UK Government announces Deal with Saudi Arabia aimed at Cultural Exchange

It comes as the Prime Minister visits the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, two vital partners in the region. The Prime Minister is set to pursue closer relations with both countries in order to increase investment, deepen defence and security ties, and drive growth and opportunities at home and abroad.

Historic England is finalising a new partnership deal with the Saudi Heritage Commission to cooperate in the field of cultural heritage and conservation. The programme of cooperation will see heritage experts from the UK and Saudi Arabia sharing their knowledge and skills to support the preservation of cultural landmarks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The partnership represents a deepening of the UK’s cultural relationship with Saudi Arabia, and showcases the UK’s world-leading heritage expertise.  

A second partnership deal, which was agreed by Exports Minister Gareth Thomas and Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism Sir Chris Bryant today (9 December), will see the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Department for Business and Trade (DBT) collaborate with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) to help them boost inbound visitor numbers and spend, upskill their local people and market the city around the world.

The city of AlUla is located in Medina province and is known for its rich cultural history and breathtaking landscapes, from its towering sandstone cliffs that feature intricate, ancient rock carvings to its tenth-century hilltop fort that once served to defend the region. It is also home to the Hegra archaeological site - Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "I’m pleased the UK is forging new partnerships with Saudi Arabia to protect the cultural heritage of AlUla by harnessing British expertise. Through deeper economic ties with key partners such as Saudi Arabia, we can unlock growth and new opportunities both at home and abroad to deliver change that is felt by working people in the UK."

The partnership deal between Historic England and the Saudi Heritage Commission will help to advance conservation best practices among heritage experts in both countries. Historic England will help to develop training programmes for Saudi Arabian specialists in conservation, restoration and rehabilitation of heritage buildings and monuments, as well as assisting in developing a new strategy for protecting the industrial heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

The second partnership with AlUla, which will run for five years, will see the UK share its knowledge and expertise with the RCU across tourism, hospitality and heritage preservation, as well as creative sectors like music, theatre, cinema and fashion. The RCU’s aim is to drive two million tourists per year to AlUla by 2035, while generating $32 billion for its economy.

The deal will help to position Britain’s world-leading creative and cultural institutions as key stakeholders and points of contact for the RCU, supporting the city as it develops its tourism and cultural offering. As part of the government’s growth mission, it also represents a significant commercial opportunity for those UK organisations, who stand to benefit from long term working relationships, new business opportunities and increased visibility in Saudi Arabia, while also driving further tourism to the UK.  

There will be a focus in the programme on developing skills within AlUla’s local community - including through training programmes, seminars and workshops - to equip local people with the knowledge and resources needed to support the city as it grows into a top visitor destination.

A further partnership has been agreed between the Royal Commission for AlUla and the British Council as the organisation marks its 90th anniversary. This will accelerate the UK’s collaboration with AlUla through culture, training and research.