Saudi-French Ministerial Committee Holds Second Meeting in Paris to Advance AlUla Collaboration

In the presence of Saudi Arabia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Saudi-French Ministerial Committee convened its second meeting today in Paris. The committee, which oversees the intergovernmental agreement signed on 10 April 2018, focuses on the cultural, heritage, tourism, and human development of AlUla.

The meeting was co-chaired by Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Culture and Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla, and Jean-Noël Barrot, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Discussions centred on reviewing agreements between the two nations and assessing progress in transforming AlUla into a world-class cultural and tourism destination.

Both sides explored opportunities to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including antiquities, sports, arts, and development. The dialogue reaffirmed the shared commitment of Saudi Arabia and France to AlUla’s development as a hub of global significance.

Key Saudi officials present at the meeting included Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, Saudi Ambassador to France Fahad Ruwaily, and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla, Abeer AlAkel. Representing France were Rachida Dati, French Minister of Culture; Antoine Armand, French Minister of Economy and Finance; and Jean-Yves Le Drian, Chairman of the French Agency for AlUla Development.