A new partnership will aim to further preserve the cultural heritage of AlUla, Saudi Arabia, contributing to the Kingdom’s larger Vision 2030.
Photo: Courtesy of RCU
This week, the Royal Commission of AlUla (RCU) and The National Archives (UK) signed a partnership agreement that will work alongside RCU’s network of partners to secure AlUla’s documentary heritage. As per the agreement, The National Archives will employ its expertise in archival management and historical documentation to work with RCU in four broad areas: “Training and scientific exchange; archival research; public programming; and digitization.” The plan will also include dedicated initiatives to focus on joint research projects, digital archive initiatives, and cultural exhibitions.
“RCU’s campaign of comprehensive regeneration is transforming AlUla into a global hub for heritage and culture – and an extraordinary location for residents and visitors,” states Abeer Al Akel, acting chief executive cfficer at RCU. “Our commitment to conservation serves Vision 2030’s goal to promote Saudi culture through initiatives that are ‘powered by the past, reimagined for the future’. Our partnership with The National Archives exemplifies the power of international collaboration, combining expertise and resources from Saudi Arabia and the UK to enhance cultural heritage research and public programming.”
تحقيقا لمستهدفاتنا في تعزيز العمل مع مختلف الشركاء، وقعت @RCU_SA شراكة مع @UKNatArchives بهدف تطوير العمل الاستراتيجي ومشاركة إرث العلا مع العالم وبناء تقنيات متقدمة لحماية الإرث الثقافي تحقيقا لمستهدفات رؤية العلا المتماشية مع #رؤية_السعودية_2030. pic.twitter.com/68sfnulZiL
— الهيئة الملكية لمحافظة العلا (@RCU_SA) September 10, 2024
For the uninitiated, The National Archives is the official archive and publisher for the UK Government, and for England and Wales, and the guardians of over 1,000 years of iconic national documents. With this new partnership, it joins RCU’s partners including include the King Abdulaziz Public Library, which helps to collect, restore, and curate documents, photographs, and videos from the community; Also part of the network is the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), and the UNESCO Memory of the World program’s AlUla Documentary Heritage Project.
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