Some places were built for the future. Some have a past to safeguard while moving into the future. AlUla is both.

Saudi Arabia and France have extended their partnership on AlUla until 2035, giving the two nations more time to build on years of work across culture, heritage, tourism and conservation. The agreement was signed in Paris during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s state visit to France. But this is about more than simply bringing AlUla to the fore.

The partnership sees the coming together of Saudi Arabia’s broader vision for the region, and the expertise of France in archaeology, cultural preservation, architecture, hospitality and tourism. The next phase will also see work across the arts, sports, training and the growth of local talent.

Some of the work already associated with the partnership is being delivered in very eye-catching ways from the AlUla Tram to Sharaan Resort, designed by Jean Nouvel, among projects utilising renewable energy, water and mobility. But then there’s the more interesting part. The goal is to grow AlUla as a destination that can bring together history, culture, hospitality and contemporary creativity in the same frame without losing what it is that made the region special.

With 2035 now within sight, the Saudi-French partnership is looking to the long game: develop AlUla, open it up further to the world, and keep its story firmly rooted in the place where it began. The AlUla story continues. And there’s much more to come.