ALULA: The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has released its inaugural Annual Sustainability Report, signifying a significant step in the commission's mission to develop the region into a worldwide hub for cultural, social, environmental, and economic sustainability.

The report underscores the achievements of RCU's initiatives and its dedication to sustainable development in line with national and international frameworks, such as the Saudi Green Initiative, Vision 2030, and UN sustainability goals.

According to RCU Governor Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, who also holds the position of Minister of Culture in the Kingdom, the commission is on a 'bold path to realize the objectives of the AlUla Vision, inspired by the principles of Saudi Vision 2030.'

He further stated: 'Our initial Sustainability Report is a reflection of our commitment to sustainability. It illustrates our aspirations, objectives, and activities in this domain for our current and future generations.'

Key highlights from the report include RCU's transformative accomplishments, such as elevating AlUla's Heritage Sustainability Index to 75 percent, exceeding the initial target of 63 percent. Visitor satisfaction at heritage sites reached 96 percent, demonstrating RCU's emphasis on delivering outstanding experiences while preserving AlUla's cultural and historical assets.

RCU has also made substantial progress in social and educational advancements. Over the past year, the commission has awarded 747 university scholarships to local students, enabling them to study at 117 international institutions. This initiative is part of RCU's broader strategy to invest in the local community and empower the next generation.

Community satisfaction stands at 90 percent, a testament to successful programs like the Hammayah Programme, which has trained 1,400 local leaders and created 2,500 job opportunities.

Economic sustainability remains a cornerstone of RCU's long-term vision. By the end of 2023, the commission had generated over 6,000 jobs in tourism-related sectors, with 1,500 directly in the industry. Additionally, RCU's Vibes AlUla initiative, which supports local entrepreneurs, led to the establishment of 336 new micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and created 198 new local job opportunities.

RCU is committed to sustainable economic development through partnerships with local and international stakeholders. As Acting CEO Abeer Al-Akel noted: 'By promoting sustainable livelihoods, supporting local businesses and employment, and driving economic diversification, we aim to build a resilient and thriving economy in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.'

In alignment with Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, RCU is working towards a climate-neutral future, with a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. In 2023, the commission made significant strides through various environmental projects, including planting over 111,000 trees in protected areas, converting agricultural waste into fertilizer, and expanding water distribution networks to cover 95 percent of AlUla's population.

RCU has also focused on green mobility by partnering with Lucid Motors to introduce electric vehicles to the region, including a fleet of 30 EVs and the installation of 10 charging stations across AlUla. These efforts aim to reduce carbon emissions and provide sustainable transportation solutions.

In nature conservation, RCU has reintroduced several native species to the AlUla ecosystem, including 108 Arabian gazelles, 385 Sand gazelles, 328 Arabian oryxes, and 59 Nubian ibexes. The Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Programme, which saw the birth of seven new cubs, continues to play a crucial role in protecting the critically endangered species.

RCU's approach to sustainability is strengthened by its collaborations with leading global organizations. The report highlights partnerships with UNESCO, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology to promote conservation and sustainability.

Prince Badr emphasized the importance of these collaborations, stating: 'Innovative solutions were adopted and important local, regional, and international partnerships were forged with organizations.'

With the release of this annual sustainability report, RCU aims to build on its successes and transform AlUla into a model of sustainable development for the Kingdom and the world. Acting CEO Abeer Al-Akel highlighted RCU's leadership role, stating: 'By protecting the cultural heritage from our past and enhancing the natural and social potential of our people and place, we ensure a sustainable future for the many aspects of life in AlUla.'

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