Riyadh: French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to AlUla Governorate today marked a significant step in Saudi-French relations with the launch of the "Villa Hegra" project. The initiative, a collaboration between the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the French Agency for AlUla Development, represents the first Saudi-French cultural institution in the Kingdom, aimed at enhancing global cultural diplomacy through cooperation and creativity. According to Saudi Press Agency, Macron toured the "Saudi-French Partnership Exhibition" at Maraya Hall, accompanied by Madinah Governor Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Culture and RCU Governor Prince Badr bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi, and other officials from both countries. The exhibition highlighted the strategic partnership established in 2018 to develop AlUla as a global cultural destination while preserving its rich heritage, showcasing eff orts in culture, arts, agriculture, sports, tourism, and archaeology. Macron's visit underscored the longstanding relationship between the RCU and its French partners, focusing on shared commitments to environmental, heritage, cultural, and social development. Key programs under the partnership include initiatives for Villa Hegra launched in 2023 and 2024, in collaboration with French entities such as "Le Forum des Images" and Palais Garnier, featuring film screenings, digital concerts, workshops, student exchanges, and academic research. Discussions also highlighted the academic partnership between the RCU and Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, focusing on education, research, and capacity building. Recent archaeological discoveries, including the Bronze Age city of 'Al-Natah', were discussed, providing new insights into settled societies in the northwestern Arabian Peninsula. The French president was briefed on the construction of the Sharaan Resort and the International Summit Center, designed by Jea n Nouvel, which will be carved inside a mountain of sandstone. Prince Badr emphasized the deep cultural cooperation between Saudi Arabia and France, viewing it as a contribution to sustainable development. RCU acting Chief Executive Abeer Al Akel highlighted the importance of the relationship between the commission and the French Agency for AlUla Development, seeing Macron's visit as an opportunity to showcase achievements and the innovation of a sustainable future. Jean-Yves Le Drian, chairman of the French Agency for AlUla Development, described Macron's visit as an important step in enhancing friendship and cooperation, coinciding with new cultural agreements in Riyadh. The Villa Hegra initiative includes ambitious projects supported by French expertise in various fields, with the second phase of the partnership focusing on sustainable tourism and supporting Saudi Vision 2030. Macron's visit also included a tour of Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra (Al-Hijr), accompanied by a delegat ion of French ministers.
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