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Slew of deals highlight a renewed and reinforced Saudi-US partnership

Special Slew of deals highlight a renewed and reinforced Saudi-US partnership
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At the Riyadh summit, Elon Musk revealed he had presented Tesla robots to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US President Donald Trump. (AFP)
Special Slew of deals highlight a renewed and reinforced Saudi-US partnership
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Updated 15 May 2025

Slew of deals highlight a renewed and reinforced Saudi-US partnership

Slew of deals highlight a renewed and reinforced Saudi-US partnership
  • A veritable Who’s Who of corporate America and Saudi industry participated in one-day investment summit in Riyadh on Tuesday
  • The agreements reached showcase ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s push to become a global innovation hub with support from US tech giants

RIYADH: When top officials, CEOs and investors from ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ and the US convened in Riyadh on Tuesday for the Saudi-US Investment Forum, the focus of the high-profile gathering was on economic cooperation and innovation.

The one-day forum, held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, highlighted major deals and partnerships in technology, artificial intelligence, energy, digital infrastructure, fintech, healthtech and industrial innovation — all aligned with ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s Vision 2030 development blueprint.

The tone was collaborative and forward-looking, emphasizing commerce and technology as both nations seek to deepen ties in emerging sectors. Officials from both governments, along with Fortune 500 executives, used the platform to announce investments and outline long-term strategies for mutual growth.

The forum’s agenda was broad and ambitious, covering cutting-edge industries and critical infrastructure.

Sessions throughout the day focused on themes such as technology and AI innovation, renewable and traditional energy cooperation, digital infrastructure expansion, fintech and financial services, health and biotech advancements, and industrial and advanced manufacturing partnerships. Panel discussions included ministerial dialogues, CEO panels and executive roundtables designed to spur high-impact engagement in these sectors.




The Saudi-US Investment Forum highlighted major deals and partnerships in technology, artificial intelligence, energy, digital infrastructure, fintech, healthtech and industrial innovation. (AFP)

Ìý

High-level participants

Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih opened the forum by highlighting its timing “at a historic moment†of renewed commitment between the two nations. He pointed to the exceptional delegation of US business leaders in attendance, reflecting nearly 90 years of close relations since the first Saudi-US agreements.

The forum coincided with a US executive visit to ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ, underscoring the strategic importance both sides place on economic partnership. In his remarks, Al-Falih emphasized that strengthening the bilateral investment relationship would benefit both economies and “the world at large.â€

Notably, the list of attendees read like a Who’s Who of corporate America and Saudi industry. According to the forum program and media reports, CEOs and senior executives from companies including BlackRock, Palantir Technologies, Citi, IBM, OpenAI, NVIDIA, Meta, Amazon, Qualcomm, Alphabet (Google’s parent), Tesla and Franklin Templeton were present. On the Saudi side, key figures included Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — architect of Vision 2030 — as well as ministers overseeing the finance, energy, technology, tourism and health sectors.Ìý

The presence of these leaders highlighted the forum’s focus on expanding commercial ties. Even high-profile tech entrepreneur Elon Musk was spotted on stage, seen in conversation with Saudi Minister of Communications and IT Abdullah Al-Swaha during the event.

The diversity of participants from government and industry ensured that discussions ranged from AI chips and cloud computing to sustainable energy projects and digital economy regulation.




Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih opened the forum by highlighting its timing “at a historic moment†of renewed commitment between the two nations. (SPA)

Tech and AI partnerships

If one theme dominated the forum, it was artificial intelligence and technology. A series of headline-making deals underscored ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s push to become a global hub for AI and advanced tech — with major support from US tech giants.

At the center of many announcements was HUMAIN, a newly launched Public Investment Fund-backed AI startup.Ìý

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang made headlines by unveiling a landmark agreement to supply ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ with cutting-edge AI hardware. NVIDIA will sell hundreds of thousands of its latest AI chips to HUMAIN over the next five years, starting with an initial shipment of 18,000 high-performance Blackwell GPU chips.Ìý

In a joint statement, NVIDIA and HUMAIN said they plan to build “AI factories†with up to 500 megawatts of capacity in Saudi data centers, housing those advanced GPUs and related infrastructure.

“This marks a significant step toward positioning the Kingdom as a leader among data- and AI-driven economies,†said Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, president of the Saudi Data & AI Authority, regarding the partnership. The goal is to establish ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ as a global leader in AI, GPU cloud computing and digital transformation — in line with the Kingdom’s aim to become an international AI hub outside the US.

Another US chipmaker, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), announced its own multibillion-dollar partnership with HUMAIN. AMD CEO Lisa Su confirmed a $10 billion strategic collaboration to deploy 500 MW of AI computing infrastructure in ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ over five years.

Under the deal, AMD will provide a mix of advanced CPUs, GPUs and software expertise to help build HUMAIN’s next-generation cloud platform for AI.

“Together, we are building a globally significant AI platform that delivers performance, openness and reach at unprecedented levels,†Su said in a statement. Notably, HUMAIN is working with multiple chipmakers to avoid overreliance on a single vendor, ensuring a resilient supply of AI hardware.

Also in the semiconductor space, Qualcomm signed a memorandum of understanding to develop new data center processors with Saudi partners. The San Diego-based firm — best known for its mobile chips — will work with HUMAIN on specialized CPUs for data centers, potentially leveraging technology from its Nuvia acquisition to deliver server-grade processors.

This flurry of chip deals was enabled in part by supportive policies: under a new US initiative, American tech suppliers like NVIDIA and AMD received clearance to pursue AI partnerships with Saudi entities, reflecting a government-backed effort to promote “AI diplomacy†with trusted allies.

Cloud computing giant Amazon Web Services (AWS) also played a prominent role. At the forum, AWS announced a strategic partnership with HUMAIN to develop a dedicated “AI Zone†in ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ. AWS and HUMAIN plan to invest more than $5 billion to build this AI Zone — a cluster of state-of-the-art data centers and AI development facilities.

According to AWS CEO Andy Jassy, the zone will feature Amazon’s most advanced cloud infrastructure, including UltraCluster networking for faster AI model training, a full suite of services like SageMaker and Bedrock, and training programs to develop Saudi AI talent.Ìý

This initiative comes on top of AWS’s previously announced $5.3 billion plan to launch a cloud region in ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ by 2026. The AI Zone is a separate investment, focused specifically on accelerating AI innovation. HUMAIN has committed to build and deploy its AI solutions on AWS and help local startups access the platform’s tools.

Together, these moves by NVIDIA, AMD, Qualcomm and Amazon represent an unprecedented transfer of AI technology and infrastructure to ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ as the Kingdom races to become a leader in the data-driven economy.Ìý




Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk was spotted on stage, seen in conversation with Saudi Minister of Communications and IT Abdullah Al-Swaha during the event. (AFP)

The forum’s tech deals are expected to benefit the US as well. One of ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s newest firms, DataVolt, announced plans to invest $20 billion in AI data centers and energy infrastructure in the US.

Additionally, a coalition of US and Saudi companies — including Alphabet (Google’s parent), Oracle, Salesforce, AMD, Uber and DataVolt — is set to invest a combined $80 billion in “cutting-edge transformative technologies†across both countries.Ìý

While specific details were limited, the White House noted that these investments will span a range of high-tech sectors in ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ and the US, illustrating a two-way investment flow catalyzed by the forum.

Energy, infrastructure, new industries

Beyond AI and computing, the forum spotlighted a range of sectors central to ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s economic diversification plans. Energy, in particular, remains a cornerstone of US-Saudi cooperation — not only in traditional oil and gas, but increasingly in clean energy and sustainability.

Saudi officials used the event to reaffirm the Kingdom’s role as a stable oil supplier to global markets, even as it accelerates its pivot to renewables. They also highlighted joint initiatives in solar, wind and emerging energy technologies. Vision 2030’s focus on sustainability was echoed in forum sessions on “Energy & Sustainability,†which emphasized balancing energy security with climate-conscious innovation.




New Murabba CEO, Michael Dyke (L), NEOM Deputy CEO Rayan Fayez (C) and Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, attend a conference during the Saudi-US investment forum in Riyadh on May 13, 2025. (AFP)

One standout project discussed was the massive green hydrogen venture at NEOM, ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s futuristic city on the Red Sea. Rayan Fayez, deputy CEO of NEOM, described the $8.4 billion green hydrogen plant being developed as a joint venture between NEOM, Saudi utility ACWA Power and US-based Air Products.

This project — one of the world’s largest hydrogen initiatives — will use solar and wind power to produce clean hydrogen for export, showcasing how US companies are investing in Saudi sustainability efforts.

“Building a city and a region of this scale requires significant infrastructure,†Fayez said, citing 500 kilometers of fiber-optic cable already laid in NEOM, along with new data centers, solar and wind farms, and 194 kilometers of installed water pipelines.

These infrastructure projects are creating opportunities for American firms; Fayez noted that NEOM is “doing business with 83 American companies†as it builds this high-tech metropolis.

Tourism, smart mobility, real estate

Traditional sectors like tourism and real estate were also featured as key growth areas. In a panel on ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s giga-projects, Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, discussed the $63 billion transformation of historic Diriyah — the birthplace of the Saudi state — into a global heritage and leisure destination.

Inzerillo noted that the project, which preserves UNESCO World Heritage sites while adding museums, resorts and entertainment venues, is on time and on budget.

“We just welcomed our three millionth visitor (to Diriyah) this week … We have 45,000 workers currently on the project,†he said, adding: “Right now we’re doing business with 83 American companies†involved in the development.Ìý

This highlights the role of US firms — from engineering and construction to hospitality — in supporting ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s non-oil economic transformation.




Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, discussed the $63 billion transformation of historic Diriyah — the birthplace of the Saudi state — into a global heritage and leisure destination.Ìý(AN photo by Basheer Saleh)

Transportation and smart mobility also emerged as a prominent topic. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi praised ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ as one of Uber’s fastest-growing markets, with 140,000 Saudi drivers serving 4 million riders across 20 cities.

Khosrowshahi used the forum to announce plans to introduce autonomous vehicles in the Kingdom. “You will see autonomous vehicles in ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ this year,†he said, noting that Uber is working with 18 autonomous technology partners to ensure safe deployment.

He argued that self-driving vehicles will make streets safer and eventually offer more affordable transportation, as robotic systems “continue to learn from all the miles driven all over the world.â€

The vision of Saudi cities with driverless taxis — supported by US technology — illustrated the forum’s emphasis on next-generation infrastructure.

Fintech and healthtech

Financial services and fintech were also on the agenda, reflecting ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s drive to modernize its financial sector through open banking, digital payments, venture capital and more.

While no specific banking deals were announced at the forum, the presence of major US financial leaders — including Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink — signaled strong interest in Saudi capital markets. Discussions reportedly included financing Vision 2030 projects and expanding two-way capital flows.




Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi (2nd Left) praised ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ as one of Uber’s fastest-growing markets, with 140,000 Saudi drivers serving 4 million riders across 20 cities. (AFP)

With ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ opening its stock market to more foreign investors and launching large investment funds, US financial institutions are positioning to play a significant role in the Kingdom’s economic liberalization.Ìý

Healthcare and healthtech likewise emerged as key areas of collaboration, aligning with Saudi efforts to digitize healthcare and advance biotech research. Panels on health tech and biotechnology explored potential partnerships in pharmaceutical development, digital health platforms and medical investment.

Although most initiatives were still in the exploratory stage, ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s Ministry of Health is reportedly in ongoing talks with US healthcare firms about telemedicine and hospital joint ventures.

The forum underscored that as ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ modernizes its healthcare system — a priority under Vision 2030’s Quality of Life program — US companies in medical technology, biotech and healthcare management see growing opportunity.

Vision 2030 alignment

Throughout the forum, speakers consistently tied individual deals to the broader goals of Vision 2030 — ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s blueprint for diversifying its economy away from oil by the end of the decade.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the driving force behind Vision 2030, took the stage to emphasize the scale of US-Saudi business underway. He announced that more than $300 billion in Saudi-US deals had been signed, a figure that impressed attendees.

These agreements spanned sectors including technology, defense and infrastructure. Looking ahead, the crown prince said ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ is targeting $600 billion in further investment opportunities with the US in the coming years — with the potential for that number to grow to $1 trillion as new projects take shape.




Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced that more than $300 billion in Saudi-US deals had been signed, a figure that impressed attendees. (AFP)

He noted that the United States is one of the “largest partners of the Saudi Vision 2030 reform agenda,†underscoring that joint investments are a central pillar of the bilateral economic relationship. He also highlighted that about 40 percent of ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s Public Investment Fund — the $900 billion-plus sovereign wealth fund — is invested in the US. This financial interconnection is foundational to initiatives like the forum.

US representatives also praised the Kingdom’s transformation. US President Donald Trump (attending as part of a state visit) avoided politics in his public remarks, focusing instead on economic cooperation.

He commended the “phenomenal transformation†underway in ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ, attributing it to the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed. Trump pointed to a striking milestone: ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s non-oil revenues now exceed its oil revenues — a dramatic shift from just a few years ago. He cited this as evidence that Vision 2030 is producing real economic change.

The president also praised ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s ability to preserve its cultural heritage while “embracing a forward-looking, modern Vision 2030 agenda.†These affirmations from the US side bolstered confidence in the Saudi business environment and encouraged American CEOs to deepen their engagement.




Housing and Urban Development Minister Majed Al-Hogail detailed plans for smart cities and affordable housing — areas where US engineering firms and smart technology providers are contributing their expertise. (SPA)

Several panel discussions looked toward the future, examining how both nations can collaborate on long-term trends. In a tourism panel, Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb predicted that by 2030, tourism will contribute as much to Saudi GDP as oil does today — a bold forecast reflecting the country’s shifting economic priorities.Ìý

Al-Khateeb said ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ is increasingly recognized as “a land of green mountains, stunning Red Sea islands and a welcoming culture,†rather than solely an oil-exporting nation. This evolving image has been supported in part by US-backed investments in hospitality and entertainment.

A partnership reinforced

In another discussion, Housing and Urban Development Minister Majed Al-Hogail detailed plans for smart cities and affordable housing — areas where US engineering firms and smart technology providers are contributing their expertise.

A panel on women in business, reflecting the social development dimension of Vision 2030, highlighted progress in female leadership within Saudi companies. US multinationals are playing a role through training programs and mentorship initiatives.

While these conversations were not centered on high-dollar deals, they showcased the human and cultural dimension of US-Saudi collaboration — emphasizing knowledge-sharing and societal change.

By the forum’s end, a clear narrative had emerged: ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ and the US are leveraging their long-standing partnership to build a new economic future based on innovation, sustainability and shared prosperity.

The announcements — from multibillion-dollar AI investments and cloud zones to joint tourism initiatives and potential fintech collaborations — all serve ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s ambition to become a diversified economic powerhouse by 2030. At the same time, they support US goals of expanding global markets for American technologies and deepening relationships with stable partners.

As Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih summarized, the Saudi-US partnership is being “renewed and reinforced†for a new era — evolving beyond its traditional oil foundation into a broader alliance across multiple strategic sectors.

The Saudi-US Investment Forum showcased this transformation in real time, with high-profile announcements and symbolic handshakes that are likely to shape the economic relationship between the two countries for decades to come.

With significant capital flows and technology transfers now underway, both nations are betting that deeper commercial ties will generate mutual benefits — creating jobs, spurring innovation and linking two major economies that, as officials often reminded attendees, are vital to each other’s success in an unpredictable global environment.

The event’s success has already sparked discussions about establishing the Saudi-US Investment Forum as a recurring platform — one that can track progress, drive new initiatives and continue advancing Vision 2030 and the next phase of US-Saudi cooperation.


Saudi FM attends Oslo Forum in Norway

Saudi FM attends Oslo Forum in Norway
Updated 10 June 2025

Saudi FM attends Oslo Forum in Norway

Saudi FM attends Oslo Forum in Norway
  • Forum hosts global leaders and conflict mediators
  • Prince Faisal bin Farhan will meet foreign officials

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in the Norwegian capital on Tuesday to take part in the Oslo Forum.

The annual event, organized by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue in Switzerland, hosts global leaders and conflict mediators.

Prince Faisal will meet foreign officials to strengthen relations with the Kingdom and discuss various regional and international issues, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


What pilgrims are sharing online after their Hajj journey

What pilgrims are sharing online after their Hajj journey
Updated 10 June 2025

What pilgrims are sharing online after their Hajj journey

What pilgrims are sharing online after their Hajj journey
  • Worshippers take to social media to share profound experiences with loved ones
  • Posting online becomes a way to process the weight of Hajj for many

RIYADH: For many pilgrims, the spiritual journey of Hajj does not end when they leave the holy sites. It continues — quietly, intentionally — in the days and weeks that follow.

Across ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ, young pilgrims are using social media to process the weight of Hajj and share the experience with loved ones.

Noor Ahmad, 21, did not plan to post during her pilgrimage. But after she returned, the urge to share came naturally.

After returning from Hajj, I decided to share a few captured moments. But how can a photo truly capture the depth and majesty of the experience?

Noor Ahmad

“After returning from Hajj, I decided to share a few captured moments,†she said. “But how can a photo truly capture the depth and majesty of the experience?â€

She described how people responded in varied ways. “Those who had gone before felt nostalgic and started sharing their own stories. Others — those who hadn’t been yet — expressed their longing. It became this moment of connection.â€

For Noor, the decision to post was not about aesthetics. “It’s a monumental event. Maybe I could inspire someone who’s hesitant to go. Maybe they’ll see what I saw — and want to experience it for themselves.

“It was my way of saying thank youâ€

Shatha Al-Jadaan, 25, took a different approach to sharing, after taking a digital detox.

I enjoy sharing meaningful moments, and after seeing the tremendous effort put into Hajj on every level, I felt my post was a small, sincere gesture of appreciation.

Shatha Al-Jadaan

“During Hajj, I decided to partially fast from social media. I used only the essentials,†she said. “After I returned, I posted a thread to my close friends explaining where I’d been and shared some of the most meaningful moments.â€

The response was full of prayers and warmth. “People were kind, supportive, and curious. But what mattered most to me was that I used the thread to say thank you — to the organizers, to the volunteers, and to Allah.â€

She spoke about how she found value in using digital platforms to document something greater than herself.

“I enjoy sharing meaningful moments, and after seeing the tremendous effort put into Hajj on every level, I felt my post was a small, sincere gesture of appreciation.â€

Salem Al-Khudair, 28, recorded a voice note to his family group chat while performing the rites.

“I just couldn’t find the words to write. So I recorded myself speaking right after standing in Arafat. I sent it to my family WhatsApp group. My mom was emotional. My dad said, ‘May God accept from you.’ That was enough.â€

In an age of curated content, Hajj posts tend to stand out for their sincerity. Pilgrims often strip away the filters, metaphors and trend-driven formats, and just speak from the heart.

Noura Al-Dosari, 23, uploaded a private Instagram story highlight with no captions. “Just visuals. No filters. No hashtags,†she said. “It wasn’t for followers. It was for me. For reflection. A digital bookmark of who I became.â€

Some write long captions, others simply post a photo of their ihram folded neatly back into a drawer.

But all of them carry a silent message: I went. I came back different.

Many pilgrims use their posts to recall moments of physical hardship that brought emotional breakthroughs — the heat, the long walks, the brief but powerful connections with strangers.

Others use it to highlight the seamless organization of the pilgrimage as a reminder of how far the experience has evolved.

Amani Al-Saad, 26, used X to share a short story about a volunteer who helped her carry her bag in Muzdalifah. “She didn’t speak much, but she smiled at me and said, ‘This is what we’re here for.’ That stuck with me. I wrote about it as a reminder to myself — that sometimes the smallest moments hold the most meaning.â€

While digital connections are increasingly common, most pilgrims emphasize that the real processing happens offline — in quiet conversations with family, in their prayer rooms, or on long drives home.

“I didn’t post to perform,†said Al-Jadaan. “I posted to remember.â€

 


National Water Co. ready for post-Hajj season

National Water Co. ready for post-Hajj season
Updated 10 June 2025

National Water Co. ready for post-Hajj season

National Water Co. ready for post-Hajj season
  • The company added the plan included securing water storage and coordinating with water production and distribution systems

MADINAH: The National Water Co. has confirmed it is operationally ready for the post-Hajj season.

The company said it would distribute more than 630,000 cubic meters of potable water daily to pilgrims at the Prophet’s Mosque and throughout Madinah and said its readiness built on ongoing efforts to serve pilgrims and visitors.

The plan involves more than 1,200 employees, including technical, administrative and engineering staff, working to provide water and environmental services.

The company added the plan included securing water storage and coordinating with water production and distribution systems, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Water will be supplied daily during the post-Hajj season through continuous pumping to the central area and religious sites. Chemical and biological tests will be conducted to ensure compliance with water quality standards.

The company said its smart operation system continues to manage and monitor Madinah’s water network, overseeing water pressure and quality in pipelines and reservoirs.

 


Saudi film body joins global audiovisual group

Saudi film body joins global audiovisual group
Updated 10 June 2025

Saudi film body joins global audiovisual group

Saudi film body joins global audiovisual group
  • Through this affiliation, the commission plans to develop archiving projects and engage in knowledge exchange with international institutions

RIYADH: The Film Commission announced its membership in the International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives, a step aimed at supporting its work in audiovisual archiving.

The association includes members from 70 countries and represents institutions that preserve materials such as visual content, musical works, historical and literary recordings, and oral histories.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, this membership supports the commission’s efforts to preserve ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s audiovisual heritage.

Through this affiliation, the commission plans to develop archiving projects and engage in knowledge exchange with international institutions.

The move also reflects the commission’s aim to adopt recognized practices and modern technologies in film archiving, the SPA reported.

Cooperation with association members will provide access to innovations in audiovisual preservation and contribute to efforts to safeguard the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.

Founded in 1969 in Amsterdam, the association promotes collaboration among institutions focused on audiovisual preservation.

It hosts an annual conference for sharing expertise in preservation, restoration, digitization, intellectual property, and public access to archival materials.

 


French architect showcases AlUla’s heritage in New York exhibition

French architect showcases AlUla’s heritage in New York exhibition
Updated 10 June 2025

French architect showcases AlUla’s heritage in New York exhibition

French architect showcases AlUla’s heritage in New York exhibition
  • The exhibition was opened by Abdullah Al-Hamdan, the Kingdom’s consul general in New York, who spoke about the role of art in encouraging cultural exchange and international understanding

RIYADH: The Didier Aaron Gallery in New York, in collaboration with the Consulate General of ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ, is hosting an art exhibition by French architect Jean-Pierre Heim.

The exhibition showcases AlUla’s culture and heritage through a collection of sketches depicting ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s archaeological landmarks.

It runs until June 20, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

A special event at the exhibition featured Heim speaking about his visits to AlUla and the surrounding region.

It was opened by Abdullah Al-Hamdan, the Kingdom’s consul general in New York, who spoke about the role of art in encouraging cultural exchange and international understanding.

He also noted the value of such exhibitions in sharing aspects of Saudi heritage with a wider audience.

Heim described his design approach as being informed by local culture and geography, emphasizing the integration of architecture with environment, history, and traditions.

The exhibition includes selected architectural drawings by Heim, inspired by his travels to more than 80 countries, including ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ, Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, Greece, and China.