Prince William wraps up his Saudi trip with a focus on environmental projects in AlUla, highlighting conservation and the kingdom’s tourism ambitions.
RIYADH: Prince William concluded his official visit to Saudi Arabia with a tour of the ancient oasis city of AlUla on Wednesday.
The Prince of Wales, a noted environmentalist, visited a nature reserve to observe conservation efforts and sustainable agriculture projects.
He met with rangers working to protect local wildlife and viewed land restoration programmes alongside local farmers.
AlUla is home to the Hegra archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage location famous for its ancient Nabataean tombs set within dramatic sandstone landscapes.
Saudi authorities are promoting AlUla as a premier destination for luxury tourism and international art exhibitions.
This drive is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s broader Vision 2030 agenda to diversify the economy and establish Saudi Arabia as a global tourism hub.
The visit underscores the long-standing warm relations between the British and Saudi royal families.
Saudi Arabia is considered one of Britain’s most important partners in the Gulf region.
The late Queen Elizabeth II hosted Saudi royals for four state visits during her reign.
The last senior British royal to pay an official visit to Riyadh was William’s father, King Charles III, when he was Prince of Wales in 2014.
William’s trip proceeded amid renewed scrutiny of the British royal family’s connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Ahead of the visit, Kensington Palace stated that William and his wife Catherine were “deeply concerned by the continuing revelations”.
The short palace statement did not directly reference the Duke of York, Prince Andrew.
