The Embassy of Italy in Riyadh, in collaboration with the Royal Commission for AlUla and the Italian Trade Agency, hosted a webinar on existing and future opportunities for collaboration between Italy and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the development of the AlUla region. The webinar was introduced by Ambassador of Italy to Riyadh Roberto Cantone and the Italian Trade Agency Managing Director and CEO Roberto Luongo. The event was dedicated to Italian companies and attended by over 90 participants representing a wide range of sectors: arts and culture, including new technologies applied to cultural services, infrastructure and hospitality, sustainable urban development.
“AlUla, with its rich history, stunning heritage sites and ambitious development plans, represent a key example of current transformations happening in Saudi Arabia. – said Ambassador Cantone. Italian companies have invaluable expertise and unmatched know-how in culture, tourism hospitality and sustainable urban development and are best placed to successfully contribute to make AlUla a major international tourism destination, in line with the plans of Saudi Authorities.”
During the webinar, representatives from the Royal Commission for AlUla presented the region of AlUla and various engagement opportunities in infrastructure development and design management, as well as the AlUla Arts and Culture programme. The webinar was organised within the framework of a wider partnership between Italy and the Royal Commission for AlUla. It also follows the visit of Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Luigi Di Maio, to AlUla for political consultations in January 2021.
Located in the North West of Saudi Arabia, the AlUla region hosts the first Saudi UNESCO World Heritage site (the Nabatean city of Hegra), as well as many other archaeological sites of natural and historical significance. The Royal Commission for AlUla works with local and international partners in archaeology, tourism, arts and culture, to develop AlUla into a world class tourist destination, in line with the objectives of the Vision 2030 programme.
