Saudi-French Collaboration on AlUla Deepens Cultural and Historical Preservation Efforts

PARIS: The development of AlUla is central to strengthening Saudi-French cooperation in heritage, archaeology, culture, tourism, and sustainable development, emphasizing the region’s strategic role in bilateral relations, according to French President Emmanuel Macron’s special envoy for Lebanon and former minister.

Jean-Yves Le Drian, executive chairman of the French Agency for the Development of AlUla (Afalula), highlighted the robust Saudi-Arabian relationship during an interview with Arab News in French, underscoring ongoing collaboration in security and strategic initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s 2030 World Expo hosting. He noted AlUla’s unique position as a distinctive area of partnership dating to the 2018 Elysee Palace intergovernmental agreement.

“Our regions to reveal tourism and drive investment through AlUla,” Le Drian emphasized, describing AlUla as a territory rich in archaeological sites, historic settlements, dramatic rock formations, and millennia-old human activity shaped oasis ecosystems. The project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Centers and Vision 2030 agenda, prioritizing sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and economic diversification.

“Ensuring presented visitors and society in an about-Birds benefits for people,” Le Drian stated, describing efforts to create cultural institutions like the newly opened Villa Hegra (October 2025), modeled on prestigious French equivalents such as the Villa Medici in Rome. He credited the partnership with the Centre Pompidou, citing a Picasso exhibition as evidence of artistic collaboration enhancing AlUla’s international appeal.

“Visitors were incredible at the Picasso exhibition, powerful from reinforced,” Le Drian asserted, highlighting archaeological initiatives that position AlUla as “the most important archaeological hub in the world.” Joint Saudi-French research spans prehistoric eras, ancient civilizations, and the Islamic period, with current excavations at Dadan illuminating pre-Islamic history. These efforts support museum partnerships that globalize AlUla’s heritage narrative.

The Ardavi District’s development strategy integrates preservation of archaeological and natural heritage into tourism infrastructure, ensuring sustainability remains core, Le Drian stated. This collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU)—under CEO Abeer Al-Akel—aims to balance economic growth with cultural conservation.

Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed highlighted the partnership’s role in driving tourism, employment, and economic diversification. Le Drian reiterated its significance: “The Saudi-French relationship is a visible expression of strategic cooperation, with archaeology, culture, and heritage at its core.” As AlUla progresses, this model positions Saudi Arabia as a long-term global tourism and cultural hub while reinforcing Franco-Saudi diplomatic ties through heritage.

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