Post by : Shweta
AlUla Becomes Key Symbol of Saudi-French Ties
The development of AlUla has become an important part of the growing strategic relationship between Saudi Arabia and France, with both countries working together on heritage, archaeology, culture, tourism and sustainable development.
Jean-Yves Le Drian, executive chairman of the French Agency for the Development of AlUla, said the partnership between Riyadh and Paris remains exceptionally strong. He described AlUla as a distinctive area of cooperation that brings together cultural preservation and long-term economic development.
Partnership Began With 2018 Agreement
The Saudi-French partnership on AlUla dates back to an intergovernmental agreement signed at the Elysee Palace in 2018. The agreement created a framework for sustainable economic, tourism and cultural development in the historic region.
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Le Drian said the goal is not simply to increase the number of visitors. The wider objective is to showcase AlUla's archaeological, cultural and natural wealth while developing the area as a global destination for heritage and sustainable tourism.
Culture and Tourism Projects Expand
AlUla has already become home to major cultural initiatives involving Saudi and French institutions. Villa Hegra, which opened in October 2025, is one of the latest milestones in the partnership and is intended to become a major cultural institution.
Cooperation has also expanded through partnerships with French cultural institutions, including the Centre Pompidou. An exhibition featuring works by Pablo Picasso was highlighted as an example of how international cultural activities can increase AlUla's appeal to tourists and art enthusiasts.
Archaeological Research Deepens
Archaeology remains another major pillar of the Saudi-French relationship. Saudi and French research teams are conducting extensive archaeological studies across AlUla and neighbouring Khaybar to better understand the region's ancient civilizations.
Research covers several periods, from prehistoric communities and ancient kingdoms to later Islamic history. Work at archaeological sites such as Dadan continues to provide new information about the region's pre-Islamic history and its role in ancient trade and civilization.
Sustainability at the Centre of Development
The transformation of AlUla is being pursued alongside efforts to protect its archaeological sites, landscapes and natural environment. Preservation and sustainability are therefore being incorporated into the region's broader tourism development strategy.
AlUla contains archaeological sites, historic settlements, dramatic rock formations and an oasis shaped by thousands of years of human activity. Its development is also linked to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals of expanding tourism, culture and heritage as important parts of the national economy.
AlUla Targets Global Tourism Status
The long-term ambition is to establish AlUla as a major international destination while creating economic opportunities, employment and greater global recognition for Saudi heritage.
The Saudi-French partnership combines tourism development with archaeological research, cultural exchange and environmental preservation. Officials say this approach can help create a development model that protects the area's heritage while opening it to international visitors.
Strategic Relationship Enters New Phase
Le Drian said French cooperation with the Royal Commission for AlUla and Saudi cultural authorities is helping build what he described as an exceptional partnership. The collaboration extends beyond tourism infrastructure and focuses on creating lasting cultural and economic connections.
As AlUla moves into the next phase of its transformation, Saudi Arabia and France are expected to continue working together across archaeology, museums, cultural programs, tourism and sustainable development. For both countries, AlUla has become a visible symbol of their increasingly broad strategic relationship.
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