Prince William's Diplomatic Saudi Visit Focuses on Ancient 'Cursed' City
The Prince of Wales is set to undertake a landmark royal tour to Saudi Arabia this week, in what is being described as one of his most diplomatically sensitive overseas missions in years. The visit, requested by the British government, aims to strengthen bilateral ties and is being heralded as a potential sign of good fortune for both nations.
Historic Visit to AlUla: From Curse to Cultural Hub
Central to Prince William's itinerary is a stop at the ancient desert oasis of AlUla, a site with a millennia-spanning history that was once considered cursed by evil spirits, known as djinn in Arabic. This belief stemmed from its pre-Islamic ruins, including the Nabatean tombs at Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For decades, conservative religious views kept the region largely closed to outsiders.
Now, under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia is investing millions in regenerating AlUla through education and cultural programs, transforming it into a world-class tourist destination. The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has been established to preserve and develop this 2,000-year-old archaeological site into a thriving hub for art, design, and tourism.
"AlUla's cultural landscape is evolving at an incredible pace, with each season bringing new experiences that bridge past and future," said Hamad Alhomiedan, Director of Arts & Creative Industries for the RCU. Saudi sources express immense excitement about the visit, believing it will place AlUla on the global map and signal a new era of openness.
Diplomatic Sensitivity and Key Discussions
The three-day visit, from Monday to Wednesday, will also focus on critical issues such as energy transition and youth engagement, as Saudi Arabia seeks to diversify its oil-dependent economy. Prince William is scheduled to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a figure credited with economic reforms but who remains internationally divisive due to human rights concerns.
While reforms have allowed women to drive and increased public participation, significant legal and social restrictions persist. The visit comes amid ongoing scrutiny over Saudi Arabia's human rights record, including allegations linked to the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which the crown prince denies. Kensington Palace typically does not comment on private conversations, so whether such issues are raised will likely remain confidential.
Government insiders view Prince William as a key diplomatic asset, with the monarchy acting as a secret weapon in building strategic relationships through soft power. He has been extensively briefed by the Foreign Office and British Embassy ahead of the meetings.
Broader Context and Future Implications
This visit underscores longstanding ties between the British and Saudi royal families, with King Charles III having made numerous trips to the kingdom over the decades. As Prince William prepares for future kingship, his role in global diplomacy is expected to expand, with this tour marking a significant step in that journey.
Energy cooperation and investment are anticipated to dominate talks, especially as Britain seeks new partners during the global shift away from fossil fuels. The visit also aligns with Saudi efforts to host major events like Formula One races and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, though critics label such moves as sportswashing to distract from repression.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, continue to raise concerns over issues like restrictions on free speech and the criminalization of same-sex relationships. Despite this, the visit aims to foster goodwill and highlight AlUla's transformation from a site shrouded in myth to a beacon of cultural and economic renewal.
