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. 

The agreement, which further advances the vision of AlUla which was launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman AlSaud, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for AlUla in 2019, will see Accor operate an expanded Ashar Resort under the Banyan Tree brand. 

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. 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. 

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. 

The announcement underscores AlUla’s investment potential as Saudi Arabia continues its economic diversification as part of its Vision 2030 programme. By 2035, RCU expects to host 2 million visitors annually, creating 38,000 new jobs.

Ashar 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. These have included the Hegra Conference for Nobel Laureates and global figures such as Andrea Bocelli, Majida Al Roumi and Lionel Richie. 

Commenting 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. We’re working with the world’s best developers and hotel operators to deliver projects that complement our cultural oasis, as well as benefiting our local community.” 

“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. This is a clear sign of our confidence in the future strength of the hospitality sector in Saudi Arabia.”

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. We are very excited to be working on bringing our partner brand Banyan Tree’s unique sanctuary offering to the Ashar Resort.”