°c

37°c

7°c

6°c

0.2mm Precipitation

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A L U L A

38°c

Sourced from timeanddate.com

Hottest Month Coldest Month Wettest Month Windiest Month Annual Precipitation

A D D I T I O N A L

Feb

August (320c avg) January (110c avg) January (0.2mm avg) May (12km/h avg) 0.2mm (per year)

P A R T

Jan

I N F O R M A T I O N

TEMPERATURE IN ALULA

P A G E

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Ayah Salamah

Art Department

ayah.salamah@ gmail.com

00 966 56 552 8872

Ahmed Baageel

Art Director / baageelart@gmail.com Production Designer

00 966 54 822 4433

VISAS

Khalid Ghaith

Art Director

i.khaled@live.fr

00 966 53 454 9337

Once the Kingdom reopens, a tourist eVisa will be available countrywide for travellers 18 and older from 49 eligible countries. It is a simple application online that takes 24 hours to process.

Mohamed AL Olash

Set Dresser

mhd2054@gmail.com

00 966 55 004 4840

Omar Abudiab

Set Dresser

Oaboudiab@gmail.com

00 966 53 363 9115

Abubakr Al Kaf

Costume Assistant

bakry.alkaff@ oattern.agency

00 966 50 009 9028

G U I D E

NAME

ROLE

PHONE

Shiraz Alam

Wardrobe

vjshiraz@yahoo.com

00 966 59 920 6106

Athba Alkhudairy

Production Coordinator / Manager

Athba.khudairy@ gmail.com

00 966 50 302 4181

Alla suliman

Make up

Alaa.m.suliman33@ gmail.com

00 966 54 616 7761

00 966 56.218.5751

Sadia Malik

Make Up Assistant

sadia.m4@hotmail.com

00 966 54 503 5809

Stylist

norahaleisa@ gmail.com

00 966 54 199 5995

Mohamed Sughaiyer

Production Assistant aborain10@gmail.com

Aziz Almughrabi

First Assistant Director

aziz@mughrbi.com

00 966 59 569 2588

Nora Alessa

Afnan Bawyan

Script Supervisor

afnan.bawyan@ gmail.com

00 966 55 787 9660

Rayan Al Jowair

Assistant Production rjowair@hotmail.com Coordinator

00 966 55 447 6647

Jalawi Al Saeed

Production Assistant

Jalawi.mohalsaeed@ gmail.com

00 966 59 936 6180

Khalid AL Sudairy

Assistant Camera

sudairyk@gmail.com

00 966 50 688 7555

Jabriel Mohammed

Director of Photography

gtarshy@gmail.com

00 966 56 889 0480

I N F O R M A T I O N

00 966 54 461 5697

A D D I T I O N A L

P R O D U C T I O N

0151

nawafsbg@gmail.com

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A L U L A P A G E

Cam Operator & 1st Assistant Camera

P A R T

SAUDI INDUSTRY CONTACTS

Nawaf Almutairi

P A G E

0152

Budgeting and Scheduling

P R O D U C T I O N

Professional breakdown and scheduling. Thorough complete budgeting and analysis – with every department represented and itemized category using various software’s upon a client’s request, be it Excel, Movie Magic, ShowBiz or Celtex.

Sound Stages (Green Screen Studio)

Our vast network has a numerical depth chart deep of local crew, technicians and artisans. From A list to Extra’s, Nebras Films has an actor’s database of all available local talent.

Equipment & Logistics

From drones, MILO, to RONIN, to Grip and Electric, we are one of the leading Equipment providers in Saudi Arabi. And no matter the Size of the production we can handle all the required logistics.

Costumes & Props

Our department of seamstresses and designers will manufacture and outfit each cast member, no matter the genre or period. Period costumes, uniforms, formal, we either have or we will make it. Our costume warehouse has aisles of off-the-rack readyaccessible costumes for almost any production.

Enclosed filmmaking environment with support infrastructure.

Filming Permits

Nebras Films will cover all your required permits, Script Approval, Shooting Permits, Aerial Filming Permits, Export and Import Permits, Police and Military assistance and others if required.

A L U L A

Our in-house scout is an experienced scout that will find the suitable location for your production at the best logistical experience. Not to mention our massive database of images that covers the entire country for a faster response.

Cast & Crew

Teams of carpenters and craftsmen can create any Set Designers blueprint. From practical sets to multiperspective mixed use stage constructs, we can build it.

Post Production Services

Nebras Films also offers a postproduction facility that offers all the latest in advanced filmmaking technology. (On line & Offline edit) (Post FX services).

T O

Location Scouting

Set Design & Construction

Our department will have your production completely registered and compliant will all legal requirements, both at the national and international level. And our accountants are professional film and TV accountants that could work on Excel, Vista or PSL.

W E L C O M E

WHAT WE DO

Legal & Accounting Support

P A G E

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P A R T

G U I D E

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We are a vertically integrated media production studio with recognized experience at all levels of filmed entertainment. We create innovative content across all platforms to maximize both audiences and market. We are specialized in feature films, documentaries, TV series, commercials, government PSA’s, corporate videos, music videos and 3d animation.

Nebras Films - Muruj District - Arkan Building - Suite 117, Riyadh, KSA - info@nebrasfilms.com

P A G E

www.nebrasfilms.com

0154

Aflam Productions

Riyadh

http://www.aflamproductions.com

+966 11 216 1262

Nebras Films

Riyadh

http://www.nebrasfilms.com

+966 54 280 9090

Millimeter

Jeddah

https://www.millimeter.sa/

+966 56 660 0071

Silvergrey

Jeddah

https://silvergrey.com/

+966 12 6605 484

Qomra

Riyadh

https://www.qomra.pro

+966 54 977 7668 +966 9200 22 357

FESTIVALS P A G E

0155

RED SEA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Arbaeen Lagoon, Al Madinah Al Munawarah Road, Old Town Jeddah SAUDI FILM FESTIVAL 8386 Ring Rd, Gharb Al Dhahran, Dhahran 34461

info@redseafilmfest.com

You can fly in and out of AlUla’s Prince Abdul Majeed Bin Abdulaziz Domestic Airport (ULH). The newly renovated airport is located just 35 km (a 30-minute drive) from the city centre. AlUla is served by four flights a week from Riyadh and two flights per week from Jeddah and two flights from Dammam and returning on the same days as follows: Riyadh to AlUla: Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

I N F O R M A T I O N

PHONE

G U I D E

WEBSITE

A D D I T I O N A L

P R O D U C T I O N

LOCATION

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A L U L A

NAME

AIRPORT

P A R T

PRODUCTION & EQUIPMENT RENTAL COMPANIES

Jeddah to AlUla: Thursdays and Saturdays. +966 13 816 9799

Dammam to AlUla: Thursdays and Saturdays. More frequent flights and those from other destinations, including Dubai, are planned for the near future. P A G E

0156

MID-PRICED APARTMENTS

G U I D E

ACCOMMODATION Al Mubarkap Apartments Alharbi Apartments Almdaan Apartments Alfaisal Chalets Apartments Aseel AlUla Apartments Shalal Resort Dar Alkhomaseh Apartments

CONTACT NUMBER +966 14 885 0111 +966 55 536 6444 +966 14 884 0249 +966 56 689 8880 +966 59 725 0093 +966 55 133 1379 +966 55 537 3298

TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES

CONTACT NUMBERS

Arnwa Tourism

+966 59 210 0072

Daleel AlUla Guide

+966 55 333 8228

Alimam Rental Company

+966 55 884 2929

Theeb Car Rental

9200 00 572

Alrahili Rental Company

+966 56 001 7906

Rotana Rental Company

+966 58 102 9999 +966 50 051 1101

Danan for Tourism

Ride-share services App Careem is available.

I N F O R M A T I O N

AlUla is a three-hour drive from both Madinah to the south and Tabuk to the north by car. Both cities have several rental-car companies to choose from.

A D D I T I O N A L

P R O D U C T I O N

CONTACT NUMBER +966 50 850 3194 +966 551053222 Open in January 2021 Open in January 2021

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A L U L A

US licenses are not wholly accepted by rental companies and we advise US license holders to obtain a full international driving license. European driving licenses are accepted by local car rental companies.

LUXURY RESORTS ACCOMMODATION Shaden Resort Sahary Resort Ashar Resort (Banyan Tree) Habitas Resort

International drivers should carry a valid driving licence from their country of residence; an international driving licence is also highly recommended.

P A R T

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION

TRANSPORTATION

You can also use Airbnb and Gathern.co (Saudi equivalent to Airbnb) which have villas, farm houses and apartments advertised for short term lets in AlUla. P A G E

0159

P A G E

0160

AlUla From Above… AlUla Breathtaking! From Above… Simply Simply Breathtaking!

e panoramic, bird’s-eye view aerial photos and videos of AlUla using H125 Take panoramic, bird’s-eye view aerial photos and of AlUla using H125 copters from The Helicopter Company “THC” forvideos top of the line footage. helicopters from The Helicopter Company “THC” for top of the line footage.

fly withWe theflymost skilled and experienced helicopter pilots to to ensure that all clients’ with the most skilled and experienced helicopter pilots to to ensure that all clients’ ectations are met.are met. expectations

Our H125 helicopters’ technical features: H125 helicopters’ technical features: - Max takeoff weight: 2250 kg Max takeoff weight: 2250 kg - Seating capacity: 5 passengers + 1 pilot (depending on camera system installed and operator station) eating capacity: 5 passengers 1 pilot (depending on camera system installed and operator station) - Flight duration: 2 hours 20+minutes light duration: 2 hours 20 minutes - Cabin load limitations (with a max. distributed load of): 300 kg/m2 (62.5 lb/ft2) - Rear cabin floor: 310 kg lb) distributed load of): 300 kg/m2 (62.5 lb/ft2) abin load limitations (with a(682 max. - Forward left cabin floor: 150 kg (330 lb) ear cabin floor: 310 kg (682 lb) - Range: 270 nautical miles orward -left cabin floor: 150sides kg (330 lb) Sliding doors on both of helicopter equipped with harnesses for filming crew ange: 270 nautical miles THC has experience flying different camera mounts in various situations ensurecrew liding doors on both sides ofwith helicopter equipped with harnesses forto filming

clients get the highest quality aerial filming. Moreover, our helicopters can easily be fitted with highly- sophisticated, externally mounted gyro-stabilized camera systems and has experience with cameraM1mounts in various situations to ensure equipment flying that have STCdifferent s such as Shotover and F1 cameras.

ts get the highest quality aerial filming. Moreover, our helicopters can easily be fitted highly- sophisticated, externally mounted gyro-stabilized camera systems and pment that have STC s such as Shotover M1 and F1 cameras.

For booking and prices, please contact us on: sales@helicopter.com.sa

CONTACT NUMBERS +966 50 850 3194

Sahary Resort

+966 55 105 3222 +966 50 051 1101 +966 50 380 6228 order@dine-solutions.com

Al hadaek Alturathiah Restaurant Dine In Catering service

Safwa taxi company: 920004507

G U I D E

P A R T

TAXIS

I N F O R M A T I O N

P R O D U C T I O N

RESTAURANTS & CATERING Shaden Resort

A D D I T I O N A L

A L U L A

HELICOPTERS

RESTAURANTS AND CATERING

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The Helicopter Company: https://thehelicoptercompany.com.sa/ BD & Sales team: bd@helicopter.com.sa Chiara Boccascino (BD & Sales Director): 00966533170033 Rakan Alsarhan (Key Accounts Manager): 00966599997939

P A G E

0163

P A G E

0164

999/911

Fire emergency response

998

Car accidents

993

Public ambulance services

997

STEPHEN STRACHAN

MIKE NORMAN

ABDULWAHAB ALGHANNAM

Film Commissioner s.strachan@rcu.gov.sa

Head of Production Services m.norman@rcu.gov.sa

Production Executive a.alghannam@rcu.gov.sa

HOSPITALS AND CLINICS IN ALULA

G U I D E

Hospitals: Prince Abdulmohsen Hospital

014 884 3711

Private Clinics: Fatima Hussain clinic Batterjee clinic Nakaa clinic

P A G E

0165

(+966) 014 884 3770 (+966) 014 884 0123 (+966) 014 884 0006

I N F O R M A T I O N

Police assistance

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P R O D U C T I O N

CONTACT NUMBERS

P A R T

A L U L A

SERVICE

A D D I T I O N A L

EMERGENCY SERVICES

HAIFA ALMAHRI

KHALIL NABELSI

New Business & Development Executive H.almahri@rcu.gov.sa

Filmmaker k.nabelsi@rcu.gov.sa

P A G E

0166

I N F O R M A T I O N

A L U L A P A G E

0167

The Royal Commission, AlUla 43544 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

P A R T

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G U I D E

A D D I T I O N A L

P R O D U C T I O N

Amr Aldamri St., Al Safarat, Riyadh 12512 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

P A G E

0168