Afalula, the French government agency for the AlUla project in Saudi Arabia, has named Catherine Pégard as its chief of cultural development.
AlUla is set to be the world’s largest living museum. The $15 billion project is being created in three phases by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) alongside Afalula.
Pégard, who starts in her new role today (1 October), is also joining Afalula’s executive committee, where she will contribute to the “definition and implementation of Afalula’s overall strategy”, says a press release.
Previously president of the Palace of Versailles, Pégard spent more than 10 years revitalising and modernising the former royal residence’s cultural offerings.
Jean-Yves Le Drian, chairman of Afalula, said Pégard is “one of the most respected figures in heritage and culture in France”.
He added: “Her remarkable tenure at the helm of the Château de Versailles, where she successfully increased the global influence of this iconic institution, will be a major asset in enhancing AlUla’s prominence beyond borders.
“This appointment also marks the culmination of the internal reorganization I initiated a few months ago.”
RCU and Afalula are “now entering the second phase of the development of this major project, with the ambition of further strengthening Franco-Saudi cooperation in the service of AlUla, a global and sustainable reference in tourism and culture”, he said.
Saudi’s AlUla enters second phase
The AlUla project is located close to Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra, which opened to the public for the first time in 2020.
Upon completion in 2035, the destination will include five unique districts, five heritage sites, 15 cultural venues and museums, 10 million square metres of green space, and 5,000 hotel rooms.
Last year, RCU announced architects Lina Ghotmeh and Asif Khan for two major museums at AlUla.
The plans also include a luxury resort designed by French architect Jean Nouvel.
Images courtesy of Afalula
