Villa Hegra Launches in AlUla as First Saudi-French Cultural Hub

Villa Hegra, the first joint Saudi-French cultural foundation, officially launched its programs in AlUla Governorate with a significant cultural and artistic evening.
 The opening ceremony drew a high-profile delegation, including French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, French Agency for AlUla Development Chairman Jean-Yves Le Drian, Royal Commission for AlUla CEO Abeer AlAkel, and Villa Hegra CEO Fériel Fodil.
 Fodil said that the launch represents a major step in the cultural cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the French Republic. She emphasized that Villa Hegra will function as an international platform for dialogue and creativity, hosting artists from various fields to exchange experiences and develop joint projects.
 She added that the foundation will use its diverse programs to invigorate the artistic and cultural movement in AlUla, working to establish the region as a global destination for the arts. Fodil also noted that the foundation's inclusion in the international ¡Viva Villa! network reflects growing confidence in its role as a major hub for regional and global cultural exchange.
 Villa Hegra is a direct outcome of the cultural cooperation between Saudi Arabia and France, established under the patronage of the Royal Commission for AlUla and the French Agency for AlUla Development. It is set to be a pioneering center that hosts exhibitions, events, and cultural dialogues, thereby significantly enhancing AlUla's presence on the international cultural scene.
 The new headquarters is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including an indoor cinema, dedicated artist studios, and extensive art exhibition halls, fostering an integrated environment for creativity in all its forms.
 This inauguration is expected to play a vital role in solidifying AlUla's status as a global cultural landmark that successfully fuses authenticity and heritage with modern innovation and artistic creativity, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 in the culture and arts sector.