French President Emmanuel Macron Reviews Cultural Partnership Areas During Visit To AlUla

French President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to AlUla Governorate marked the launch of the "Hegra Villa" project. This initiative, a collaboration between the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the French Agency for AlUla Development, is the first Saudi-French cultural institution in Saudi Arabia. It aims to boost global cultural diplomacy by fostering creativity and dialogue among communities.

During his visit, Macron toured the "Saudi-French Partnership Exhibition" at Maraya Hall. He was joined by Madinah Governor Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz and other officials from both nations. The exhibition showcased efforts to develop AlUla as a global cultural destination while preserving its heritage. Models and panels highlighted joint initiatives in culture, arts, sustainable agriculture, sports, filmmaking, tourism, hospitality, transportation, and archaeological preservation.

The partnership between RCU and France emphasizes sustainable growth while maintaining AlUla’s unique identity. Macron's visit underscored this relationship, focusing on shared commitments to environmental, heritage, cultural, and social development. The collaboration includes preliminary initiatives for Villa Hegra launched in 2023 and 2024 with French entities like "Le Forum des Images" and Palais Garnier.

Key programs target youth and local communities through film screenings, digital concerts, creative workshops, student exchanges, and academic research. Discussions also covered the academic partnership between RCU and Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University. This partnership focuses on education, research, and capacity building between AlUla and one of Europe’s leading academic institutions.

Recent archaeological discoveries were highlighted during Macron's visit. These include findings from the Bronze Age city of "Al-Natah" in Khaybar Oasis. Such discoveries provide evidence of settled societies in northwestern Arabia during that era. They challenge previous assumptions about life in the region.

The construction of Sharaan Resort and International Summit Center was also discussed. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, these projects will be carved inside a sandstone mountain dating back 500 million years. They embody innovation in design using advanced technologies while adhering to environmental standards.

Strategic Partnerships

Prince Badr bin Abdullah emphasized deep cultural cooperation between Saudi Arabia and France. He stated that their strategic partnership reflects international cultural cooperation's potential to enhance sustainable development through creativity. The Villa Hegra project aims to transform AlUla into a global hub for cultural creativity.

RCU acting Chief Executive Abeer Al Akel highlighted the importance of the relationship with the French Agency for AlUla Development. She noted that Macron's visit showcases achievements built on mutual cooperation and commitment to shared ambitions for a sustainable future.

French Agency for AlUla Development chairman Jean-Yves Le Drian described Macron’s visit as crucial for enhancing friendship between France and Saudi Arabia. It coincided with new cultural agreements signed in Riyadh, celebrating past achievements while launching a second phase of this bilateral partnership.

The second phase will see increased artistic offerings in AlUla with a focus on sustainable tourism supporting Saudi Vision 2030. Agreements aim to enhance AlUla's status as a global cultural icon while creating opportunities for creativity and innovation.

Macron was accompanied by a delegation including Minister for Europe Jean-Noël Barrot and Minister of Culture Rachida Dati during his tour of Hegra (Al-Hijr), Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With inputs from SPA