Al-Ula was selected by Conde Nast as one of the Seven Wonders of the World for the year 2023, as part of its annual classification of the world's most amazing places.

According to the magazine, Al-Ula has a unique heritage and culture, and that until recently no one had heard of it, but that has now changed, allowing visitors to discover a region that is over 200 thousand years old.

The magazine pointed out that the city of Al-Ula is located in the heart of the northwestern desert of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and much of it is still unexplored.

It is estimated that less than 5 percent of the site has been excavated. Al-Hijr, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its massive tombs carved into cliffs of stark red sandstone.

The ancient city of Al-Ula is a maze of abandoned mud-brick houses dotted with earthy hues. There’s ancient rock art and restaurants by celebrity chefs including Maria, created by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton, perched atop the world’s largest mirrored building.

Other Seven Wonders of the World sites included in 2023 are Mont Saint-Michel (France), Perito Moreno Glacier (Argentina), Tiger's Nest Monastery (Bhutan), Cappadocia (Turkey), the Lake District (Great Britain), and the Sardine Race in the ocean.