New Saudi cultural heritage project aims to bring the world to Al-Ula
Crown prince launches unique destination designed by Louvre architect Jean Nouvel
Saudi Arabia unveiled a spectacular project on Sunday to develop Al-Ula — already the jewel of the Kingdom’s cultural heritage — into a genuine global destination.
The ancient rock canyons in the country’s northwest will be enhanced with a 925-square-kilometer nature reserve and a unique resort hotel designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel, creator of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
The Royal Commission for AlUla aims by 2035 to attract 2 million visitors to the area, creating 38,000 jobs and generating $32 billion in revenue.
“With a past that represents an authentic history of exchange and trade between cultures, Al-Ula offers explorers from around the world a once-hidden destination to discover and celebrate,” commission governor and Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah Al-Saud said at the launch of the project on Sunday.
“We invite archaeologists and visionary thinkers from around the world to explore alongside us.”
Amr Al-Madani, the commis- sion’s chief executive, said: “The public launch of our vision for AlUla is an exciting step forward in our journey to protect the natural heritage of the region and share its rich cultural history around the globe.
“A trip to Al-Ula is like taking a journey through time, where every rock tells a story, and we want to introduce this beautiful place to the world.”
The development is a key building block of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 development plan, driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who added his digital signature next to the project’s cornerstone at Sunday’s launch.
Several hundred guests were welcomed to the launch in the mirrored concert hall built for the Winter at Tantora festival.
They included Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Princess Reema bint Bandar and the Greek musician and composer Yanni, who performed at the festival last weekend.
The charter for Al-Ula was pre- sented on a stage made of sand, with a multimedia sound and light show involving local men and women, the “guardians” of Al-Ula.
The ancient sandstone rocks of Al-Ula, visible through massive windows at the back of the stage, served as the backdrop.