Tag Archives: Royal Commission of Al Ula

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and SETI Institute announced their collaboration agreement as part of a long-term vision to further the development of AlUla Manara Observatory as a leading destination of the future, for space research, discovery and astro-tourism. AlUla is an ancient desert oasis located in North West Saudi Arabia with more than 200,000 years of recorded human history and ancient heritage sites with 7000 years of successive civilisations. The AlUla Manara Observatory is part of an ambitious plan to develop AlUla into a premier destination with a focus on sustainability, community and cultural and knowledge enrichment. As part of the agreement, the SETI Institute will facilitate installation of a Laser SETI instrument at AlUla Manara Observatory. LaserSETI, an optical SETI project, monitors the sky for laser flashes that could indicate the presence of extra-terrestrial technology. The LaserSETI station would be part of a broader network scanning the entire northern hemisphere night sky from various locations. Naif Almalik, AlUla Manara’s Executive Programme Director, said, “This collaboration enhances AlUla’s evolving role as a dynamic hub for science and knowledge exchange. It will equip AlUla Manara with the instruments needed to observe the cosmos in extraordinary detail and establish AlUla as a premier destination for research and astro-tourism. Just an hour’s drive from AlUla’s center, the observatory will inspire local youth to pursue diverse careers in advanced STEM fields, supporting the growth and economic diversification of Saudi Arabia in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions. “ Additionally, the SETI Institute will support in developing data analysis systems for some of the telescopes housed at AlUla Manara Observatory and provide expertise in hardware and instrument development. The SETI Institute’s Centre …

Abeer Al Akel has been appointed acting CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla, local media reported. She has been assigned the duties of CEO, replacing Eng. Amr Al-Madani following his arrest over corruption charges. Abeer Al Akel joined the Royal Commission for AlUla in 2017, and served as head of the Private Initiatives and Partnerships Sector. She also held several leadership positions, most notably director of the Strategic Delivery Department at the Commission; director of the Information System Department; director of the Productivity Department at SABB, and senior manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited (PWC). Al Akel is holder of a bachelor’s degree in computer science from King Saud University and completed the leadership development program from Harvard University. It is noteworthy that the Saudi Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) announced on Sunday the arrest of Amr Al-Madani for his alleged involvement in crimes of abuse of power and money laundering to the tune of SR206 million. The partners of Al-Madani in a company were also arrested after the Nazaha discovered that they managed, along with Al-Madani, to obtain contracts for the National Talents Company, owned by them, from King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy in an illegal manner.

Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has partnered with Centro Conservazione e Restauro “La Venaria Reale” (CCR), an Italian conservation institute, has partnered with the, the authority driving the comprehensive regeneration of AlUla, to further develop expertise in the restoration and conservation of northwest Saudi Arabia’s incredible cultural heritage. As part of the partnership, a group of 12 young Saudi professionals and new university graduates selected by RCU have travelled from AlUla to Italy for a knowledge exchange programme. The group of 6 women and 6 men will participate in workshops in both Venaria near Turin in northern Italy and AlUla. The multi-modal course will see CCR share best practices for the application of an interdisciplinary approach to heritage conservation science. Between July 2023 and February 2024, the group – 6 chemistry and biology graduates and 6 conservation officers from different parts of KSA – will take part in integrated and highly interactive modules designed to provide insights into the most relevant technical, scientific, historical, and conservation management issues, including tutoring on functional themes such as the planning, management, and conservation of archaeological sites. Sara Abram, Secretary General at CCR, said: “Partnering with RCU is a unique opportunity to explore the characteristics of our different cultural, social, and organisational contexts. In this programme, the CCR provides its technical, scientific, and humanistic expertise, through its professionals and with the involvement of lecturers from some of the most important Italian universities and conservation institutes.” Aimed at deepening knowledge of artefacts and their historical context, the programme reflects CCR’s methodological approach to conservation. Starting with preliminary observations, the course focuses on data collection and processing, and proceeds toward analysis of techniques and assessment, ending …

As part of its Journey Through Time master plan, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) will further expand the accommodation offering in AlUla with Dar Tantora by The House Hotel, an immersive and authentic hospitality experience in AlUla Old Town. Dar Tantora will also house a pool and spa as well as a restaurant and café. RCU is developing the 30-room landmark property by restoring several historical mud-brick buildings using contemporary engineering methods and time-honoured techniques. The development will showcase the Old Town village as a vibrant cultural hub. The rooms will be adorned with traditional décor, furniture and artistic accents, incorporating storytelling elements that capture the area’s intangible heritage. Local artisans received specialised training to participate in the restoration endeavours. The project reflects RCU’s comprehensive efforts to revive AlUla Old Town with tourism as the engine of development and job creation. RCU is driven by an ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability in its comprehensive regeneration efforts, including the Sustainability Charter that governs each project’s economic, social and environmental impacts. For delivering on this vision, AlUla Old Town was recognised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation as a “Best Tourism Village” in 2022 John Northen, Vice President- Head of Hotels and Resorts, Royal Commission for AlUla, said, “Dar Tantora by The House Hotel will allow guests to live the rich heritage of the AlUla Old Town historical village. Steeped in the past yet embracing progress, this hotel encapsulates RCU’s vision for a diverse range of accommodations as we continue to deliver on our plans for more than 5,000 keys by 2030.” “We take immense pride in operating Dar Tantora by The House Hotel, a location that seamlessly weaves …