AlUla Commission Forms Cultural Partnership with Henan Province

Areas of focus to include archaeology, cultural heritage, museums, research and tourism.
As part of the growing cooperation, AlUla is announced as founding member of International Alliance of Silk Road Cities.
A time of deepening Saudi-Sino ties also exemplified by AlUla archaeological exhibit in Beijing.

AlUla, Saudi Arabia – The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has inked a strategic partnership agreement with the Henan Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration. The accord signifies a significant milestone as RCU expands its global partnership network while deepening Saudi Arabia’s ties with China.

The partnership encompasses a wide array of collaborative initiatives focusing on archaeology, cultural heritage preservation, museum development, research collaboration, talent cultivation, and tourism promotion. Key areas of collaboration between RCU and Henan include the establishment of a technology-oriented archaeological laboratory, joint excavation activities, research endeavors in archaeology, and talent development programs.

Moreover, the agreement seeks to build connections between AlUla and Henan’s heritage sites, foster joint educational exchanges, and collaborate on exhibitions, arts, and culture events utilizing cutting-edge museum technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Additionally, both entities aim to develop a center of knowledge encompassing heritage preservation technology, archaeological advancements, and museum curation practices.

Abeer Al Akel, Acting CEO of RCU, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “RCU is actively realizing its partnership strategy through its Henan Province agreement, anchored in a shared dedication to preserving cultural heritage and cultivating a knowledge hub to drive best practices and fortify the relationship between Saudi Arabia and China.”

Both AlUla County and Henan province boast UNESCO World Heritage Sites and share a rich legacy as ancient imperial capitals. AlUla, renowned for its monumental Nabataean tombs at Hegra and historic inscriptions at Jabal Ikmah, has witnessed a surge in visitors, with over a hundred thousand tourists flocking to the region in 2023.

Henan, with a population of approximately 100 million, stands as one of China’s most historically and culturally significant regions, home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Yinxu and the Longmen Caves. The burgeoning collaboration between AlUla and Henan further reinforces the longstanding historical ties between Saudi Arabia and China, rooted in the ancient Silk Road trade routes.

In a parallel development, AlUla has been named a founding member of the International Alliance of Silk Road Cities, aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among cities of historical and cultural significance. This announcement underscores AlUla’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and development in northwest Arabia and among fellow member cities worldwide.

The strategic partnership between RCU and Henan Province, alongside AlUla’s participation in the International Alliance of Silk Road Cities, marks a significant step in strengthening cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and China. These initiatives underscore a mutual commitment to cultural exchange and preservation, paving the way for enhanced cooperation in the realms of heritage conservation, tourism development, and shared cultural traditions.