AlUla Joins Forces With Petra National Trust To Safeguard Cultural Heritage

The Royal Commission for AlUla has entered into a cooperation agreement with Jordan’s Petra National Trust. This partnership aims to enhance the sustainable protection of ancient monuments and foster community involvement in preserving historically significant landmarks. The agreement was signed in the Hegra area of AlUla, reflecting a mutual commitment to safeguarding shared human heritage.

Both AlUla and Petra are renowned centres of the Nabatean civilization, known for their cultural creativity and architectural brilliance. The Darb al-Bakrah route, connecting Hegra to Petra, is adorned with inscriptions in languages such as Arabic and Nabatean, underscoring its historical importance. This route highlights the vital role these areas played in ancient times.

The agreement encompasses various initiatives, including knowledge exchange, skill development, visits, and tours. It also promotes education and community engagement in history, human heritage, and heritage preservation. Additionally, it explores new opportunities related to future strategies for both regions.

This partnership supports the Ruwat program initiated by the Royal Commission for AlUla. The program offers cooperative training for AlUla's citizens, enhancing their skills in heritage preservation. Under this agreement, the Petra National Trust joins an international network of partners that includes UNESCO, IUCN, and ICOMOS. These organizations play a crucial role in preserving cultural and natural heritage worldwide.

The collaboration further strengthens ties with various Jordanian sectors. For instance, Royal Jordanian Airlines operates flights to AlUla, facilitating easier access between the two regions. Additionally, Khammash Architects is part of the design and construction team working on the Sidrat AlUla project.

AlUla and Petra's shared efforts aim to preserve their common human heritage while encouraging community participation. By exchanging knowledge and promoting education about history and heritage preservation, both regions can ensure the sustainable protection of their ancient monuments.

This agreement signifies a significant step towards enhancing partnerships with Jordanian sectors involved in heritage conservation. It also highlights the importance of international cooperation in preserving cultural landmarks for future generations.

With inputs from SPA