Royal Commission for AlUla Partners with Dunhuang Academy to Strengthen Saudi-Chinese Cultural Collaboration

Riyadh, January 8, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and Dunhuang Academy have signed a strategic partnership to expand cultural, touristic, and heritage collaborations between Saudi Arabia and China. This landmark agreement marks a significant milestone in Saudi-Chinese relations, bringing together world-class expertise in heritage conservation and cultural preservation.

According to an RCU press release, the partnership combines Dunhuang Academy’s 80 years of expertise in managing and conserving the historic Mogao Grottoes with RCU’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the rich cultural heritage of AlUla.

A Meeting of Heritage Custodians

The Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, comprise 735 Buddhist caves in Gansu Province. Renowned for their stunning murals and sculptures, the grottoes are a testament to the cultural exchange that flourished along the ancient Silk Road.

“The new agreement unites RCU and Dunhuang Academy as custodians of unique heritage, history, and tradition,” the release stated, emphasizing the shared mission of preserving globally significant cultural landmarks.

Dunhuang Academy’s conservation work at the Mogao Grottoes has garnered international acclaim, receiving praise from UNESCO, the World Bank, and the Chinese government.

Collaboration on Conservation and Exchange

Under the agreement, RCU and Dunhuang Academy will collaborate on a comprehensive conservation program to protect historic sites and artifacts in western China and AlUla. The partnership will also include academic exhibitions and exchange programs for staff and scholars, fostering knowledge sharing and cultural diplomacy.

RCU Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Silvia Barbone, highlighted the enduring connection between the two nations:

“China and Saudi Arabia share a long and storied legacy that has united people and places across vast distances and through millennia. Today, our efforts within the global heritage space are empowered by successful collaborations with leading institutions and landmark destinations.”

Strengthening Saudi-Chinese Relations

The partnership builds on the momentum of the Saudi Travel Expo, held recently in Beijing’s Tian Tan Garden, where AlUla’s cultural and natural heritage was prominently featured. This collaboration reflects the Kingdom’s growing commitment to fostering international partnerships and promoting its rich history on the global stage.

A Shared Vision for Heritage Preservation

Through this strategic alliance, RCU and Dunhuang Academy aim to inspire a new era of cultural exchange and shared expertise, reinforcing their roles as global leaders in heritage preservation. The partnership underscores Saudi Arabia’s dedication to advancing international cooperation in alignment with its Vision 2030 goals of promoting cultural heritage and tourism as pillars of economic and social growth.