The joint Saudi-French Ministerial Committee on AlUla held a meeting in Paris on Monday, chaired by Saudi Minister of Culture and Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot. The meeting was attended by Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Investment Fahad Al-Saif, and Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Commission for AlUla Abeer Al-Akel. Also present were French Minister of Culture Catherine Pegard, Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry Roland Lescure, and Chairman of the French Agency for AlUla Development (AFALULA) Jean-Yves Le Drian. The officials welcomed the signing of an agreement to extend and amend the agreement concluded between the Saudi and French governments on the cultural, environmental, tourism, human, economic, and heritage development of AlUla Governorate. They reviewed the partnership's achievements and discussed avenues for future cooperation, reflecting the strength of relations between the two countries and affirming AlUla's position as a meeting point of civilizations and a global destination for culture, creativity, and sustainable development. They underlined their commitment to further deepening the partnership, which has become a global model for international cooperation based on the exchange of mutual benefits and knowledge, contributing to the achievement of comprehensive and sustainable development goals. The meeting reviewed the scale of joint investments and areas of ongoing cooperation in the sectors of archaeology, arts, culture, sports, hospitality, and human-capital development. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to sustainable development through strategic projects, such as the AlUla Tram and the Sharaan Resort, designed by Jean Nouvel, as well as investments in renewable energy, water, and mobility, supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to attract one million visitors and global investments while preserving AlUla's cultural and natural heritage.
