Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and the Royal Commission for AlUla signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday to strengthen cooperation in culture, heritage and sustainable development.
The deal was signed in Riyadh during the Cultural Investment Conference by Vice Minister of Culture Hamed Fayez and RCU Chief Executive Officer Abeer AlAkel. Officials said the agreement marks a step toward positioning AlUla as a global cultural destination.
Enhancing Saudi Cultural Identity
Fayez said the agreement deepens the ministry’s partnership with RCU and supports efforts to highlight Saudi cultural identity in AlUla. He described the region as an “open-air museum,” where natural landscapes blend with thousands of years of history.
AlAkel added that the pact reinforces RCU’s collaboration with the ministry and aligns with the cultural ambitions of Vision 2030.
She said it will bring innovation and expertise from Saudi Arabia and beyond, strengthening the cultural and knowledge-based economy while contributing to sustainable development in the region.
Building Cultural Infrastructure
Both sides will also encourage cooperation between cultural institutions and the RCU to improve the quality and diversity of cultural programming in the region, ensuring growth that is anchored in sustainable development.
The partnership aims to expand community-focused education and professional training to nurture Saudi talent. It also seeks to attract investment into creative industries, promote entrepreneurship and create high-value jobs anchored in knowledge and creativity.
Previous joint efforts include the Wadi AlFann Dialogue, the AlUla Future Culture Summit and the 2023 AlUla World Archaeology Summit. Both entities also supported the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques.
First-Ever Cultural Investment Conference
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the inaugural Cultural Investment Conference, held Sept. 29–30 at the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh.
The event, under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, brought together more than 100 speakers and 1,500 participants.
Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud opened the gathering alongside senior officials, investors and cultural leaders from Saudi Arabia and abroad.
The conference focused on three themes: cultural production, advancing cultural capital and the cohesive power of culture. Sessions highlighted how culture can drive job creation, tourism and regional development while strengthening global ties and social bonds.
The event also explored innovative investment models and lessons from emerging markets. Organizers said it highlighted the Kingdom’s ambition to build a strong cultural economy under Vision 2030, making culture a driver of sustainable development at home and abroad.
Officials said the strong engagement from cultural institutions, government entities and global investors reflected Saudi Arabia’s commitment to positioning Riyadh as an international hub for culture and creative industries, with sustainable development at its core.
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