DUBAI: Luxury publishing house Assouline has released a new book titled “AlUla Flora” which celebrates the diverse plant life in this ancient oasis city.
The latest addition to Assouline’s “Classics Collection” features text by Abdulaziz Assaeed, a professor of rangeland ecology at King Saud University, and images by young Saudi Arabia photographer Hayat Osamah.
The publication includes artwork from Carolyn Jenkins, Lil Sire, Raxenne, Moira Frith and Mary Woodin.
The book highlights over 80 plant species that flourish in AlUla’s diverse landscapes, which include rocky sandstone outcrops, vast desert plains, and a verdant oasis teeming with natural springs.
The plants featured include the Hispid Viper’s Bugloss with its bright funnel-shaped flowers, the striking Spiny Milkvetch with pinkish-purple blooms, and the culturally significant jujube tree.
Each species is presented for its ecological value and role in local traditions, including Bedouin crafts and ancient culinary uses.
The book offers a visual exploration of the little-known flora of AlUla and highlights significant conservation efforts to restore and rewild the city’s ecosystems.
Phillip Jones, chief tourism officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said in a statement that “AlUla Flora” is a look at the “city’s fascinating botanical world, which we have been carefully and intentionally nurturing to rebuild and reinforce the ecological richness and vibrancy of the region.”
“The book acts as a visual narrative of our broader aspirations to protect and showcase the verdant life in AlUla, inviting visitors and locals to discover more about the environment that we live in and create an all-important connection with nature,” he added.
