Cultural Kinship: Pivoting on heritage connection, AlUla bonds with Italy's Matera

Saudi Arabia is now officially linked to Italy, and vice-versa.

A bond set to transcend borders, this agreement of 'twin cities' will focus on the cultural preservation, education, and societal growth in each region, and will specifically focus on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of AlUla and Matera, have together signed an agreement that will link the locations.

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The signing ceremony was held at Sassi di Matera, one of the world's most unique city vistas that lies in the south of the Italy. The signing date marked the 30th anniversary of the city's inscription as World Heritage Site, and is best known for the particularly rare caved 'sassi' or neighbourhoods, built into the stone hillside, that were inhabited by the people of the region for centuries, and dates back to Paleolithic times.

Of course, AlUla is home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Standing tall as an ancient treasure, the UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting meticulously carved stone tombs and structures dating back over 2,000 years, and carved inscriptions of past civilisation. AlUla's Hegra is an archaeological marvel where the remnants of a vibrant Nabataean civilisation can still be seen today.

The ancient destination, popular with those seeking to learn more about the region (and those searching for secluded escapism) boasts a 2,000 year-old city, built and inhabited by the Nabataeans, of which a large extent still remains intact today.

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Under the new deal, the Royal Commission of AlUla and the city of Matera will collaborate through cultural exchanges, joint initiatives, and knowledge sharing initiatives in areas such as cultural preservation, education, economy, and social development.

The twinning program is part of a broader agreement between AlUla and Italy, to celebrate and share the cultural preservation of two UNESCO recognised regions.

Other initiatives of the twinning programme will included a five-day Saudi village cultural exchange and gathering at Rome’s Villa Borghese in September of next year, and a photography exhibition will be presented at the AlUla Arts Festival. There will also be opportunities for young Saudis to discover more about conservation, and receive training in heritage conservation at the Centro Conservazione e Restauro La Venaria Reale, near Turin.