#ROYAL COMMISSION FOR ALULA SERIES#

Last month saw the two-year anniversary of AFALULA, the French Agency for AlUla Development, which has launched more than 51 joint projects since its foundation. The Accor agreement accents the region’s enduring relationship with French partners. Global partnerships are a central component of RCU’s approach to driving economic growth through sustainable development in AlUla. Alharbi, Head of Hotels and Resorts at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “The Ashar Resort forms part of our strategy to create an immersive boutique destination that offers transformative experiences around the year and sets the standard for authentic hospitality.” We are very excited to be working on bringing our partner brand Banyan Tree’s unique sanctuary offering to the Ashar Resort.Ĭommenting on the agreement, Bander M. Sebastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor said: “In line with our commitment to grow Accor’s unique portfolio in Saudi Arabia, and as one of the first global hospitality groups to set foot in the Kingdom, we are extremely proud to take part in the development of the historic county of AlUla, thus celebrating the Kingdom’s vast heritage and culture. This is a clear sign of our confidence in the future strength of the hospitality sector in Saudi Arabia.”

#ROYAL COMMISSION FOR ALULA SERIES#

The partnership agreement with Accor is part of a major series of capital projects and multiple investments made by RCU into fifteen plans in AlUla, many of which will be announced in the coming months. We’re working with the world’s best developers and hotel operators to deliver projects that complement our cultural oasis, as well as benefitting our local community.” These have included the Hegra Conference for Nobel Laureates and global figures such as Andrea Bocelli, Majida Al Roumi and Lionel Richie.Ĭommenting on the agreements, the CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla, Amr AlMadani, said: “This new partnership demonstrates how AlUla’s unique appeal as a cultural, heritage and nature destination fits with Accor’s Banyan Tree brand, which is synonymous with authentically unique experiences. By 2035, RCU expects to host 2 million visitors annually, creating 38,000 new jobs.Īshar valley is the location of the Maraya Hall, a multi-purpose exhibition, conference and entertainment venue, the largest mirrored structure in the world, which will also drive local economic diversification by hosting cultural events, business gatherings and conferences. The announcement underscores AlUla’s investment potential as Saudi Arabia continues its economic diversification as part of its Vision 2030 programme.

The partnership with the leading global hospitality group has been signed ahead of AlUla’s official opening to the world as a year-round destination in October 2020. This will be guided by a sensitive design that allows each villa to blend discreetly into the striking natural scenery of the Ashar valley, located 15km from the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra. There will be 47 new units added, which will bring the resort’s total number up to 82 high-end villas, along with a luxury spa and several gourmet restaurants.

The agreement will see Accor operate an expanded Ashar Resort under the Banyan Tree brand. Sebastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor: “…we are extremely proud to take part in the development of the historic county of AlUla thus celebrating the Kingdom’s vast heritage and culture.”ĪlUla, Saudi Arabia, 9 August 2020: The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has announced a partnership agreement with Accor as part of its strategy to develop AlUla as a tourism destination for nature, culture and heritage. Signature agreement will see Accor, under the Banyan Tree brand, operate an expanded Ashar Resort with 47 new high-end units added bringing the total number up to 82.

Royal commission for alula