PARIS — Saudi Arabia and France have extended their strategic partnership for the development of AlUla until 2035.The extension was formalized through an agreement amending and extending the existing intergovernmental accord on the cultural, environmental, tourism, human, economic and heritage development of AlUla.The agreement was signed by Culture Minister and Royal Commission for AlUla Governor Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot during Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman’s state visit to France.Saudi Arabia and France said the updated framework reflects the strength of their bilateral partnership and seeks to capitalize on AlUla’s potential as a leading global cultural and heritage destination in the 21st century.The extension was also welcomed during a meeting of the Saudi-French Ministerial Committee on AlUla in Paris, co-chaired by Prince Badr and Barrot.The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Investment Minister Fahad Al-Saif and Royal Commission for AlUla CEO Abeer Al-Akel.The French delegation included Culture Minister Catherine Pégard, Economy and Finance Minister Roland Lescure and Jean-Yves Le Drian, chairman of the French Agency for AlUla Development.The two sides reviewed achievements delivered through their partnership and discussed future avenues for cooperation, underscoring AlUla’s position as a crossroads of civilizations and a global destination for culture, creativity and sustainable development.Saudi Arabia and France reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening a partnership they described as a global model for international cooperation based on the exchange of knowledge and mutual benefit.The meeting reviewed joint investments and existing cooperation across archaeology, arts and culture, sports, hospitality and human-capability development.The partnership also encompasses major projects supporting AlUla’s sustainable transformation, including the AlUla Tram and the Sharaan Resort designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, alongside investments in renewable energy, water and mobility.These projects are intended to support Vision 2030 objectives for AlUla, including attracting one million visitors and global investment while safeguarding the region’s cultural and natural heritage.The AlUla partnership has emerged as a flagship component of Saudi-French relations, combining French expertise with Saudi Arabia’s long-term plans to transform the historic region into a globally significant destination while preserving its distinctive heritage and environment.
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