المملكة: The Royal Commission for AlUla and the Chinese Dunhuang Academy enter into a partnership to preserve heritage
This partnership represents a milestone in Saudi-Chinese relations, as it brings together the Dunhuang Academy’s experience spanning more than eight decades in heritage research and cultural preservation, and the Royal Commission for AlUla’s commitment to preserving AlUla’s rich cultural heritage and sharing it with the world..
The Dunhuang Academy manages the Mogao Grottoes, a complex of 735 Buddhist caves in Gansu Province. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Mogao Grottoes are famous for their murals and sculptures that reflect the meeting of cultures along the ancient Silk Road.
As an important gateway to the West, Dunhuang was a major center for trade on the Silk Road, while AlUla served as a crossroads for ancient civilizations, linking the cultures of the Arabian Peninsula and contributing to the exchange of knowledge and trade throughout the ages..
The two regions constitute a vital center for trade, knowledge and cultural exchange, making this partnership in line with their shared historical heritage.
The partnership aims to unify efforts between the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate and the Dunhuang Academy to preserve the heritage and traditions of the governorate. The Academy has received international praise from UNESCO, the World Bank and the Chinese government in appreciation of its efforts to preserve the Mogao Caves.
The partnership will contribute to developing a comprehensive program to preserve historical sites and monuments in western China and Al-Ula, in addition to organizing academic exhibitions and exchange programs for employees and scholars..
A deep historical relationship between the Kingdom and China
She added: “As custodians of some of the world’s most important cultural sites and pioneers of our shared human heritage, Dunhuang Academy joins the Authority in our ambition to make AlUla a center for research and discovery in the fields of culture, heritage and tourism, as we continue the comprehensive regeneration of AlUla.”
This partnership comes after the launch of the Saudi Travel Exhibition organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority, where AlUla was distinguished by its remarkable participation through a distinguished pavilion in the Tian Tan Park in the Chinese capital, Beijing, which highlighted the rich natural and cultural heritage of AlUla.
This participation coincided with the signing of a new cooperation agreement between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism to launch the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025..
Historical-cultural connection
For his part, Dr. Su Poh Min, Director of Dunhuang Academy, said: “We are proud to enter into this partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate, and this partnership represents an important step towards linking our rich cultural history and enhancing heritage preservation efforts.”
He added: “By sharing our expertise and resources, we seek to enhance cultural exchange, deepen mutual understanding, and innovate new programs that benefit society in China and Saudi Arabia. We look forward to a fruitful cooperation that inspires and educates future generations.”
In January of last year, the Forbidden City – the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Beijing – hosted the “AlUla: Oasis of Wonders in the Arabian Peninsula” exhibition, which included a display of archaeological items from the collection of the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate, for the first time. The exhibition attracted more than 220,000 visitors. Which was followed by the signing of a partnership agreement between the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate and the Department of Cultural Heritage in the Chinese city of Henan.
This partnership supports the development of AlUla and Dunhuang as global tourism centers, and also contributes to activating joint conservation programs and cultural initiatives, and enhancing community participation to support prosperity, in line with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030.
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