The UK’s Major Deal With Saudi Arabia Is Another Sign of the Kingdom’s Growing Cultural Cachet

British PM Keir Starmer meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo by Kirsty Wigglesworth - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Last week, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer landed in Riyadh to shake hands with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and seal a major cultural preservation deal. The agreement will see British conservation and heritage experts lending their skills to safeguard cultural landmarks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where ancient wonders and modern ambitions collide. The partnership between Historic England and the Saudi Heritage Commission will promote conservation best practices across both nations. British experts will spearhead training programs for Saudi specialists in conservation, restoration and the rehabilitation of heritage buildings.

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A second deal, signed by Exports Minister Gareth Thomas and Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism Sir Chris Bryant, will bring in the U.K.’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to collaborate with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). AlUla—an oasis city in........

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