The Royal Commission for AlUla in Saudi Arabia has extended an invitation to China to collaborate on the development of natural and cultural heritage...

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in Saudi Arabia has issued an invitation to China to engage in responsible development cooperation across multiple fields including nature, eco-tourism, and heritage preservation.

On February 22, the Royal Commission for AlUla (“the Royal Commission”) attended the China-Saudi Investment Cooperation Summit Forum held at the China World Hotel in Beijing. The forum was part of the state visit to China by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia believes that establishing balanced and positive partnerships globally is crucial to realizing its Vision 2030. As such, the Saudi delegation focused on showcasing its efforts to promote East-West exchanges during this visit.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 have created a platform for bilateral cooperation and set the tone for broader regional collaboration. The friendship between the people of China and Saudi Arabia has a long history. Just as the Silk Road witnessed prosperous international exchange, AlUla, located at the crossroads of civilizations, also welcomes travelers from all over the world along the Incense Route.

During the forum’s panel discussion, Waleed Aldayel, Chief Strategy and Corporate Project Management Officer of the Royal Commission for AlUla, stated:

“This visit to Beijing gives us the opportunity to share with the world the rich history and culture of AlUla, and to talk about our efforts in preserving its natural heritage. AlUla spans time and awakens the senses. Its presence in China today is a reflection of this spirit of cross-cultural exchange and international cooperation.”

For thousands of years, AlUla has witnessed trade and interaction among diverse cultures. With the support of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, this hidden gem is now unveiled, inviting Chinese investors, archaeologists, art and culture scholars, and adventurers to explore its natural and cultural treasures.

The spectacular Hegra tombs ruins

Located in the northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the AlUla region encompasses numerous archaeological sites and ancient city ruins, serving as testimonies to several major civilizations, including the most renowned Dadan/Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms. Among them, Hegra was once a southern fortress of the Nabataean Kingdom, and its ruins represent Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Aerial view of the ancient city of AlUla

On February 10 of this year, with the support of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who serves as Prime Minister, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Royal Commission for AlUla, the Royal Commission launched a plan for the responsible development of AlUla, aiming to establish the region as a globally renowned world monument celebrated for its spectacular natural landscapes and cultural heritage.

One of AlUla’s landscapes — the Elephant Rock

As part of its responsible development and conservation efforts, the Royal Commission announced the designation of the Sharaan Valley as a nature reserve and appointed pioneering architect Jean Nouvel to design the luxurious Sharaan Resort, built into AlUla’s natural rock formations. Additionally, the Royal Commission launched the Global Fund for the Arabian Leopard, currently the world’s largest dedicated fund aimed at protecting this critically endangered species.

With these initiatives already underway, the Royal Commission for AlUla is committed to excellence and will collaborate with global universities and professional institutions in relevant fields. The Royal Commission will also continue mobilizing experts to conduct archaeological research in the region, uncovering the layers of its history. This work will foster global knowledge sharing and help build Centres of Excellence in heritage, archaeology, and conservation research.