Al-Ula is Saudi Arabia’s gift to the world, says governor Prince Badr

1 / 7
2 / 7
3 / 7
4 / 7
5 / 7
6 / 7
7 / 7
Short Url
Updated 19 December 2019
Follow

Al-Ula is Saudi Arabia’s gift to the world, says governor Prince Badr

  • Al-Ula valley is a place of extraordinary human and natural heritage, says commission head Prince Badr
  • Prince Badr: Al-Ula has evidence of major civilizations dating more than 4,000 years

PARIS: The contrast in locations could not have been more different. The golden glow of the sunlit sandstone of Saudi Arabia’s finest and yet little-known archaeological site set against the walls of the Musee des Arts Decoratifs — a wing of the Louvre Palace in central Paris.

The rebirth of AlUla
Hegra, ancient city of the Nabataeans in Saudi Arabia’s historic AlUla Valley, is emerging from the mists of time to take its rightful place as one of the wonders of the world

Enter


keywords

 

Yet the images transported the guests from the rain-soaked streets of the French capital to an area of remote desert in the Kingdom’s northwest.
That region, an area the size of Belgium, contains a string of archaeological treasures and ancient cities dating back 4,000 years, but still unknown, particularly outside of the Kingdom.
Unknown, that is, until now. 
 On Monday night high-profile guests from Saudi Arabia and France gathered for a gala dinner in honor of a collaboration between the two countries to enhance the natural, historical and cultural heritage of Al-Ula.
Guests arrived to the sounds of classical Arabic music combined with a modern technical light display, a fitting backdrop to the intentions of the two countries to both preserve the past and yet develop the site for the future.
Speakers at the event, which coincided with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to France, included the foreign ministers of the two countries, archaeologists who have worked at the site and other senior figures involved in the project.
Guests arrived to a breathtaking exhibition of images from Al-Ula, including the striking tombs of Madain Saleh.
“Our ambition is to turn the region into one of the most exceptional archaeological and cultural destinations in the Kingdom and we are really thrilled to invite France to participate by bringing its expertise and experience to achieve this goal,” Adel Al-Jubeir, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, told guests.
Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, governor of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula, appointed last year, described Al-Ula as a “hidden jewel in northwestern Saudi Arabia.”
“The signing of this agreement is the first milestone toward the achievement of our project for Al-Ula: preserve its heritage and build the infrastructures and facilities that its beauty deserves,” he said. “France is a key partner to help us reach our objectives.”
The prince described Al-Ula in detail to those attending, who are still to find out the sheer scale and depth of the archaeological sites.
“The Al-Ula valley is a place of extraordinary human and natural heritage and a natural crossroads, and saw bustling commercial centers develop along what became the incense route from southern Arabia,” he said.
The event was attended by the French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Gerard Mestrallet, the special envoy of French President Emmanuel Macron for Al-Ula.
Others attending included senior figures in French art, culture and heritage — just the kind of people whose expertise the Kingdom wants to draw on as it opens up its heritage as part of the sweeping reform plan introduced by the crown prince.
The collaboration with France will shed more light on the civilizations that existed in the Al-Ula area over several millenia, said Irina Bokova, the former director-general of UNESCO. The Paris-based organization made Madain Saleh a World Heritage Site in 2008.
“The Al-Ula project is more than a great project of historical, cultural and natural heritage enhancing,” Bokova said. “It is about enlarging the world heritage with a great testimony of the Dedanite, Nabatean and Islamic civilizations.”
The expected easing of restrictions on foreign visitors to Saudi Arabia will allow the sites of Al-Ula to be explored, not just by tourists, but also by artists looking for a spectacular backdrop that has previously been hidden from the world.
Award-winning photojournalist Ammar Abd Rabbo said that he would love to be one of the first foreign professional photographers to take pictures in Madain Saleh.
“I’m proud to see the monuments of Madain Saleh presented like this in an amazing place which is part of the Louvre, one of the most famous museums in the world,” he told Arab News at the dinner.
“Slowly it will be a new destination for many people. You have a tremendous amount of people who are interested in such treasures and who could not access them before.”
Another guest, Isabelle Giordano, executive director of Unifrance Films, which promotes and export French cinema to the world, said that she sees an opportunity to make a “beautiful movie” set among the ancient monuments in Al-Ula.
“This country (Saudi Arabia) has so many stories to tell and it’s beautiful so I hope they will produce soon a lot of big movies and blockbusters to tell all the past and the stories,” she said.

Text of the speech at the gala dinner by Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Governor of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula.
Al-Ula is a hidden jewel in northwestern Saudi Arabia. A historic location that spans millennia, it has evidence of major civilizations dating more than 4,000 years to the first millennium BC, including most notably the Lihyan and the Nabataean kingdoms.

Al-Ula valley is a place of extraordinary human and natural heritage and a natural crossroads and saw bustling commercial centers develop along what became the Incense Route from Southern Arabia.

Al-Ula is a gift to be shared with the world. Inspired by Vision 2030, that provides an opportunity for all, a tolerant country welcoming to everyone, the Royal Commission for Al-Ula is a pioneer for a new model of cultural tourism. The Royal Commission for Al-Ula was tasked in 2017 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with preserving the region to enhance its exceptional natural, historical and cultural heritage. Because heritage is the future, because the future of the next generation lies in our heritage, our tradition and our people. And because Al-Ula’s past represents an authentic history of exchange and trade between cultures of which we must be proud. To achieve such an ambition, the royal commission turned to the world to select the perfect supporting partner.

More than 100 years ago, Frenchmen Antonin Jaussen and Raphael Savignac traveled to Al-Ula and undertook the first serious archaeological research. France has continued to be an exemplar in the fields of culture and archaeology not only in the region but also throughout the world. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France share a common approach to national heritage and arts, one that maintains that culture transcends borders and should be accessible to all as global heritage. Together we strive to preserve our historical treasures for future generations safeguarding antiquities for thousands of years more.

By working closely with local communities, and by exchanging expertise with the nation of France we will create a world standard of heritage and cultural experience for Al-Ula. It gives me great pleasure to celebrate — tonight, with you — the commencement of a historic partnership for Al-Ula, a living embodiment of the meaningful relationship between the new visionary Saudi Arabia and France. Heritage is the future.

Thank you for your support and your presence.

The rebirth of AlUla
Hegra, ancient city of the Nabataeans in Saudi Arabia’s historic AlUla Valley, is emerging from the mists of time to take its rightful place as one of the wonders of the world

Enter


keywords

Busy bees: Asir’s local markets abuzz over Sidr honey season

Updated 23 November 2024
Follow

Busy bees: Asir’s local markets abuzz over Sidr honey season

  • Unique taste, aroma make it popular locally, internationally

RIYADH: The Asir region is currently in the midst of the Sidr honey season, with local markets flooded with high-quality honey produced from the nectar of Sidr trees.

The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Sidr honey, which is renowned for its health benefits, is particularly prized for its antioxidant properties and ability to strengthen the immune system.

The unique taste and aroma of the honey have made it a sought-after commodity, both locally and internationally, the SPA reported.

Beekeepers in Tihama Asir have been busy harvesting the golden nectar, with prices ranging from SR350 to SR500 ($93-133) per kg.

The region’s diverse ecosystem, characterized by its fertile valleys and abundant flora, provides an optimal environment for beekeeping.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is actively supporting the development of the beekeeping industry. Initiatives such as the beekeeping and honey production development initiative improve practices, protect bee populations, and enhance the quality of honey.

By promoting sustainable beekeeping and preserving the natural habitats of bees, the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its position as a leading producer of high-quality honey while contributing to the global market.


Saudi Reef Forum to focus on rural sustainability

Updated 23 November 2024
Follow

Saudi Reef Forum to focus on rural sustainability

  • Al-Ahsa event to promote communities’ role in economic growth

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture will host the 1st International Forum for Saudi Reef in Al-Ahsa from Dec. 16-18, aiming to strengthen rural communities, and promote their role in driving sustainable development.

Maha Aldhahi, head of the forum’s executive committee, said: “The forum is pivotal in advancing rural development, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Saudi Vision 2030. It will support rural communities, while contributing to global efforts and research on sustainable agriculture.”

Aldhahi said that the forum will unite regional and international experts to address the challenge of rural-to-urban migration, a widespread issue. To counter this, the forum will propose practical solutions to ensure rural areas remain economically viable, vibrant, and sustainable.

Additionally, it will explore innovations in agriculture and rural development, fostering economic growth and social cohesion through job creation and investment promotion, she added.

Aldhahi said that the forum builds on the Saudi Reef Program, recognized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization as the world’s largest development initiative of its kind.

The program has supported over 77,000 agricultural projects, achieved a self-sufficiency rate exceeding 65 percent in vital sectors, and provided upskilling and career opportunities for rural communities.

Ghassan Bakri, secretary-general of the Saudi Reef Program, said: “The program is a model of sustainable growth, addressing food security and job creation while preserving cultural heritage. By hosting this forum, we aim to attract global partnerships and exchange cutting-edge solutions for rural empowerment.”

Bakri added that the forum will feature dynamic discussions on key topics, including sustainable agricultural practices, rural entrepreneurship, and the role of modern technology in agriculture.

The three-day event will also include an exhibition showcasing unique rural practices, handicrafts, and the work of local farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. It will highlight how traditional techniques integrate with modern innovations to create sustainable livelihoods.


Saudi Arabia arrests 19,696 illegals in one week

Updated 31 min 27 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia arrests 19,696 illegals in one week

  • A total of 11,336 people were arrested for violations of residency laws

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 19,696 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

According to an official report, a total of 11,336 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 5,176 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,184 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,547 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 65 percent were Ethiopian, 32 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 71 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 22 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Gaza victims praise Saudi Arabia’s lifesaving humanitarian efforts

Updated 23 November 2024
Follow

Gaza victims praise Saudi Arabia’s lifesaving humanitarian efforts

Riyadh: Palestinians in Gaza who received Saudi aid have expressed gratitude to the Kingdom for its humanitarian support through aid agency KSrelief.

They likened the Saudi assistance to rain that quenches their thirst for hope, alleviates suffering and rekindles optimism amid immense challenges, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Samaher Eid Awkal, 47, said she struggled with health issues while living in Khan Younis with her blind mother in a basic tent. She thanked KSrelief for providing her family with a suitable tent, which has eased their hardship and restored hope.

A Gaza mother who endured freezing conditions with her children without shelter also expressed appreciation after receiving essential aid. She described the support as a source of joy and hope during difficult times.

Mahmoud Nabil Abu Alwan, displaced from Rafah to Mawasi in Khan Younis, thanked KSrelief after he received a new tent. He previously lived in a dilapidated tent borrowed from relatives amid shelling and harsh displacement conditions.


Saudi Orchestra performance in Tokyo helps ‘bridge cultural boundaries,’ CEO says

Updated 23 November 2024
Follow

Saudi Orchestra performance in Tokyo helps ‘bridge cultural boundaries,’ CEO says

TOKYO: The Saudi National Orchestra’s performance in Tokyo is “bridging cultural boundaries” as part of Vision 2030, the CEO of the Kingdom’s top music body has said.

Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, added that music has a “very important part to play in each of the three main pillars of Vision 2030” as it represents a proud nation, a vibrant society and diversified economy.

Bringing the Saudi National Orchestra to Tokyo has given people the opportunity “to communicate with our language and it allows everybody to come together and share an experience that allows us to appreciate each other’s cultures, and really to be in harmony,” Pacifico said.

“And that’s why I think it’s so special that the orchestra is here for the first time.”

The program for the performance last night included traditional music directed by Saudi director Reab Ahmed, as well as the Japanese Imperial Court Orchestra “Gagaku.”

Pacifico said: “We’re able to show Saudi culture on one of the most prestigious stages in one of the world’s great cultural capitals here at Tokyo Opera City, and we’re doing that with authentic Saudi music, and authentic traditional Japanese music with Gagaku.

“But also with that great fusion between the two sets of musicians coming together and doing something really unique and beautiful.

“The Saudi National Orchestra and choir is really at the vanguard of developing the music landscape in Saudi Arabia as it builds the depth and richness and uniqueness of its beautiful culture, both traditional and modern.”

Pacifico said it was “an honor” to share the stage with the Japanese Imperial Orchestra performers. “It also shows how our cultures are different and yet similar: The regard for tradition and modernity, the appreciation of music, the sense of formality in public, but warmth and a sense of fun as well in private.”

He hoped that Friday’s performance was not a one-off but the foundation of a rich and longstanding collaboration with “our Japanese friends, the Tokyo College of Music, who we’re collaborating with on this concert.

“We hope that Saudi artists will start to have opportunities to play on stages here in Tokyo, like the Blue Note and Billboard Live and the Cotton Club, or festivals like Summer Sonic or Fuji Rock. And equally, we’d love to see Japanese artists playing more in Riyadh and all over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“Saudi Arabia has a very exciting story to tell.”

This article originally appeared on Arab News Japan