AlUla, January 31, 2025 – The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has solidified its commitment to advancing cultural heritage preservation and international cooperation by signing new partnership agreements with the Directorate-General of Museums of Italy and the Pompeii Archaeological Park. These agreements are the latest step in an ongoing collaboration aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations in the fields of archaeology, museums, gastronomy, and architecture. The partnerships are a natural extension of the shared history between Italy and Saudi Arabia, particularly rooted in the ancient Incense Route, which once linked the two civilizations through trade and cultural exchange.
The agreements are not only a continuation of the strategic collaboration established in 2023 between Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and his Italian counterpart, Gennaro Sangiuliano, but also a step forward in enhancing the global standing of both AlUla and Pompeii. These two iconic heritage sites are rich in historical significance, and through this collaboration, both nations aim to exchange expertise, preserve cultural treasures, and foster the development of new cultural assets that will benefit future generations.
RCU CEO Abeer Al Akel emphasized that the partnership would bring together the expertise of both Italian and Saudi specialists to enhance sustainable tourism and protect cultural heritage for the future. Al Akel highlighted the shared historical depth of AlUla and Pompeii, stressing that the collaboration would not only involve archaeological and preservation efforts but also initiatives in gastronomy and architecture that will offer new and enriching cultural experiences for visitors. This partnership reflects the deepening cultural relationship between Italy and Saudi Arabia and positions AlUla as a global cultural hub that integrates heritage preservation with sustainable tourism.
The agreements come on the heels of a visit by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to AlUla, where she explored the rich history of the region, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra. Her visit, along with the signing of these agreements, highlights the ongoing commitment of both nations to work together to promote cultural exchange, foster tourism, and ensure the protection of their invaluable heritage for the benefit of future generations. The partnership underscores the importance of international collaboration in safeguarding cultural treasures and promoting the shared legacy of the ancient civilizations that once flourished along the Incense Route.
