In a major milestone for one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious cultural and tourism initiatives, the Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has officially appointed Ms. Abeer bint Mohammed AlAqel (also known as Abeer M. AlAkel) as Chief Executive Officer of the Commission.
This pivotal decision marks a new chapter in the development of AlUla, a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 agenda aimed at transforming the historic north-western region into a world-renowned destination for heritage, nature, and culture.
A trailblazing leader
Abeer AlAkel is widely recognised as one of Saudi Arabia’s most accomplished public sector executives, with a distinguished track record spanning strategic leadership, digital transformation, and institutional development.
Prior to her appointment as CEO, she served as Acting CEO of the RCU, during which time she oversaw significant progress in the Commission’s masterplanning, community engagement, and international partnerships. Her interim leadership earned broad respect for its balance of visionary ambition and disciplined execution.
Earlier in her career, Ms. AlAkel held senior roles at the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), where she was instrumental in shaping national digital strategies. She has also served as Deputy Minister for Planning and Development at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, where she was a key figure in labour market reforms and the modernisation of human capital systems in the Kingdom.
Her background in both technology and public sector development gives her a unique advantage in leading a complex, multidisciplinary entity like the Royal Commission for AlUla, which spans urban development, cultural preservation, community inclusion, tourism investment, and environmental sustainability.
A turning point for AlUla
Ms. AlAkel’s appointment comes at a crucial time in the transformation of AlUla, a region celebrated for its 200,000 years of human history and home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra. With major cultural infrastructure projects, hotel developments, and sustainability initiatives underway, AlUla is rapidly evolving into a living museum and dynamic hub for global travellers.
As CEO, she will be responsible for steering the next phase of AlUla’s development—anchored in the RCU’s comprehensive Masterplan, Journey Through Time, which outlines the restoration of heritage assets, creation of nature reserves, and establishment of tourism and creative industry clusters, all while prioritising the well-being of the local community.
Her leadership is expected to reinforce AlUla’s position as a flagship project under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aligning heritage-driven development with economic diversification, international cooperation, and cultural diplomacy.
A statement of confidence and continuity
The decision by the Board to elevate Ms. AlAkel from Acting to full CEO status is a strong vote of confidence in her leadership and signals a commitment to continuity in AlUla’s long-term strategic direction.
Moreover, her appointment reinforces the growing role of women in top-tier leadership across the Kingdom, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s evolving societal landscape and the government’s support for empowering female talent at the highest levels.
Looking ahead
With Ms. Abeer M. AlAkel at the helm, the Royal Commission for AlUla is poised to build on its momentum and deliver on its promise to become a globally recognised destination that harmonises innovation with authenticity, and growth with preservation.
Her blend of strategic insight, technical acumen, and cultural sensitivity makes her exceptionally well-placed to guide the Commission into a new era—one where AlUla not only preserves its rich past but also shapes a vibrant, sustainable future.
…
Read also: Melanie de Souza: driving AlUla’s global recognition with vision, heritage, and innovation
