AlUla, Wonder of Arabia’ Exhibition Opens in Beijing

Beijing, China – The ‘AlUla, Wonder of Arabia’ exhibition celebrated its grand opening at the Meridian Gate – West Wing in Beijing’s Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In collaboration with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), the Palace Museum, and the French Agency for AlUla Development (AFALULA), the exhibition promises an extraordinary journey through AlUla’s 7,000 years of history, featuring hundreds of artefacts, some exhibited for the first time.

Curated by archaeologists Dr. Laïla Nehmé and Dr. Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani, the exhibition unveils 50 never-before-displayed items, including recently excavated relics and ancient animal bones. The chronological layout allows visitors to explore AlUla’s geographical intricacies and environmental settings, moving through the four main heritage sites: Dadan, Hegra, Qurh, and Old Town.

The exhibition showcases the prosperity of Dadan and Lihayanite dynasties, the stone-carved facades of Hegra, and highlights AlUla’s historical role as a crucial trade hub along the ancient Incense Road. Abdulrahman Altrairi of the RCU expressed excitement about sharing AlUla’s cultural treasures with a Chinese audience, fostering international prominence and exchanges.

Lou Wei, Executive Vice President of the Palace Museum, emphasized the exhibition’s contribution to cultural exchanges between China and foreign cultures, supporting the Belt and Road Initiative’s people-to-people connectivity. Simond de Galbert, First secretary of the French Embassy in China, praised AlUla’s ambition to showcase its heritage globally.

The opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Saudi ambassador to China, H.E Abdulrahman Alharbi, and UAE ambassador to China, H.E Hussain bin Ibrahim Alhammadi. AlUla, known as a ‘living museum,’ has become an emerging tourist hotspot, blending modernity with ancient culture. Saudi Arabia’s Approved Destination Status (ADS) from China in 2023 facilitates Chinese tourists’ exploration of AlUla, offering luxury accommodations, dining, retail, and adventure activities.