AlUla, Saudi Arabia; 24 October 2023

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, country 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.

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.

“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.”
Rahul Arya, CEO and Managing Partner, Artefact MENA
“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.”
Lawrence Eta, Vice President, Digital & Analytics at the Royal Commission for AlUla
““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.”
Omar Hallak, Partner & Global Public Sector Lead, Artefact MENA

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.