Britain's Crown Prince in Al-Ula: Details of arrival and official reception
In a move reflecting the depth of bilateral relations between the two kingdoms, His Royal Highness Prince William, Prince of Wales and Crown Prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, arrived today in Al-Ula Governorate, the world-class tourist and heritage destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
At the forefront of those welcoming the distinguished guest of the Kingdom upon his arrival at Al-Ula International Airport was His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Madinah Region, who greeted the British Crown Prince in one of the most important historical centers in the region. Also participating in the welcoming ceremony were the Regional Police Chief, Major General Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Zahrani, the Director of the Royal Protocol Office in the region, Ibrahim bin Abdullah Barri, and a number of senior civilian and military officials.
Al-Ula: A meeting point of civilizations and a global destination
The visit of the British Crown Prince to AlUla comes at a time when the region is undergoing a radical transformation to become a global tourist and cultural destination, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. AlUla, home to Hegra (the first Saudi site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List), stands as a living testament to the succession of human civilizations. The choice of AlUla as a stop on this visit carries profound significance, highlighting the interest of international figures in the Kingdom's unique human heritage and the efforts of the Royal Commission for AlUla in preserving the natural environment and cultural heritage.
Strategic dimensions of Saudi-British relations
This visit is not merely a matter of protocol; it reflects the strategic strength of the relationship between Riyadh and London, a relationship built on decades of joint cooperation in the political, economic, and security spheres. The visit underscores the commitment of both countries' leadership to strengthening cultural and civilizational ties, with the United Kingdom being a key strategic partner for Saudi Arabia in its ambitious development journey.
Shared interest in the environment and sustainability
Prince William is known worldwide for his interest in environmental issues and nature conservation, which aligns directly with AlUla's vision that places sustainability and biodiversity protection – such as initiatives to protect the Arabian leopard – at the heart of its development strategy. This visit opens up opportunities for exchanging expertise and strengthening cooperation in the fields of ecotourism and sustainable tourism, adding an important developmental dimension to this high-level diplomatic event.
The warm welcome extended to the Prince of Wales by the Governor of the Madinah Region and officials reflects the great appreciation that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia holds for the United Kingdom and the British Royal Family, and affirms the continuation of the close partnership that serves the interests of the two friendly peoples and contributes to enhancing regional and international stability and prosperity.
