01-05-2025
‘AlUla giga project is driving Saudi Arabia's cultural renaissance'
The AlUla Giga Project is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to transform the ancient city of AlUla into a world-class cultural and tourism destination.
Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is a Saudi government agency established by royal decree to oversee the sustainable development and preservation of AlUla.
The development plan is spearheaded by Public Investment Fund (PIF)-owned AlUla Development Company and includes the construction of luxury accommodations, museums, cultural institutions, commercial and residential assets and destinations in collaboration with RCU and the private sector.
RCU's Arts and Creative Industries Director Hamad Alhomiedan told Zawya Projects that the ancient Saudi city is establishing itself as a global destination for creativity and cultural exchange offering experiences that are deeply connected to the landscape, community, and heritage.
Speaking in an interview ahead of his participation in the NEXT IN Summit in Madrid, organised by Acciona Living & Culture, he said AlUla and RCU's work in arts and culture focuses on building long-term, strategic initiatives that link artistic expression to place, support local creatives, and foster global collaboration
'The goal is to create a vibrant and dynamic district—where people can create, learn, connect, and grow contributing to Saudi Arabia's evolving cultural landscape," he noted.
Alhomiedan is leading the development of landmark cultural assets such as the Arts Districts, Wadi AlFann, and the AlUla Contemporary Arts Museum. He pointed out that the Arts District is a central hub for fostering community connections, cultural enrichment, and personal growth and also encompasses creative assets - such as the Art Foundation, Design Space, and Madrasat Addeera – serving as a gateway into AlUla's cultural infrastructure.
'The Arts Academy gives artists the freedom to challenge themselves and elevate their practice. Our educational offerings act as a space for experimentation, pushing the boundaries of how we think and learn,' he said.
On the other hand, the Contemporary Art Museum will be a flagship institution for AlUla's artistic legacy—showcasing 21st-century works from the Arab world and beyond, in dialogue with regional artists and AlUla's heritage setting while Wadi AlFann (Valley of the Arts) aims to establish a new global destination for monumental contemporary art, embedded in AlUla's desert landscape and geological formations.
Alhomiedan emphasised that building a vibrant cultural sector requires different sectors working together—government, non-profits, academia, private partners, and local communities, with each bringing unique value to the table, whether it's expertise, networks, or resources.
'In AlUla, this collaborative spirit enables us to design cultural programmes that are inclusive, long-term, and grounded in local relevance. It helps us create platforms that support artists, inspire the public, and connect with global audiences in meaningful ways.'
The RCU official said upcoming projects in AlUla will continue to reflect the region's distinctive balance of heritage and creativity, adding that the first permanent commissions in Wadi AlFann will be revealed soon, showcasing landmark works by leading international and regional artists.
"We're also progressing with the expansion of Madrasat Addeera, as well as development of the Contemporary Art Museum and Cultural Oasis—projects that celebrate craft, design, and contemporary culture in immersive ways. These initiatives aim to tell a rich and evolving story of AlUla, offering insight into both the heritage and the creative spirit of Saudi Arabia,' he concluded.
(Reporting by SA Kader; Editing by Anoop Menon)
