Max Muench's Visual Odyssey: Illuminating AlUla's untold narratives

When Max Muench ventured into AlUla in 2021, he had a goal in mind: to challenge mainstream narratives about the Kingdom and showcase AlUla's natural and cultural richness through his lens.

A quick glance at his repertoire and you can see that his photographs do just that – capturing the unique beauty of the region, from its echoing cliffs to its ancient Nabataean history, while also offering a fresh perspective on this historically rich and visually stunning locale. 

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What initially drew you to AlUla and did it meet your expectations? 

When I landed in Saudi in 2021 for a photography job with The Independent, I was on a mission to explore sustainability in AlUla. I wanted to see how tourism was being balanced with preserving the country's natural beauty. I'd done some research but intentionally avoided looking at any destination photos. AlUla was my first stop, and boy was I surprised! It’s right in the mix of Saudi’s Vision 2030, sustainability being a huge part of it. Seeing the massive effort that has gone into this project has left me truly amazed. I came with an open mind and left as a thoroughly impressed visitor and photographer. 

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How did the landscape and architecture of AlUla influence your photographic approach and style?  

For me, the magic happens in AlUla when you see Maraya, the world's biggest mirrored building, rising up in the desert. It's more than a concert hall; it's like a desert gem. The real charm, though, comes alive at sunrise and sunset. The soft light hits those mirrors at just the right angle, making the mountains around shine through Maraya. I had a blast experimenting with light and reflections – it felt like a giant playground for a photographer like me. 

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AlUla is known for its rich history and culture. Did you discover any stories or traditions that impacted your experience?  

I’m a fan of Jordan's Nabataean history, so I was thrilled to discover that the same civilisation had a presence in AlUla, creating huge tombs and carving an entire city into the rocks. Exploring Hegra, especially its wildlife, was a deeply moving experience and a major inspiration for my photography on this trip. 

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Food often tells a story about a place. What was the best meal you had?  

I had an amazing breakfast at Pink Camel Pastry Boutique near AlUla's Old Town. It showed that amidst all the history and rich heritage, modernity fits right in. It's a coffee and pastry spot with a view of mountains and palm trees. 

Any standout moments from your trip you’d like to share? 

Yes! I woke up super early, way before the sun came up, to go wildlife spotting in Hegra. And guess what? Our guide was like a pro at finding all sorts of animals: Arabian oryxes, gazelles, eagles, and this super cool Nubian Ibex. It was a morning I'll treasure forever, truly special.  

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Any challenges in getting around or while trying to get those shots?  

Like anywhere in the world, the toughest part is getting up early – to get the money shot. I'm a morning person, so it's a breeze for me. But even then, when it's 4.30am, and you know you'll be shooting for hours before breakfast, staying sharp can be a challenge. AlUla itself is a breeze to photograph – it's incredibly scenic, bursting with beauty and inspiration. Anyone would snap fantastic pictures in such a setting. 

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How were your AlUla photos received by your online following?  

AlUla undoubtedly sparked a fair bit of interest among my followers. They were genuinely impressed by the beauty and diversity of AlUla and the Kingdom as a whole. Western media often presents a rather one-sided view of the Middle East, so it was truly gratifying for me and my audience to experience Saudi from a different perspective. It's like discovering a hidden treasure that merits a more comprehensive portrayal. 

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What was your experience like with the local community? 

Saudis, much like people throughout the Middle East, are incredibly warm and hospitable. Our morning ride in Hegra with our guide was a real treat. Our guide spoke a distinct Arabic dialect, unlike any I'd heard before. He explained that it's the language of his ancient tribe, and it's remarkable to witness how local history continues to resonate through him to this day. It's as if the past is still alive in his words, and I found that fascinating. 

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Any hot tips for photographers visiting AlUla for the first time?  

My top tip would be: sunsets are stunning, but you should also never miss a sunrise. They are equally as beautiful.  

@muenchmax