AlUla Development Company (UDC), a company of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has announced the commencement of construction on NUMAJ, Autograph Collection, in a development that marks a milestone in the transformation of AlUla as a destination.
The groundbreaking was attended by John Pagano, Managing Director of UDC, and Abeer AlAkel, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), alongside other representatives of senior leadership.
“NUMAJ marks a clear step forward in our delivery agenda. As we move into construction, our focus is on executing high-quality, investment-ready developments that strengthen AlUla’s positioning, while shaping distinctive hospitality experiences that enhance its long-term appeal as a global destination and a vibrant community,” John Pagano, Managing Director of UDC said in a statement.
Construction begins on AlUla’s 250-key NUMAJ Hotel, set to open in 2027
The 250-key hotel, expected to open in 2027, is being developed by UDC and will be operated by Marriott International under its Autograph Collection Hotels brand. The project has been designed by GioForma, the architectural practice behind the Maraya concert hall.
The name NUMAJ is derived from Nu Ursae Majoris, a star system that was historically associated with AlUla as a point of navigation for travellers in antiquity. The design concept draws on this narrative, with themes of discovery, light, and connection to the landscape.
Guests at NUMAJ will have access to five dining venues, wellness facilities, and spaces designed for both business and leisure. The hotel’s interiors and public spaces are conceived to reflect AlUla’s identity through design elements that reference the region’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage.
The start of construction represents the transition of the project from concept to execution, reinforcing UDC’s role as the engine driving AlUla’s masterplan, in collaboration with RCU.
Sustainability has been embedded in the design of NUMAJ from the outset. The development is targeting LEED Gold certification and incorporates greywater reuse for irrigation, materials sourced locally, UV-resistant glazing, water-efficient landscaping, and lighting aligned with AlUla’s Dark Sky policy.
NUMAJ forms part of UDC’s portfolio of developments in AlUla. Through its projects, UDC contributes to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by enabling tourism, creating investment opportunities, and supporting economic diversification.
