His Royal Highness Prince William, the Prince of Wales and heir to the British throne, arrived today in Al-Ula Governorate on an official visit reflecting the deep historical ties between the two countries. He was received upon arrival at Al-Ula International Airport by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Madinah Region, and a number of senior officials from the region.
Al-Ula: A global destination at the heart of Vision 2030
This visit highlights the growing importance of AlUla as a unique global destination. It is not merely an archaeological site, but a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, which aims to transform the Kingdom into a global hub for tourism, culture, and heritage. AlUla is home to Hegra (Madain Saleh), the first Saudi site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, which bears witness to the ancient Nabataean civilization. The Royal Commission for AlUla is implementing massive development projects that aim to transform the region into a living, open-air museum while sustainably preserving its natural and historical treasures. These projects include luxury resorts and arts and cultural centers such as Maraya Concert Hall, the world’s largest mirrored building, making it a truly unique attraction.
The historical depth of Saudi-British relations
This royal visit reflects the depth of the historical and strategic relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. These ties span more than a century and encompass strong partnerships across multiple sectors, including multi-billion-pound trade, defense cooperation, and educational and cultural exchange. These high-level reciprocal visits demonstrate a shared commitment to strengthening this partnership and expanding its horizons to include new and innovative areas, particularly in sustainable tourism, heritage preservation, and renewable energy – all key sectors in Vision 2030.
The international significance and expected impact of the visit
On an international level, Prince William's visit to AlUla carries significant weight. It places this historic destination in the global spotlight, enhancing its appeal to tourists and investors from around the world. It also represents strong support for the Kingdom's efforts to diversify its economy away from oil and showcase its rich cultural and historical heritage. The visit is expected to pave the way for increased cultural and research collaboration between British and Saudi institutions specializing in archaeology, history, and environmental conservation, serving the shared objectives of both countries. The presence of a global figure of the stature of the British Crown Prince sends a powerful message that Saudi Arabia, through its mega-projects like AlUla, has become a major player on the global cultural and tourism stage.
