Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has more than 1,000 employees, of whom 60 percent live in the AlUla governorate.

This was disclosed by Amr AlMadani, CEO of RCU, while speaking at the Saudi Budget Forum 2023, held at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in Riyadh on Monday.

The dialogue session was titled “The impact of the Vision in empowering the Royal Commission for AlUla to achieve economic development.”

AlMadani said that the most important thing that was done during the first years was the formation of a network of global and local partners, and the empowerment and development of AlUla.

“This is through reviving the natural and cultural environment and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors, including Saudi citizens and expatriates, and ensuring that AlUla has natural heritage in an integrated manner to achieve a comprehensive concept for the open neighborhood in addition to establishing an integrated work system in RCU,” he said.

AlMadani said that there are more than 4,700 beneficiaries for the Hemaya programs launched by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman so as to enable the residents of AlUla governorate to become guardians of its heritage, nature, and distinctive character, while more than 1,100 have benefited by developing their language proficiency through the Institute of Languages.

He also referred to the AlUla scholarship program, of which there are more than 700 beneficiaries who obtained skills and scientific certificates from the best international universities that guarantee them the opportunity to compete in the labor market.

Al-Madani drew attention to the fact that the commission focused during the first years on building the brand and building partnerships, and in the year 2023 the transition will take place from the first stage, which witnessed the establishment of the main tourist sites, as well as the airport and the main assets for testing the tourism product. During the next stage, the focus will be on developing services and facilities that help spur growth.