Visually stunning works of AlUla’s natural beauty, unique culture, ancient archaeology, and world-class art will feature in a new international exhibition that will take place at Beijing’s Tian Tan Garden until October 26.

The Saudi Travel Festival exhibition has been launched in line with a new strategic agreement signed between Saudi Ministry of Culture and China’s Ministry of Culture & Tourism, marking the strengthening of cultural ties between the countries.

One of the Saudi Arabia’s leading destinations for global tourists, AlUla attracts increasing numbers of visitors from China and on the whole international traveller visitation increased by 44% in 2023.

The new exhibition will act as a prominent platform to showcase the diverse cultural and heritage attractions available to Chinese tourists in AlUla.

Photographs and videos of AlUla will be displayed at the exhibition, alongside striking images of Diriyah Gate, the ancient heritage site northwest of Riyadh that is being extensively regenerated as part of Vision 2030.

AlUla and Diriyah are home to two of Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Hegra and Al Turaif, respectively. Each landmark seamlessly connects visitors with the roots of the ancient civilisations that helped to shape Arabia.

The new agreement, and new exhibition, follows China’s successful hosting of the AlUla, Wonder of Arabia exhibition at Beijing’s Forbidden City UNESCO World Heritage Site in January this year. 

Showcasing AlUla’s natural landscapes along with items from the Royal Commission for AlUla’s (RCU) archaeological collection, the exhibition featured rare artefacts never displayed to the public before.

A resounding success, AlUla, Wonder of Arabia attracted more than 221,000 visitors, with organisers extending its run by an extra month to meet demand.

The exhibition coincided with RCU signing a strategic partnership with the Cultural Heritage Administration of China’s Henan province, aimed at preserving heritage while supporting RCU’s goal to enhance its global network within the framework of expanding Saudi-Chinese partnerships.

Dr Abdulrahman AlSuhaibani, VP of Culture – Tourism, at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “Saudi Arabia, AlUla, and China share a long and rich history that spans trade, art, culture, and more. The launch of this new exhibit will further promote ongoing cultural exchange strengthening existing ties.

“By featuring AlUla in the Saudi Travel Festival exhibition, we are placing the many wonders, experiences, and attractions of northwest Arabia in the spotlight so that they can be discovered and explored by Chinese guests, as tourists or visiting academics.

“RCU and AlUla are proud to support the new agreement between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and China’s Ministry of Culture & Tourism and to contribute to expanding and evolving the close bonds our nations and peoples continue to share and benefit from.” – TradeArabia News Service