AlUla authority strikes partnership with international firms to develop infrastructure

The historical legacy of AlUla goes back thousands of years, when the oasis became the home of the Nabatean culture and eventually a trade hub in the Arabian Peninsula.
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Updated 02 November 2021
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AlUla authority strikes partnership with international firms to develop infrastructure

JEDDAH: The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) said it has signed a memorandum of understanding with international companies to develop services and infrastructure in the historic province in the northwest of the Kingdom.

RCU's head of the Operations Sector, Moataz Kurdi, said the agreement will provide smart safety technologies that support the transport, tourism and housing sectors for the city, in an interview with Alarabiya.

The companies include French defence company Thales, which has had a presence in Saudi for more than 50 years.

"Thales is committed to transferring knowledge, with the express purpose of developing local competencies for the technologies and services implemented in AlUla,” said CEO Thales Saudi Arabia Pascal Lesaulnier.


Royal Commission for AlUla, SURJ partner to develop sports sector 

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Royal Commission for AlUla, SURJ partner to develop sports sector 

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for AlUla has signed a memorandum of collaboration with SURJ Sports Investment to explore the development of sports programs and content in AlUla, evaluate opportunities for joint investment, and assess potential hosting of high‑quality sporting events, thereby strengthening AlUla’s position as a global destination for sport and major events.

The memorandum seeks to establish a framework for future collaboration in the field of sports investment, the activation of initiatives and programs related to hosting tournaments and events, and the exploration of opportunities within SURJ’s investment portfolio, in alignment with the commission’s strategic directions and in support of diversifying the sports landscape in the governorate.

The areas of cooperation include exploring opportunities to host and activate the Professional Fighters League MENA series in AlUla, developing tennis and polo, as well as cycling, athletics, and show jumping. 

This also includes assessing investment opportunities in complementary sports content, recovery and rehabilitation programs, training camps, and the attraction of international championships, contributing to the strengthening of AlUla’s presence on global sporting calendars.

The memorandum further provides for cooperation in evaluating and developing polo in AlUla, including studying the possibility of awarding multi-year hosting rights starting from 2027, in line with AlUla’s long-term vision for the development of equestrian and heritage sports.

The Royal Commission for AlUla and SURJ Sports Investment emphasized the importance of integration in developing year-round promotional and activation opportunities, and leveraging SURJ’s intellectual property rights and content, contributing to the establishment of a comprehensive, multi-sport ecosystem in AlUla that supports its economic and developmental objectives.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its strategic partnerships and strengthening the role of the sports sector as a key driver of sustainable development, reflecting AlUla’s position as a leading destination for sporting and cultural events at both local and global levels.