Construction Starts on 250-Key NUMAJ Hotel in AlUla, Saudi Arabia

In Brief: AlUla Development Company has commenced construction on NUMAJ, a 250-key hotel in AlUla to be operated by Marriott International under the Autograph Collection Hotels brand, with opening expected in 2027.

John Pagano, Managing Director of UDC, and Abeer AlAkel, CEO of RCU, reviewing the NUMAJ architectural model during a site visit in AlUla – Image Credit AlUla Development Company

AlUla Development Company (UDC), a Public Investment Fund company, has started construction on NUMAJ, Autograph Collection in AlUla. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by senior officials, including John Pagano, Managing Director of UDC, and Abeer AlAkel, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Commission for AlUla, as well as other senior leadership representatives.

NUMAJ is planned as a 250-key hotel and is expected to open in 2027. The property will be operated by Marriott International under the Autograph Collection Hotels brand. The project is designed by GioForma, the architects behind Maraya. The design draws inspiration from AlUla’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and celestial history. The name “NUMAJ” is derived from the star system Nu Ursae Majoris, historically associated with AlUla as a guiding reference for ancient travelers.

The development will include five dining venues, wellness facilities, and integrated business and leisure offerings. The project is targeting LEED Gold certification and will incorporate environmentally responsible practices, including greywater reuse for irrigation, use of locally sourced materials, UV-resistant glazing, water-efficient landscaping, and energy-conscious lighting aligned with AlUla’s Dark Sky policy.

NUMAJ is part of UDC’s portfolio of developments in AlUla. The company’s projects contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by enabling sustainable tourism, unlocking investment opportunities, and supporting economic diversification.