How France played a role in promoting Saudi Arabia’s AlUla

When the Institut du Monde Arabe launched its immersive exhibition “AlUla: Wonder of Arabia” in October 2019, more than 10,000 Parisians and international visitors experienced a rare opportunity to discover a little-known slice of Arab archaeological history. (Supplied)
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Updated 14 July 2020
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How France played a role in promoting Saudi Arabia’s AlUla

  • How the French have been involved with Saudi Arabia’s bid to share its ancient treasures with the world

DUBAI: When the Institut du Monde Arabe launched its immersive exhibition “AlUla: Wonder of Arabia” in October 2019, more than 10,000 Parisians and international visitors experienced a rare opportunity to discover a little-known slice of Arab archaeological history in the French capital.

Co-curated by the Saudi archaeologist and Royal Commission for AlUla consultant, Dr. Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani, the exhibition was the first of its kind, designed to showcase the multiple histories and remarkably preserved Nabatean architecture of the city of AlUla through a diverse display of 265 artifacts and interactive screens.

In a dimly lit atmosphere, visitors laid eyes on sandy-toned human and animal sculptures, inscribed rocks, delicate coins and incense burners that have been unearthed by Saudi-French excavation teams and King Saud University. A feast for the eyes, a majority of what was on display was made accessible to the public for the first time.

After being extended for almost six weeks past its closing date on Jan. 19 this year, the museum was able to attract everyone, from children and parents to curious tourists, along with members of the international press. Even President Emmanuel Macron was treated to a private guided tour of the exhibition, which was spread across two floors of the museum.

Almost every detail of the exhibition — from its significant venue to the choice of expertise invited to take part and loans coming from other French museums — marked a renewed strengthening of Saudi-Franco cultural relations.

“Culturally speaking, I believe the exhibition broke many barriers,” said Alsuhaibani in an interview with Arab News. “Culture is usually the fastest, strongest, and most efficient way of breaking barriers between nations in general. The exhibition was a success and an excellent platform to not only introduce people to AlUla but also, in the bigger picture, the land of the Kingdom.”

One of the highlights of the exhibition was when the French aerial photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand was invited to film AlUla’s natural scenery, notably the massive tombs of Hegra and Dadan’s lush green oasis. The detailed animated films were projected onto large screens, transporting the viewer to the heart of AlUla.

“The rich environment of AlUla was a key point and we wanted to display it,” recalled Alsuhaibani. “Yann Arthus-Bertrand was a world-renowned professional, who was capable of allowing the visitor to virtually experience this place. Given his prior relations with the Institut du Monde Arabe, we were able to sign a contract with him and he did an amazing job.”

History shows, however, that this was not the first time the French (including other European nationals) expressed interest in the history of Hejaz (now part of modern-day Saudi Arabia). In fact, during the 19th century, several French travellers made their way to the area, documenting what they encountered.

Chief of them was Charles Huber, who Alsuhaibani described as one of the first Frenchmen to visit in 1878. Collecting rock specimens from the area, Huber’s travels to Hejaz and northern Najd were supported by the French government, which also sponsored publishing his maps and travel accounts, “Journal d’un voyage en Arabie, 1883-1884.”

Other important travelers to AlUla, specifically, were the French priests and archaeologists Antonin Jaussen (1871-1962) and Raphael Savignac (1874-1951). Residing in Jerusalem as members of the French Biblical School, the pair’s visit to Madain Saleh (Hegra) in 1907 was facilitated by the then newly established Hejaz Railway, stretching from Damascus to Madinah.

“The existence of trains meant that Jaussen and Savignac were able to take their photographic equipment with them. So, they took the very first images that we have of AlUla,” commented Alsuhaibani. Along with their insightful photographs of life in AlUla, the pair published a seminal, five-volume publication on Middle Eastern archaeology, entitled “Mission Archaeologique en Arabie,” in 1909.

Looking back, the genesis of the Paris-based French Agency for the Development of AlUla (AFALULA) in 2018 has led Saudi Arabia and France to work together in transforming AlUla into a leading tourist destination in the Arab region and the world’s largest living museum by 2035.

Aside from carrying out field excavation plans led by 50 French archaeologists, other goals of AFALULA include conservation training for the young generation of Saudis, building a museum complex, developing a sustainable agriculture and security strategy, and designing a sophisticated hotel complex by acclaimed French architect Jean Nouvel at the Shaaran Nature Reserve.

“We want to show that people can live in AlUla,” said Alsuhaibani, who obtained his doctorate in the architecture of the Dadan Kingdom at Paris’ Sorbonne University. “The place itself has been inhabited since pre-historic times until this day. AlUla has a past, a present, and a future. We have a land of historical depth and we want to share it with the world.”

Despite the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic, AFALULA’s executive chairman, Gerard Mestrallet has assured that the agency’s teams have continuously been in contact during the confinement period, discussing master plans for AlUla. “In just two years, the cooperation between our two countries has become stronger and more asserted,” he stated. “We are pleased with the work that we accomplished, and enthusiastic about meeting the many challenges ahead together.”


Saudi Arabia takes leading role in Helsinki ICRC donor summit

Updated 58 min 31 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia takes leading role in Helsinki ICRC donor summit

  • The Kingdom’s delegation took part in various discussions, led by its deputy ambassador to Finland, Faisal Al-Shehri

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has joined the International Committee of the Red Cross donor support group during a high-level summit in Helsinki, while simultaneously taking charge of a global peace-building initiative.

The Kingdom’s delegation took part in various discussions, led by its deputy ambassador to Finland, Faisal Al-Shehri, and Geneva-based humanitarian affairs chief at Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Shatha Al-Ahmadi.

ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric highlighted Saudi Arabia’s status within the humanitarian community, describing the Kingdom as “not only a donor state, but a trusted and vital political partner for the International Committee of the Red Cross.”

Spoljaric specifically commended Saudi Arabia’s significant contributions to the global initiative designed to strengthen political commitment to international humanitarian law, positioning the Kingdom as a key driver of humanitarian policy development.

The Saudi delegation expressed appreciation to both the ICRC and Finnish government for organizing the summit, saying the Kingdom’s membership reflected its commitment to humanitarian work: “Our participation reflects an unwavering dedication to humanitarian action, rooted in our firm belief in the international community’s collective duty to assist conflict victims and deliver humanitarian aid.”

The delegation emphasized its full recognition of the ICRC’s unique mandate and exceptional position among humanitarian organizations, reaffirming Saudi support for maintaining its independence and neutrality.

The Kingdom has assumed leadership of the global initiative’s third operational track, which addresses the intersection of international humanitarian law and peace-building efforts. 

Saudi delegates stressed the need for peaceful conflict resolution, political dialogue enhancement and diplomatic engagement between nations to foster mutual respect and create pathways toward lasting reconciliation and sustainable peace building.

The summit concluded with a ceremonial leadership transfer from Finland to the UK within the donor group structure. 

Saudi representatives congratulated their British counterparts, expressing their enthusiasm for enhanced collaboration with the incoming leadership and all international partners to advance multilateral humanitarian system development.


Saudi FM holds calls with Kuwaiti, Palestinian and Norwegian counterparts on regional tensions

Updated 13 June 2025
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Saudi FM holds calls with Kuwaiti, Palestinian and Norwegian counterparts on regional tensions

  • Calls came amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Friday held a series of phone calls with regional and international counterparts to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In a call with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, the two sides reviewed the recent Israeli strike on Iran, its regional repercussions, and stressed the importance of de-escalation and safeguarding regional security, SPA added.

Prince Faisal also spoke with Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Mustafa, with discussions also focused on the latest developments in the region and their wider implications.

In a separate call, the Saudi minister discussed regional and international issues of common interest with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.


Saudi airports issue travel alert after airspace closures amid Israel-Iran tension

Updated 13 June 2025
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Saudi airports issue travel alert after airspace closures amid Israel-Iran tension

  • Major airports authorities in the Kingdom have advised those traveling to check with their airlines before heading to the airport to avoid delays or flight changes

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Friday issued a travel alert for citizens and residents after airspace closures following the Israeli attacks on Iran ramping up tensions between the regional rivals.

Increased tensions in the region could pose security risks and several countries in the Middle East closed their airspace, resulting in travel disruptions, including flight cancellations.

Major airports authorities in the Kingdom have advised those traveling to check with their airlines before heading to the airport to avoid delays or flight changes.

In advisories on social media, King Khalid International Airport Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport, Dammam and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madinah, said: “In the interest of your safety and comfort and due to the current developments in some countries in the region, travelers heading to destinations affected by airspace closures are kindly advised to contact their respective airlines directly before proceeding to the airport.

“This is to confirm the latest updates on their flights and to avoid any unexpected delays or changes. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, and we are always pleased to serve you.”

After Israel attacked Iran early on Friday, airlines diverted flights affected by airspace closures.

Airlines cleared out of the airspace over Israel, Iran and Iraq, Flightradar24 data showed, with carriers scrambling to divert and cancel flights to keep passengers and crew safe.

Joanne Serrieh, a journalist working with Alarabiya, on Friday afternoon posted on X: “Currently on Emirates flight EK216 from LAX to DXB. We’re being diverted to avoid closed Iranian airspace. We’ll be landing in Jeddah to refuel then will hopefully be able to continue to Dubai.”

Shamim Akhter, an Indian expat who worked in Riyadh for decades and is flying back home tonight on final exit, told Arab News: “After learning about airspace closure and flight diversion from Arab News, I contacted my airline, so far, the flight is expected to depart as scheduled. There is no change in timing, so I will proceed on time.

“If there is a change, I will be informed by the airline,” he said, adding: “The heightened tension following the Israeli attack on Iran has created unnecessary chaos. I hope and pray things return to normal soon.”

Due to the heightened tension Iranian airspace has been closed until further notice, state media reported. Jordan also closed its airspace to all flights.

Israel has suspended flights to and from Israel, its flag carrier El Al Airlines said. Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was closed until further notice.

Conflict zones around the world are becoming an increasing burden on airline operations. Six commercial aircraft have been shot down unintentionally and three endured near misses since 2001, according to aviation risk consultancy Osprey Flight Solutions.


Saudi and UK foreign ministers discuss regional developments

Updated 13 June 2025
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Saudi and UK foreign ministers discuss regional developments

LONDON: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met in London with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Friday to discuss ties and regional developments, the foreign ministry announced.

The meeting touched on areas of joint cooperation and ongoing efforts to address regional challenges, the ministry added.

Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, was also present.

The talks come ahead of next week’s Saudi-French conference on Palestine in New York, where international officials will seek to revive momentum for a two-state solution and outline steps toward Palestinian statehood.


Palestinian child arrives in Saudi Arabia for treatment under King Salman’s directives

Updated 13 June 2025
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Palestinian child arrives in Saudi Arabia for treatment under King Salman’s directives

RIYADH: Palestinian Mohammed Khaled Hijazi, 7, arrived in the Kingdom on Thursday with his parents to receive medical care and was immediately transferred to the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh.

The supervisor general at the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the humanitarian initiative to treat the Palestinian boy in the Kingdom.

Al-Rabeeah said that Hijazi lost his right eye while his left eye was severely damaged by an explosion while he was playing with friends near their house, which was completely destroyed, in the Jabalia camp, north of Gaza, last month.

The supervisor general prayed for the boy’s speedy recovery and for the Palestinian people to be relieved of their suffering.

He clarified that this initiative is a continuation of the relief and humanitarian efforts provided by the Kingdom to the Palestinian people in times of crisis and adversity, particularly the most vulnerable categories, such as children, who innocently pay the price of conflicts.

Al-Rabeeah also saidthat the initiative is part of the humanitarian approach adopted by the Kingdom toward needy peoples through KSrelief, which does not discriminate based on gender, race, or religion, and is fundamentally rooted in noble human principles of compassion and human solidarity.

The Palestinian boy’s parents expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the Kingdom for treating their son, affirming that this brotherly gesture is not unusual from the Kingdom’s leadership, which has always been known for its honorable stance in support of the Palestinian people.