Desert ruins of Al-Ula: Saudis revive forgotten past A windswept desert landscape of pre-Islamic ruins is at the centre of Saudi-Franco preservation efforts: Al-Ula, an area rich in archaeological remnants, is seen as a jewel in the crown of future Saudi attractions as the austere kingdom prepares to issue tourist visas for the first time -- opening up one of the last frontiers of global tourism. IMAGES of the site