Macron Inaugurates Villa Hegra, Strengthening Saudi-French Cultural Ties in AlUla
AlUla, December 5, 2024 – French President Emmanuel Macron marked a historic moment during his visit to AlUla Governorate today with the launch of the Villa Hegra project, the first Saudi-French cultural institution in the Kingdom. This initiative, a partnership between the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the French Agency for AlUla Development, aims to enhance global cultural diplomacy, promote creativity, and empower local and international communities.
President 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, and other officials from both nations. The exhibition showcased milestones of the partnership, including efforts in cultural preservation, arts, sustainable development, and archaeological discoveries.
Villa Hegra: A New Cultural Milestone
The Villa Hegra project, launched during Macron’s visit, represents a cornerstone of Saudi-French collaboration. It aims to transform AlUla into a hub for global cultural creativity, dialogue, and innovation. The initiative builds on programs launched in 2023 and 2024, such as youth-targeted film screenings, digital concerts, and creative workshops in collaboration with French institutions like Palais Garnier and Le Forum des Images.
Prince Badr bin Abdullah emphasized that the Villa Hegra project and broader Saudi-French partnership embody a shared vision for cultural diplomacy, sustainable development, and heritage preservation, aligning with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030.
Shared Progress and Innovation
Macron's visit included a briefing on key achievements since the 2018 agreement between Saudi Arabia and France to develop AlUla as a global cultural destination. Highlights include:
Academic Partnerships: Collaboration with Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, focusing on cultural heritage, archaeology, and tourism education through the “Jossin and Savignac” academic chair.
Archaeological Discoveries: Recent findings, such as the Bronze Age city of Al-Natah in Khaybar Oasis, highlight the region's historical significance.
Sharaan Resort and International Summit Center: Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, these projects embody innovative architecture while preserving AlUla’s natural and cultural identity.
Jean-Yves Le Drian, chairman of the French Agency for AlUla Development, described Macron’s visit as a celebration of past achievements and the beginning of a new phase in Saudi-French cooperation.
Expanding Cultural Horizons
The partnership will continue to expand its focus on sustainable tourism, arts, and heritage, with a second phase introducing diverse artistic and cultural offerings in AlUla. New initiatives include enhanced training programs, tourism innovations, and environmental sustainability projects, further solidifying AlUla’s reputation as the world’s largest living museum.
A Vision for the Future
Prince Badr underscored that the Villa Hegra initiative and related projects reflect Saudi Arabia’s dedication to cultural innovation and sustainability, driven by the leadership of HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
President Macron's visit, which included a tour of Hegra (Al-Hijr), Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, reinforced the importance of international collaboration in achieving shared cultural and economic goals.
The Villa Hegra launch signifies a pivotal step in Saudi Arabia’s journey to position AlUla as a global cultural icon, blending heritage with modern creativity while fostering sustainable development and innovation.
📷SPA