AlUla's rawi historians tell tales as old as time

Arab News

25-05-2025

JEDDAH: In the timeless landscape of AlUla, stories are not only carved or marked into rock — they are carried in the hearts and voices of its people.
Among those preserving and sharing memories is Aljawharah Ibrahim Abdulkarim, a rawi — or oral storyteller — in the heritage, culture and events department at the Royal Commission for AlUla.
She told Arab News: 'Several years ago I took a number of tour guiding courses and decided to pursue a career in this field. I was born and raised in AlUla, so I grew up hearing stories and learning about AlUla Old Town from my parents and relatives who lived there, which allowed me to better understand the history of the site.'
Storytelling for Abdulkarim is not just a job, but a mission. As a native of AlUla, she offers a rare blend of authenticity and academic insight, which she weaves into the tours she leads.
She added: 'Since I've lived in AlUla my entire life, I've witnessed its amazing transformation over the years. Through my work as a rawi I've also seen firsthand the exciting future that lies ahead for this unique place. All of these experiences have helped enrich my personal story of AlUla.'
The rawi has historically played an important role in Arab culture, serving as a reciter of poetry and stories.
A trilingual speaker — fluent in her native Arabic, as well as in English and French — Abdulkarim represents the next generation of rawis that will show, and tell, the tales of their ancestors.
She said: 'I first started learning English in AlUla. Later, I had the opportunity to travel to France on an RCU scholarship created especially for AlUla students. While there I learned French and obtained my master's degree in international hospitality management.'
Her ability to connect with international visitors became a key asset, and she added: 'The fact that I am a trilingual rawi helps me to better understand the different tourists that come to AlUla, offer more personalized responses to their questions, and share with them the special story of AlUla.
'I've also had the chance to represent AlUla and my colleagues across several conferences and campaigns in the Kingdom and globally, connecting me with an even broader audience.'
While much research has been devoted to ancient sites like Dadan and Hegra, Abdulkarim is passionate about shedding light on AlUla — especially the human stories of AlUla's Old Town.
She said: 'There is a lot of available historical information and research for different ancient civilizations, especially for sites in Dadan and Hegra. However, when it comes to places like AlUla Old Town, it is quite different as we are talking about contemporary history.'
What sets her storytelling apart is her commitment to blending historical accuracy with personal memory — without conflating the two.
She said: 'The people who once lived there are still with us today, and they're able to share their stories in their own words.
'During my tours I usually start by sharing historical facts, and then I include memories from my father and family. I make sure to keep the two separate, so the history and personal stories are both respected and clearly understood.'
Beyond those narratives, Abdulkarim regularly invites other community members to lend their voices to the tours.
She added: 'During our tours we also invite members of the local community to participate by sharing their stories and knowledge, helping us to tell the broader history of AlUla, through the voices of those who have lived it.'
These efforts are especially resonant during themed tours in which the history is deeply personal.
She added: 'For example, during one of our special tours in Ramadan, called Ramadan Memories, my father contributed by sharing how the people of Old Town used to spend the holy month, recounting their daily routines, the food they prepared, their work, and their cherished traditions. In doing so, we offer our valued guests a truly unique and personal experience.'
Preserving and presenting heritage in such moments is more than recounting stories — it is about keeping the very culture and voice alive for future generations.
She said: 'Sharing our heritage with people is crucial to prevent it from being lost, especially as elements of heritage can also be intangible.
'AlUla is a jewel to us, and persevering the heritage of the city not only helps to protect our past but also safeguards our present and shapes our future.'
That future is being actively protected, and she added: 'Today, for example, we have the first Saudi Heritage Ranger team that are working hard to protect our tangible heritage in our historical and archaeological sites for the coming generations.'
In AlUla, the past is not forgotten: It is spoken, heard and passed down with pride. Through voices like Abdulkarim's, these stories — some as old as time — are finding new ears.