Paris: Minister of Culture and Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan met with France's Minister of Culture Rachida Dati during his visit to the French Republic.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the commission announced that upon the reopening of the Centre Pompidou, a section of the museum will be named in gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The specifics will be finalized in alignment with the museum's new layout. In addition, a cultural and artistic programme will be implemented from now until 2030. It will feature the launch of a research programme focused on modern and contemporary Saudi artists, drawing on the resources and expertise of the Centre Pompidou. This initiative will also include support to familiarize young audiences with art history, as well as a programme for the transfer of expertise and exchanges between cultural professionals.
The release added that the RCU stated that the agreement is an extension of the strategic partnership between the two countries in the cultural and creative sectors, established under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of RCU, and President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening culture as a bridge for international dialogue and advancing sustainable development.
Under the agreement, the RCU will provide 50 million euros to support Centre Pompidou 2030, a project to renovate and develop the Centre Pompidou. This initiative aims to enhance its facilities and expand its educational and artistic programmes, reinforcing its role as a leading global cultural institution.
The partnership is part of the broader Saudi-French collaboration to develop the Museum of Contemporary Art in AlUla, as cultural cooperation between the two nations has been rapidly growing in recent years.
RCU also announced the (Arduna) exhibition, scheduled to take place during AlUla Arts Festival in January 2026. Organized in collaboration with Arts AlUla, the Centre Pompidou, and the French Agency for AlUla Development, the exhibition will feature new artworks and foster dialogue among artists from around the world. It will also include workshops and live performances designed to support emerging talent and enrich AlUla's evolving cultural landscape.
The commission affirmed that this collaboration with leading international cultural institutions reflects the Kingdom's commitment to promoting culture and the arts as essential pillars of comprehensive development under Saudi Vision 2030. It further strengthens AlUla's position as a global hub for creativity, where heritage, innovation, and knowledge come together to inspire future generations.