AlUla, January 14, 2025 – Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, today embarked on a tour of Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic Hegra in AlUla Governorate. This landmark visit underscored the deepening cultural and diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Greece, with Mitsotakis exploring the remarkable archaeological significance of the site, which dates back thousands of years.
The prime minister was welcomed by a distinguished delegation that included Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Madinah Region; Majid Al-Kassabi, Minister of Commerce; and Amr AlMadani, Executive Director of the Royal Commission for AlUla, alongside several other senior officials from both Saudi Arabia and Greece. The group embarked on a comprehensive exploration of Hegra, one of the Kingdom’s most iconic and historically rich sites, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2008.
Among the highlights of the visit was a tour of Qasr al-Farid, a singular monument renowned for its impressive rock-cut architecture. This ancient tomb, dating back to the Nabatean period, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Hegra, offering a glimpse into the advanced engineering and cultural heritage of the region. Another key stop was Qasr al-Bint, a site with origins that stretch back to pre-Islamic times, providing further evidence of the rich civilizations that once thrived in the area.
The group also visited Jabal Ithlib, a striking natural formation that houses an open-air theater—an example of how the ancient inhabitants of the region harmonized their architecture with the breathtaking natural surroundings. The open-air theater serves as a testament to the advanced social and cultural practices of those who lived in the area, integrating functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Throughout the visit, the prime minister and his delegation were able to witness firsthand the careful preservation efforts by the Royal Commission for AlUla, the Ministry of Culture, and the Saudi Tourism Authority, who work tirelessly to protect and maintain these heritage sites. These initiatives ensure that the ancient historical sites and artifacts of AlUla continue to serve as a vital part of global human heritage, drawing tourists and scholars from around the world to explore the rich history and diverse civilizations that have called the region home.
The visit to Hegra not only highlighted the exceptional beauty and cultural wealth of AlUla but also underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving and promoting its heritage, while fostering international collaboration in the fields of tourism, history, and culture. The tour provided a deeper understanding of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to protect its cultural legacy while showcasing its history to a global audience, reaffirming AlUla’s place as one of the most significant cultural destinations in the world.
This visit is part of broader efforts to further enhance ties between Saudi Arabia and Greece, particularly in the areas of cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and tourism, as both nations look to strengthen their relationship through mutual respect for each other's rich histories.
