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ANNUAL REPORT 2023

We have confidence in the abilities of the Saudi citizens, and we place great hopes in this nation to build our country with sense of responsibility. Every citizen in our country, and every part of our beloved nation, is the focus of my attention and care. We look forward to everyone contributing to serving this nation

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques

The Kingdom is witnessing a paradigm shift in new and promising sectors due to its unique cultural heritage, geographic diversity, and distinctive demographics; this enables the Kingdom to be among the leading countries in tourism, culture, sports, entertainment, and other sectors

Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, President of the Council of Ministers, and Chairman of the Board of Royal Commission for AlUla
Glossary and Abbreviations

Report

The annual report of the fiscal year 2023

The Commission

Royal Commission for AlUla

AlUla

AlUla Governorate

Local Community

The locals and residents in AlUla Governorate

Visitors

Local and international tourists interested in visiting AlUla

Portfolio

A set of projects, programs, and other operations that achieve a specific strategic objective among RCU goals.

Gross Domestic Product

The monetary value of all goods and services produced within the borders of the kingdom during a specific period of time.

Tangible Cultural Heritage

All material traces such as archaeological sites and crafts

Intangible Cultural Heritage

The practices, traditions, knowledge, and skills created by a particular group or unidentified individuals within a specific society, reflecting the identity of this group, thereby constituting its cultural heritage.

Nature Reserves

A protected area designated for the conservation of certain species of animals or plants, as well as for preserving the components of the environmental habitat suitable for them.

Seedling

A young plant grown from a seed that is 30 cm to 1 m in length

Habitats

The natural environment in which an organism lives, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and bodies of water, providing it with food, water, and shelter to survive, grow, and reproduce

Metaverse

A virtual two or three dimensional environment for communication and interaction, providing users with immersive experiences in various fields

Leopard cubs

A young leopard

Squill (scientific name: plicosepalus acaciae)

Semi-invasive plant lives on acacias, has no roots and absorbs nutrients from host plant

Social Researcher

A specialist responsible for studying human behavior and interactions among individuals in society, using scientific methodologies to understand and analyze social challenges and propose solutions

Summary

As part of RCU's strategic objectives to develop AlUla and enhance related activities and services within its jurisdiction, in light of the historical and natural significance of AlUla and its archaeological and natural sites, and to ensure the provision of services to the local community, residents and visitors at the highest levels, through a promising “AlUla Vision”. The past year has been marked by high levels of Key performance indicators. Furthermore, in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030, RCU's accomplishments meet certain objectives of the National Tourism Strategy and the National Environment Strategy. RCU has also overcome numerous challenges and enhanced future success through innovative approaches and advanced solutions to enhance future positive impact.  

Milestones

(UNESCO) has officially registered "Jabal Ikmah" in its World Memory Register

(UNESCO) has officially registered "Jabal Ikmah" in its World Memory Register

RCU has achieved the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Institutional Excellence Award at a 5-star level

RCU has achieved the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Institutional Excellence Award at a 5-star level

AlUla obtained the WCCD ISO 37120 Gold Certification, due to its commitment to high-quality data and excellence in planning, management, and governance

AlUla obtained the WCCD ISO 37120 Gold Certification, due to its commitment to high-quality data and excellence in planning, management, and governance

AlUla Sports Club ownership has been transferred to AlUla Sports Clubs Company that is owned by RCU 

AlUla Sports Club ownership has been transferred to AlUla Sports Clubs Company that is owned by RCU 

A collaboration agreement was signed between RCU and Colleges of Excellence, within the Technical and Vocational Education Development Program 

A collaboration agreement was signed between RCU and Colleges of Excellence, within the Technical and Vocational Education Development Program 

+150,000 visitors attended RCU events and celebrations in AlUla 

+150,000 visitors attended RCU events and celebrations in AlUla 

150% increase in sales at the AlUla Dates Festival compared to the previous year, with +1,255 tons of local dates sold and attendance exceeding 20,000 visitors 

150% increase in sales at the AlUla Dates Festival compared to the previous year, with +1,255 tons of local dates sold and attendance exceeding 20,000 visitors 

889 wild animals from 4 species released in Sharaan and Wadi Nakhlah nature reserves 

889 wild animals from 4 species released in Sharaan and Wadi Nakhlah nature reserves 

Producing approximately 300,000 native plants of 80 native species

Producing approximately 300,000 native plants of 80 native species

Preparing for the opening of 3 luxury hotels during 2024 

Preparing for the opening of 3 luxury hotels during 2024 

Developing the annual sustainability report, based on the principle of transparency regarding global issues 

Developing the annual sustainability report, based on the principle of transparency regarding global issues 

Report Preparation Methodology

In reference to the Second Clause of the 29th Article of the Law of the Council of Ministers, which stipulates that all ministries and government agencies shall submit to the President of the Council of Ministers, within 90 days from the beginning of each fiscal year, a report on their achievements considering the general development plan for the past fiscal year. The report shall include the difficulties encountered and proposals to ensure the proper conduct of business. The annual report for 2023 of RCU was prepared through a detailed methodology ensuring the achievement of relevant standards. Coordination was facilitated by the Department of Organizational Excellence, with support from the senior management of RCU across all sectors and departments. It is noteworthy here that RCU relies on the Annual Report Preparation Guide for Public Agencies in preparing its annual report, issued by the Council of Ministers under Resolution No. (233) dated 18/04/1443H, while adhering to the guidelines for publishing annual reports of public agencies issued by the National Center for Performance Management (Adaa) dated 01/12/1444H Report preparation methodology includes 9 stages, namely:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

The Royal Commission for AlUla 

The Royal Commission for AlUla was established by Royal Decree No. (A/296) dated 26 Shawwal 1438H on July 20, 2017. Its main goals are to conserve and develop AlUla, as well as to accomplish a sustainable transformation into one of Saudi Arabia’s most important archaeological, cultural, and environmental attractions. All efforts are put forth with historical relevance and at the pace of accomplishing the AlUla vision and its economic and cultural objectives in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

A key priority for RCU is to create a positive social and economic impact by supporting and empowering the local community of AlUla. Additionally, it aims to maximize the utilization of AlUla’s rich historical, heritage, environmental, natural, tourism, sports, and artistic resources. The goal is to build a prosperous and sustainable economy by actively involving the community in the development process. This endeavor will establish a lasting legacy for AlUla, positioning it as the world’s largest open museum.

aspiraton-image
aspiraton-image

About AlUla

AlUla has deep historical roots spanning more than 200,000 years. It is replete with human and historical

heritage and countless historical treasures. In ancient times, AlUla location was a meeting point for civilizations in the northwest of the Arabian Peninsula,embodying this description through those civilized

nations that inhabited this region and built its structuresand civilizations in a way that captivated the attention of

all those who passed through it, observers, explorers,or researchers.  AlUla is one of the few areas in the world wherehistory is deeply and profoundly embodied without the interference of the present in distorting, erasing,or falsifying it. Since the first millennium BC, AlUla has been a significant route for trade caravans, and since

the emergence of Islam, it has been a major center and one of the most important sites along the Hajj route.

Strategic Direction

RCU developed an integrated strategy to achieve its lofty vision, “Vision of AlUla”, and turn it into a reality. The strategy includes a set of pillars, strategic objectives, and performance indicators, which aim to develop many economic sectors in AlUla, improve the quality of life of the local community, and contribute to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The three main goals for 2035 are the following

01

2 million annual visits to AlUla:

53% National 37% International 10% GCC Countries

02

SAR 150 billion

Cumulative contributions to GDP

03

40,500 new jobs

Vision

AlUla - a natural and cultural environment. A Journey Through Time in the largest open museum.

Mission

To enable AlUla development for its residents and visitors through activating and protecting its cultural landscape and providing the quality of life.

Values

Diligence

Grit

Surprising

Nurturing

Engaging

Accountable

Clarity

RCU Portfolios

RCU strives towards developing the unique cultural and touristic components in AlUla and preserving its heritage and legacy. It also contributes to supporting creative and artistic talents, building local capacities within an effective institutional framework that achieves performance excellence and enhances service quality, thereby, achieving economic and social development in AlUla. Throughout the year 2023, RCU worked on achieving numerous accomplishments within the scope of its diverse activities and projects, which fall under various portfolios dedicated to its sectors and business units. These achievements can be summarized as follows

Other Related Works and Achievements in 2023

In 2023, RCU achieved a range of qualitative accomplishments aimed at enhancing the heritage, cultural, and civilizational aspects of AlUla, as well as its historical, archaeological, and natural sites. These efforts were geared towards creating unique experiences and services for the local community and visitors to enhance the quality of life and elevate the well-being in the region. RCU focused on improving its institutional performance and digital services, enhancing the continuity of its operations, and raising the level of governance in its technological systems. Additionally, it aimed at enhancing infrastructure and constructing facilities across various sectors. This was achieved through the implementation of various diverse projects and initiatives across its sectors, alongside fostering local and international partnerships to strengthen its presence locally and globally. Through these efforts, RCU has achieved the following:

Sustainability

As part of its responsibilities, RCU maintained its commitment to promote the environmental sustainability principles and objectives in AlUla. This commitment is in recognition of sustainable practices significance and aims to foster a more sustainable future.

Opportunities and Enablers

In the context of RCU’s continuous concern and aspirations for a promising future for AlUla’s prosperity, and in line with its strategic goals and Saudi Vision 2030، RCU has worked to identify its future opportunities and the expected impacts, based on its business sectors.

About RCU Governance

RCU adopts a governance model that enables it to perform its supervisory, regulatory, and executive duties to achieve its objectives, strategies, and mandated roles stipulated in its regulation. This is accomplished through adopting and enhancing the best practices in public sector governance, activating internal control roles, and continuously assessing the institutional maturity level of RCU at all levels and dimensions.

About the Board of Directors

RCU’s Board of Directors devotes complete attention to carrying out its tasks and responsibilities in accordance with RCU’s regulation. It exercises its role in overseeing the governance framework of RCU and its subsidiaries, determining its strategic direction, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and providing necessary support to the executive management. This is achieved through leveraging the expertise of the Board and committees members.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

His Royal Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al Saud

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

His Excellency Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Sheikh

His Excellency Engineer Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Sultan

His Excellency Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Toonsi

Dr. Saad bin Abdullah AlSowayan

Dr. Eid bin Hamad Al-Yahya

Eng. Mousa bin Omran AlOmran

Dr. Khaled Omar Azzam

Eng. John Pagano

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
His Royal Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al Saud
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
His Excellency Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Sheikh
His Excellency Engineer Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Sultan
His Excellency Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Toonsi
Dr. Saad bin Abdullah AlSowayan
Dr. Eid bin Hamad Al-Yahya
Eng. Mousa bin Omran AlOmran
Dr. Khaled Omar Azzam
Eng. John Pagano

Subsidiaries

RCU has established a number of subsidiary companies to serve as operational and investment arms, contributing to the development of its strategy and achieving its goals in the best interest of AlUla. These companies include AlUla Peregrina Trading, Arabian Leopard Fund, AlUla Sports Club, in addition to the Museum of Visual and Contemporary Arts. Details of each can be reviewed as follows

Conclusion

RCU prepared the annual report to meet the requirements of the Council of Ministers’ Law. In its preparation, RCU adhered to a detailed methodology to ensure the fulfillment of the specified standards. Coordination among all sectors and departments within RCU was facilitated by the Organizational Excellence Department, and with the support of senior management.

Within this report, RCU highlighted its most notable achievements during 2023, aiming to develop and enhance the targeted sectors in AlUla, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

In addition to showing the challenges RCU has faced, and the proposed solutions to overcome obstacles and enhance workflow, RCU outlined its aspirations for the prosperity of AlUla by aligning with the stages of implementing its strategy. This strategy aims to build a luxurious identity for AlUla, unleash its competitive advantages, develop its capabilities, and enhance its capacity.

The strategy plan for the year 2024 is anchored on clear priorities within its seven strategic pillars, ensuring focused business trajectory and attainment of objectives. This includes enhancing the tourism assets of AlUla, developing its offerings, and increasing visitor numbers. Additionally, it aims at activating the cultural heritage of AlUla and enhancing its global presence. RCU also seeks to preserve the environmental systems and biodiversity while empowering the local community to ensure prosperity and economic development. Furthermore, RCU focuses on developing major plans for AlUla and achieving urban and architectural transformation, in addition to RCU’s commitment to enhancing safety, infrastructure development, and improving the quality of life in AlUla.

Finally, ensuring operational efficiency, talent management, and achieving excellence globally; which will be realized through the concerted efforts of the national workforce and international expertise within RCU, where their endeavor involves implementing a precise and sustainable plan that considers the cultural, economic, and heritage development in AlUla, all under the generous and continuous support of the wise leadership.