Saudi Arabia and China join hands to enhance cultural
ties
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the Dunhuang Academy have forged a
strategic partnership to enhance cultural, tourism, and heritage collaboration
between Saudi Arabia and China.
This landmark agreement represents a significant milestone in Saudi-China
relations, merging the Dunhuang Academy’s 80 years of expertise in heritage
preservation with RCU’s dedication to protecting AlUla’s rich cultural legacy.
The Dunhuang Academy is renowned for managing the Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in China’s Gansu province. The site includes 735 Buddhist
caves adorned with intricate murals and sculptures that reflect the cultural
influences of the Silk Road.
The partnership unites both organizations in their role as custodians of
invaluable heritage, history, and traditions, as noted in a recent press
release. The academy’s globally recognized efforts in preserving the Mogao
Grottoes have received acclaim from UNESCO, the World Bank, and the Chinese
government.
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Key Areas of Collaboration
Under the agreement, the RCU and the Dunhuang Academy will collaborate on
conservation programs for historic sites and artifacts in both AlUla and
western China. They will also host academic exhibitions and implement exchange
programs for scholars and staff, fostering knowledge sharing and cultural
understanding.
Silvia Barbone, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at the RCU,
emphasized the shared legacy of Saudi Arabia and China:
“China and Saudi Arabia have a rich history of connecting people and places
across vast distances and centuries. Today, our work in global heritage is
strengthened through collaborations with leading institutions and destinations.
This partnership supports our vision of establishing northwest Arabia as a hub
for research, exploration, and discovery in culture, heritage, and tourism,
driving AlUla’s regeneration.”
Su Bomin, Director of the Dunhuang Academy, highlighted the broader
significance of the collaboration:
“This partnership bridges our cultural histories and advances heritage conservation.
By sharing expertise and resources, we aim to foster cultural exchange, deepen
mutual understanding, and create innovative programs that benefit communities
in both China and Saudi Arabia.”
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Recent Initiatives
This partnership builds on a series of collaborative initiatives. In January
2024, the “AlUla, Wonder of Arabia” exhibition debuted at Beijing’s Forbidden
City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Featuring artifacts from RCU’s
archaeological collection displayed publicly for the first time, the event
attracted over 220,000 visitors.
The partnership also follows the Saudi Travel Expo, organized by the Saudi
Tourism Authority in October 2024 at Beijing’s Tian Tan Garden. AlUla was a
centerpiece of the event, showcasing its remarkable natural and cultural
heritage to a global audience.
This growing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China underscores their
shared commitment to preserving and celebrating cultural heritage while
fostering tourism and deeper international collaboration.
Source: Arab News
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