Saudi–French Joint Ministerial Committee on AlUla Convenes to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

📷SPA

Riyadh, October 3, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Saudi–French Joint Ministerial Committee on AlUla convened on Thursday in AlUla, co-chaired by Minister of Culture and Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan and French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, with the participation of ministers and senior officials from both countries.

Saudi attendees included Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, and RCU CEO Abeer Al-Akel. From the French side, participants included Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, senior officials from the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Chairman of the French Agency for AlUla Development Jean-Yves Le Drian.

The meeting reviewed the achievements of the partnership established under the 2018 intergovernmental agreement and explored new areas of cooperation in culture, education, hospitality, and sustainability.

Officials highlighted joint investments amounting to €2.2 billion through 400 French companies, with cooperation spanning construction, infrastructure, public services, renewable energy, and mobility. Initiatives also include French language programs at the AlUla Languages Institute, scholarships for Saudi students, and the opening of the Ferrandi Paris – AlUla Campus for hospitality education.

Flagship projects such as the AlUla Tramway and Sharaan Resort by Jean Nouvel were discussed, alongside preparations for the 2026 World Endurance Championship.

The session welcomed the inauguration of the Villa Hegra Foundation, the first Saudi–French cultural center in AlUla, which will serve as a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the partnership and strengthening AlUla’s position as a global destination for culture, creativity, and sustainable development.