JEDDAH, RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently organized an immersive expedition to AlUla for the ambassadors of accredited countries to the Kingdom and their families.
The trip offered an enlightening escapade into the rich historical and archaeological wonders nestled within AlUla.
Led by Abdulmajeed Al-Samary, the undersecretary of protocol at the ministry, the ambassadors explored AlUla’s distinguished landmarks — with the heart of their visit being Hegra, a destination revered as the Kingdom’s inaugural UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.
The ambassadors were treated to an insightful tour, delving into the historical significance enshrined within Qasr Al-Bint and Qasr Al-Farid.
Another great moment of their expedition was the visit to Maraya Theater, a breathtaking architectural marvel celebrated as the world’s largest mirrored building.
To commemorate this significant occasion, the ministry hosted a lunch, offering a wonderful setting for the ambassadors to further cherish their AlUla experience.
Liselotte Plesner, ambassador of Denmark to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Yemen, shared her enchantment on her official X account. Posting picturesque snapshots of Elephant Rock, Maraya, Hegra, and the great mountains of AlUla, she wrote: “Cozy moment at Elephant Rock #AlUla.”
Plesner extended heartfelt gratitude to the ministry for curating an unforgettable day that left an indelible mark on her and her fellow diplomats.
Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, the ambassador of Djibouti and dean of the Diplomatic Corps to the Kingdom, told Arab News: “The AlUla trip was quite spectacular. My ambassador colleagues and I had a chance to enjoy the beautiful city and take in its marvelous history. We’ve had many trips in the Kingdom with the kind hosting of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and witnessed first-hand how diverse and beautiful Saudi Arabia truly is.”
On his official account on X, Bamakhrama conveyed his appreciation for the well-organized trip that provided a profound exploration of Hegra and its historical significance.
He wrote: “Ambassadors and their families also appreciated the meticulous organization by the ministry’s officials, particularly Mr. Abdulmajeed Al-Samary, who accompanied us with great care and supervision during the trip.”
Anibal Gomez Toledo, ambassador of Mexico to Saudi Arabia, was unable to attend the trip to AlUla, but reposted the trip photos on X and told Arab News: “Yes, the embassy fully recommends visiting AlUla.”
