ALULA: In a bid to attract local, regional, and international tourists, a family in AlUla has transformed their farm into a picturesque resort called Taraha. Drawing inspiration from their natural surroundings, the family adorned the place with decorative items and handcrafted artworks using local materials.  This initiative marks the family’s initial foray into rural lodging investments, with ambitious plans for development and expansion to compete with major industry players. Hashem Abdullah Al-Balwi, the director of the Ajwaa Al-Mazra’ah Agricultural Tourism Foundation, said that the project, prompted by a burgeoning tourism interest in the AlUla province, endeavors to rejuvenate the concept of agricultural tourism in a creative and locally rooted fashion. Their goal is to offer a novel farm-life experience, free from disruptions, harnessing the natural elements of the surrounding landscape, which includes mountains, palm fronds, desert and sand, all while preserving the environment. All the individuals involved in running the resort are family members, each assigned a specific role, Al-Balwi explained. Their commitment is to provide guests with top-notch services, including offering traditional foods and beverages that showcase the region’s culinary heritage. Visitors also have the unique opportunity to engage in hands-on harvesting of a diverse range of crops right on the farm.