Latest news with #RoyalCommissionforAlUla
Leaders
4 days ago
- Leaders
Qurh: AlUla's Historic Stop for Pilgrim, Trade Caravans
Nestled about 20 km south of AlUla's old town, near the village of Mughayra, Qurh was a vital hub for pilgrims and traders throughout the ages, according to the Saudi Press Agency. As one of the Royal Commission for AlUla's archaeological sites, Qurh features prominent architectural structures. Qurh's ruins boast remnants of architectural structures, marketplaces, streets, and palaces which perfectly highlight the city's once-thriving economic and urban life. Interestingly, those architectural features which date back to the early Islamic periods indicate that settlement and cultural growth were in progress even after the advent of Islam. The historian Hisham bin Al-Kalbi noted that Qurh was the capital of Wadi Al-Qura and a center for Arab markets. Al-Kalbi also described it as a commercial and cultural center and a cradle of the arts. Meanwhile, Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani, the RCA's Vice President for Culture stated that the excavations in Qurh serve as a living proof 'that there was some interaction with China at the beginning of the Islamic period.' 'Evidence exists of interactions and trade extending as far as China,' he said in an interview produced by FT Longitude in partnership with the RCA. 'With China, for example, (there were) merchants who brought porcelain, medicines and silk to Arabia with incense for sure, ivory, while other valuables travelled in the opposite directions,' Alsuhaibani added. Related Topics: AlUla, UNESCO Inaugurate 'Deep Surfaces' Exhibition in Venice AlUla Launches 'Arch Rock and Stargazing' to Promote Environmental Awareness Arabian Warrior AlUla: Challenging Obstacle Races amid Breathtaking Landscapes Short link : Post Views: 14
Leaders
17-05-2025
- Science
- Leaders
AlUla Fosters Cultural Heritage with Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
The Royal Commission for AlUla has signed an agreement with the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Asian Art to boost knowledge exchange, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The partnership seeks to spread global awareness of the cultural heritage and ancient civilizations of the northern Arabian Peninsula. Importantly, the agreement features joint research projects in art conservation, history, archaeology, and scientific studies. According to the deal, both entities will collaborate in organizing joint exhibitions, exchanging artifacts, launching programs and exhibition design, museum research, storytelling, and museum management. In the light of this, the deal aligns with the commission's strategy to position AlUla as a global center for heritage and culture. Related Topics: AlUla, UNESCO Inaugurate 'Deep Surfaces' Exhibition in Venice AlUla Fosters Global Presence with Five New Partnerships Arabian Warrior AlUla: Challenging Obstacle Races amid Breathtaking Landscapes Short link : Post Views: 25 Related Stories
Leaders
11-05-2025
- General
- Leaders
AlUla, UNESCO Inaugurate 'Deep Surfaces' Exhibition in Venice
In collaboration with UNESCO, the Royal Commission for AlUla has inaugurated the 'Deep Surfaces: Architecture to Enhance the Visitor Experience of UNESCO Sites' exhibition in Venice, Italy, according to the Saudi Press Agency. As part of the Venice Biennale Architecture 2025, the exhibition will run until November 23, at Palazzo Zorzi in Venice. The exhibition features more than 50 projects located in UNESCO-designated sites, such as World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks. Promisingly, the event represents a valuable platform for visitors to explore the role of architecture in boosting visitor experiences, protecting cultural heritage and connecting narratives to people and place. Furthermore, the exhibition offers glimpses into the role of architecture in supporting local economies and promoting social inclusion. In response to complex contemporary challenges, the exhibition also promotes the role of these sites as learning spaces for sustainable development and global citizenship. Interestingly, the event will also highlight the ancient city of Hegra in AlUla as the first Saudi site inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The exhibition also showcases various initiatives designed to encourage public engagement and preserving the site. As part of a broader partnership for heritage preservation and sustainable development, the occasion highlights the joint efforts of the Royal Commission for AlUla and UNESCO to establish a reference model for best practices. Related Topics: AlUla Fosters Global Presence with Five New Partnerships Eid Al-Fitr 2025: Enjoy Unmissable Experiences in AlUla Al-Ahsa Hosts UNESCO Creative Cities Forum 2025 Short link : Post Views: 13
Asharq Al-Awsat
05-05-2025
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
AlUla Languages Institute Launches Reviving Ancient Languages Program
The AlUla Languages Institute, affiliated with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), launched the Reviving Ancient Languages Program. The program aims to raise awareness of AlUla's linguistic heritage and enable residents to explore the region's rich history of languages and inscriptions. The program offers several specialized courses in ancient languages historically used in AlUla, including Aramaic, Thamudic, Dadanitic, Lihyanite, Musnad-al-Janubi, and Nabataean, as well as a course on the origins of writing. Registration for the program opened Sunday via the AlUla Languages Institute website. Through this program, RCU aims to offer learning opportunities to AlUla residents and strengthen their connection to their rich cultural heritage.
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
‘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)
