French President Reviews Areas of Partnership, Cooperation with Kingdom in AlUla

French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to AlUla Governorate today marked the launch of the "Villa Hegra" project, a strategic partnership between the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the French Agency for AlUla Development. The initiative, the first Saudi-French cultural institution in the Kingdom, aims to enhance global cultural diplomacy through cooperation and creativity, empowering communities and fostering dialogue.

 During his tour of the "Saudi-French Partnership Exhibition" at Maraya Hall, President Macron was accompanied by Madinah Governor Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Culture and RCU Governor Prince Badr bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi, and other officials from both countries.

 The exhibition highlighted the strategic partnership established in 2018 to develop AlUla as a global cultural destination while preserving its rich heritage. It showcased models and panels highlighting joint efforts in culture, arts, sustainable agriculture, training, knowledge exchange, sports, filmmaking, tourism, hospitality, transportation, and archaeological preservation.

 Macron’s visit also underscored the longstanding relationship between the RCU and its French partners, focusing on shared commitments to environmental, heritage, cultural, and social development. The partnership emphasizes sustainable growth while preserving AlUla’s unique identity.

 At an exhibition inspired by the unique landscape of AlUla, the French president was briefed on the progress, achievements, and milestones accomplished since the government agreement was initiated in 2018.

 Key programs under the partnership include preliminary initiatives for Villa Hegra launched in 2023 and 2024, in collaboration with French entities such as "Le Forum des Images" and Palais Garnier. The programs, targeting youth and the local community, feature film screenings, digital concerts, creative workshops, student exchanges, and academic research.

 Discussions highlighted the academic partnership between the RCU and Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, archaeological discoveries, and the advancement of major projects, including the construction of the Sharaan Nature Resort and the International Summit Centre, designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel.

 The academic partnership, officially launched last year, focuses on the “Jossin and Savignac” academic chair as a first phase. The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration in education, research, and capacity building between AlUla and one of Europe’s leading academic institutions. It also provides opportunities for young people in AlUla to study a variety of disciplines, including tourism management, cultural heritage, archaeology, art history, and museum studies.

 Recent archaeological discoveries were also discussed, including the Bronze Age city of “Al-Natah” in the Khaybar Oasis. This findings provide evidence of settled societies in the northwestern Arabian Peninsula during that era, challenging prior assumptions about life in the region.

 The French president was briefed on the construction of the Sharaan Resort and the International Summit Center, which will be meticulously carved inside a mountain of sandstone dating back 500 million years, designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel. The project embodies innovation in design and architecture, utilizing the latest French and Saudi technologies while considering the environmental and cultural standards in the region.

 Prince Badr bin Abdullah emphasized the deep cultural cooperation between Saudi Arabia and France, stating that their strategic partnership in AlUla reflects the capacity of international cultural cooperation among friends to open broad spaces for cultural creativity, considering culture as a contribution to enhancing sustainable development.

 The minister of culture stated that the achievements in AlUla in light of the Saudi-French partnership pave the way for greater accomplishments, under the leadership and guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Royal Commission for AlUla.

 He noted that the Villa Hegra project has the potential to transform AlUla into a global hub for cultural creativity and dialogue, enhancing the preservation of human heritage and opening new avenues for cultural creativity to the world.

 RCU acting Chief Executive Abeer Al Akel emphasized the importance of the relationship between the commission and the French Agency for AlUla Development, which represents the cornerstone in AlUla renewal and transformation into the world's largest living museum.

 She stated that the visit of Macron to AlUla embodies an opportunity to showcase achievements built on a legacy of mutual cooperation, commitment to shared ambitions, and the innovation of a sustainable future of success.

 French Agency for AlUla Development chairman Jean-Yves Le Drian described Macron’s official visit to AlUla as an important step in enhancing friendship and cooperation between France and Saudi Arabia. It coincides with the signing of new cultural agreements in Riyadh, providing an opportunity to celebrate previous achievements and launch the second phase of this distinctive bilateral partnership. vThe agency was established in 2018 to achieve ambitious goals that support these efforts.

 The Villa Hegra, launched during the visit, is the first French-Saudi cultural institution in the Kingdom, serving as a prominent example of such endeavors. The initiative includes a range of ambitious projects supported by French expertise in research, arts, tourism, innovation, training, advanced engineering, and sustainable development.

 The second phase of the partnership between the commission and the agency will feature a significant increase and diversity in artistic and cultural offerings in AlUla, with a focus on sustainable and responsible tourism, achieving wide-ranging accomplishments in all fields in support Saudi Vision 2030.

 The agreements and partnerships between the RCU and France are part of efforts aimed at enhancing AlUla's status as a global cultural icon and achieving a comprehensive vision that enhances cultural understanding. The endeavors also aim to create new opportunities for creativity and innovation, making AlUla an inspiring model for sustainable cultural and economic development.

 Macron accompanied a delegation of French ministers and officials during his visit, including Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, and Minister of Culture Rachida Dati. The visit included a tour of Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hegra (Al-Hijr), and other cultural landmarks.