• The partnership will deliver several benefits for AlUla: including AI-powered operations and decision support, next-gen visitor and community services and experiences as well as the creation of highly skilled local jobs in Data & AI.

AlUla, Saudi Arabia: The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and Artefact, a leading data and AI consultancy, have announced a long-term partnership to drive data and AI transformation in AlUla. Uniquely combining data, AI, county development, innovation, and job creation, the partnership will focus on deploying best-practice technology, developing data and AI products, empowering smart services to the AlUla community, visitors, and investors, and transferring data and AI know-how to create highly skilled jobs in AlUla.

Rahul Arya, CEO and Managing Partner, Artefact MENA said: “With this landmark partnership, we look forward to providing end-to-end products and capabilities that support the promotion of AlUla as a living museum for its community, tourists, investors and the world in a data-driven manner.

Lawrence Eta, Vice President, Digital & Analytics at the Royal Commission for AlUla,     : “Data and AI will play a critical role in helping RCU to achieve the ambitious goals set out in Vision 2030. This partnership with Artefact is a key step in our digital transformation journey     . We are confident that Artefact’s expertise will help us to leverage      the latest technologies for the overall progress of AlUla. We look forward to working together with Artefact to create a brighter future for AlUla.”

Omar Hallak, Partner & Global Public Sector Lead, Artefact concluded: “We are humbled and honored to be RCU's Data & AI partner of choice. This partnership is a testament of Artefact's unmatched capabilities and thought leadership. Data & AI will play a pivotal role in bringing sustainable and integrated development to AlUla's infrastructure, economy and human capital in-line with Vision 2030. With best-of-breed technologies and know-how, we are committed to AlUla's vision for its community and visitors.”

The partnership will focus on several key initiatives, including deploying the latest technology and products in Data & AI as well as implementing a comprehensive data and AI transformation and governance program to ensure ethical and responsible use of data. In-line with Saudi Arabia’s drive towards economic diversification and job creation, Artefact will establish a data and AI academy to train and upskill local talent.

The partnership will deliver several benefits for AlUla,: including AI-powered operations and decision support, next-gen visitor and community services and experiences and the creation of highly skilled local jobs in Data & AI.

RCU was established by Royal Decree in July 2017 to protect and safeguard AlUla, a region of outstanding natural and cultural significance in northwest Saudi Arabia. RCU is embarking on a long-term plan to develop and deliver a sensitive, sustainable transformation of the region, reaffirming its position as a world-heritage destination for culture and tourism.