Prince William Concludes Saudi Visit with Cultural and Environmental Tour of AlUla
Alula, The Gulf Observer: Prince William, Prince of Wales, visited several historical, natural, and cultural landmarks in AlUla Governorate on Wednesday, marking the final day of his three-day official visit to the Saudi Arabia.
The visit underscores the deepening Saudi-British partnership, particularly in cultural exchange, environmental sustainability, and human capacity development.
Environmental Initiatives at Sharaan Nature Reserve
Accompanied by Badr bin Abdullah Al Saud, Minister of Culture and Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla, Prince William was briefed on key environmental initiatives at the Sharaan Nature Reserve.
Spanning 1,500 square kilometers north of AlUla, the reserve is central to ecological restoration and biodiversity protection efforts. Initiatives include habitat rehabilitation, restoring ecological balance, and reintroducing native species such as the Arabian oryx and mountain goats. These efforts align with the broader objective of restoring the Arabian leopard to its natural habitat.
Cultural Heritage and Arts Exchange
During his tour, the Prince of Wales learned about the rich history of AlUla’s Old Town and the ancient Incense Route, highlighting the region’s historical significance as a crossroads of civilizations.
He also visited the AlUla Arts Festival 2026, viewing artworks that reflect growing cultural collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. The festival serves as a platform for artistic dialogue and cultural exchange, reinforcing shared commitments to sustainable civilizational engagement.
Prince William further met with young Saudis participating in joint cultural initiatives between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of investing in youth and nurturing the next generation’s potential. His visit included a tour of the AlUla Cultural Oasis, showcasing the integration of heritage preservation with modern cultural development.
Strengthening Saudi-British Partnership
The visit highlighted the strategic partnership between the Royal Commission for AlUla and British cultural institutions within a structured framework encompassing cultural, educational, and environmental cooperation.
Officials noted that this collaboration supports balanced and sustainable development in AlUla while strengthening its position as a global destination for heritage, culture, and nature—aligned with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
At the conclusion of the visit, Salman bin Sultan Al Saud, Emir of Madinah, along with senior officials, saw Prince William off at AlUla International Airport.
Prince William’s visit reaffirmed the depth of bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom and reinforced shared ambitions to promote cultural dialogue, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development.
