France has established the French Agency for AlUla Development (AFALULA) to work side by side with RCU in a co-construction framework, dedicated to the AlUla project. To support the delivery and manage the strategic direction of this collaboration, RCU’s Partnerships Department has established a steering committee and a high-level ministerial committee, consisting of six ministers from both countries. Aligned with the partnership’s goals, AFALULA has been instrumental in mobilising French expertise and supporting RCU in establishing strategic alliances with prominent French companies. These collaborations have yielded impressive outcomes, demonstrating the effective transfer of knowledge, skills, and technology across all critical domains of the AlUla development project.

Since 2019, the close collaboration between RCU and AFALULA has resulted in over 170 contracts being awarded to French companies, with a combined value surpassing US$200 million. In 2022 alone, we have commissioned 72 contracts worth US$35.8 million, fast-tracking the development of AlUla.

Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University and RCU have entered into a collaborative agreement focused on archaeology training and research. This partnership includes launching an international Master's programme in archaeology, conservation, and restoration, along with training workshops and field schools in AlUla, and establishing a Chair and a twin-sited research center in Paris and AlUla. Building on a long-standing collaboration in archaeology, this initiative aims to enhance educational and scientific exchanges, fostering capacity building and the preservation of cultural heritage, while reinforcing Franco-Saudi archaeological ties and supporting sustainable development in AlUla through AFALULA.