Paris has played host to the second meeting of the Saudi-French Ministerial Committee for AlUla established under the Intergovernmental Agreement of 10 April 2018. This landmark agreement has paved the way for groundbreaking collaboration in cultural, environmental, tourism, human, and economic development, with a particular focus on the rich heritage of Saudi Arabia’s AlUla Governorate.
AlUla, located in northwestern Saudi Arabia, is a region of extraordinary natural beauty and rich historical significance. Known for its dramatic desert landscapes, sandstone rock formations, and ancient heritage sites, it is home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring well-preserved Nabatean tombs. AlUla has been a crossroads of civilisations for millennia, with archaeological treasures dating back to the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms. Today, AlUla is a major focus of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to transform it into a global cultural and tourism destination, blending heritage preservation, art, and sustainable development.
The meeting on 15 November was co-chaired by Saudi Minister of Culture and Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot. Among the distinguished attendees were Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla Abeer AlAkel, French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty Antoine Armand, and Jean-Yves Le Drian, Chairman of the French Agency for the Development of AlUla (AfAlUla).
A unique partnership in action
The ministers hailed the remarkable success of the Saudi-French partnership in AlUla, describing it as an ambitious and unique model of bilateral cooperation. They highlighted the significant progress achieved across various domains, particularly in fostering cultural exchanges and deepening people-to-people connections between the two nations.
The committee reviewed major ongoing and future projects under the Saudi-French collaboration for AlUla, emphasising their transformative potential. One of the standout initiatives discussed was the Villa Hégra, a joint Saudi-French cultural institution dedicated to celebrating the arts and fostering cross-cultural dialogue. The project, outlined in the Intergovernmental Agreement signed on 4 December 2021, has emerged as a symbol of shared commitment to cultural innovation.
Celebrating milestones in archaeology and education
Since 2018, AlUla has welcomed nearly 150 French researchers and archaeologists as part of a pioneering archaeological programme. This collaboration has yielded significant discoveries, further enriching the understanding of AlUla’s historical significance. Additionally, the meeting applauded the recent partnership between the Royal Commission for AlUla and the Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, a testament to the importance of academic cooperation in preserving and promoting heritage.
French companies at the forefront of innovation
French businesses have played a pivotal role in AlUla’s development, underscoring the economic dimension of this partnership. Projects such as the AlUla Tramway, spearheaded by ALSTOM, and the visionary Sharaan Resort, designed by the renowned Jean Nouvel architectural firm and to be built by Bouygues, showcase the blend of innovation and tradition that defines this collaboration.
A shared vision for the future
Concluding the meeting, committee members reaffirmed their commitment to elevating the Saudi-French partnership for AlUla to even greater heights. They underscored the importance of maximising the impact of their cooperation to preserve and promote AlUla’s unique cultural and historical identity. Both sides emphasised AlUla’s role as a cultural landmark and a custodian of Saudi heritage, reflecting their shared vision of fostering global appreciation for its legacy.
This meeting not only reinforced the deep ties between Saudi Arabia and France but also set the stage for a future where AlUla continues to shine as a beacon of cultural, historical, and economic collaboration on the global stage.
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Photos courtesy of SPA.
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