The Arduna exhibition opens in AlUla: the Centre Pompidou and the Royal Commission for AlUla partner in a major cultural collaboration

From 31 January 2026, AlUla will host Arduna, a large-scale international exhibition born of an exceptional collaboration between the Centre Pompidou and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), with the support of the French Agency for AlUla Development (AFALULA). On view at the Daimumah Pavilion until 15 April 2026, the exhibition marks a decisive milestone in AlUla’s artistic development and in the cultural dialogue between France and Saudi Arabia.

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The French Agency for AlUla Development (AFALULA) announces the strengthening of its Executive Committee

The French Agency for AlUla Development (AFALULA) extends its best wishes to all its partners and stakeholders and reaffirms its commitment to the cultural, heritage, and sustainable territorial development of AlUla. In this context, the Agency is pleased to announce the following changes to its Executive Committee, with several key appointments: Claudine Ripert-Landler, Chief of…

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New permanent exhibition at the Dadan archaeological site: “Illuminating Discoveries: Uncovering the Layers of Dadan’s History” reveals five years of major discoveries

For its reopening on 3 December 2025, the Dadan archaeological site highlights five years of archaeological discoveries made by the Saudi-French mission. Today, AlUla represents the largest active archaeological research project in the world, illustrating the remarkable scale and momentum of the ongoing explorations. Located at the heart of one of the most influential ancient…

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Future of Nostalgia – Art Week Tokyo

Exhibition of AlUla Artist Residency Programme
From November 5th to November 16th, 2025

Future of Nostalgia is an exhibition presented during Art Week Tokyo, organized by Arts AlUla and the French Agency for AlUla Development
(AFALULA). It brings together 21 artists who have participated in the residency programmes of the ancient oasis city of AlUla, Saudi Arabia.

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The French Agency for AlUla Development (AFALULA) welcomes the opening of Villa Hegra, a new landmark of Saudi-French cultural dialogue and creation

Villa Hegra was officially inaugurated on October 2, 2025, in AlUla, in the presence of His Highness Prince Badr bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture, Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), and Chairman of the Villa Hegra Foundation, alongside representatives of the Saudi and French governments, as well as numerous cultural, artistic,…

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AFALULA welcomes the return of the pop-up restaurant Ducasse in AlUla

Alain Ducasse in AlUla

After a notable debut in 2023, the pop-up restaurant in AlUla by multi-Michelin-starred French chef Alain Ducasse returns for a new season, further enhancing the culinary offerings of a region experiencing rapid tourism growth. The luxurious pop-up dining experience reopens to the public today for a limited time only, offering discerning guests a remarkable combination…

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French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to AlUla strengthens bonds between Royal Commission for AlUla and France-based partners

Visite d’État du Président Emmanuel Macron à AlUla

On December 4, 2024, His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture and Governor of RCU, welcomed the French President Emmanuel Macron to AlUla for an official state visit that showcased the diverse and deep-rooted bonds that continue to grow and flourish between AlUla and its network of France-based partners.…

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Orbis Tertius First exhibition in France of AlUla artists in residency programme

October 15th to 20th, 2024 5 rue Saint-Merri, 75004 Paris A journey between fictions and myths Orbis Tertius is an exhibition bringing together 20 contemporary artists who have participated in the artistic residency programmes in the oasis city of AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Curated by Arnaud Morand, Head of Arts at AFALULA, it borrows its title…

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Appointment of Catherine Pégard as Member of the Executive Committee, Chief of Cultural Development

Portrait de CATHERINE PEGARD par ©THOMAS GARNIER

The French Agency for AlUla Development (AFALULA) announces the appointment of Ms. Catherine Pégard as Chief of Cultural Development. Catherine Pégard will also join the Agency’s Executive Committee, where she will actively contribute to the definition and implementation of AFALULA’s overall strategy. She will assume her duties as of October 1, 2024. Previously President of…

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The discovery of a long rampart protecting the Khaybar oasis revolutionizes the history of the Arabian Peninsula

Vue reconstituée d’un réseau de remparts dans la partie nord de l'oasis fortifiée de Khaybar vers 2000 avant notre ère, © Projet archéologique Khaybar Longue Durée, M. Bussy & G. Charloux.

The French Agency for AlUla Development (AFALULA) and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) are delighted to announce a breakthrough in scientific research on the Arabian Peninsula, thanks to the team from the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) as part of the Khaybar Longue Durée archaeological project led by AFALULA in collaboration with…

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