AlUla: Saudi-French Partnership Transforms Culture into Economic Driver

The relationship between Saudi Arabia and France has evolved significantly, with culture now serving as a cornerstone of their strategic partnership. What began as France's introduction to Saudi heritage through exhibitions like "Roads of Arabia" at the Louvre in 2010 has transformed into extensive joint projects within the Kingdom.

This evolving dynamic is vividly illustrated by the AlUla project. Here, Saudi and French expertise converge on urban planning, heritage preservation, tourism development, arts, education, and training. AlUla is designed not merely as a historical site but as a global destination rooted in local identity, benefiting from international collaboration. This approach directly supports Saudi Vision 2030's goals of making culture, tourism, and entertainment key economic sectors.

The shift signifies a move from culture as a parallel activity to culture as an integral part of the economy. Sectors like tourism, museums, and major events now require interconnected expertise in transport, hospitality, technology, engineering, education, media, and digital services. This interconnectedness opens avenues for broader cooperation in areas such as the creative economy, electronic gaming, and sports, aligning with Saudi Arabia's economic diversification strategy.