The Royal Commission for AlUla signs MoU with L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts | News
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels – a global institution with a mission to educate the public on all aspects of jewelry culture. The aim is to strengthen the strategic partnership in the areas of the jewelry industry, craft education and training, cultural exchange and knowledge development. This partnership underlines RCU’s efforts to further strengthen AlUla’s position as a global center for the creative industries and the arts.
The partnership aims to support the development of the arts and creative industry ecosystem in AlUla and expand creative learning opportunities by offering specialized workshops, professional courses and knowledge programs, as well as practical learning experiences within L’ÉCOLE’s three pillars: jewelry craftsmanship, art history and gemology.
These programs will be implemented through the expansion of educational initiatives in Madrasat Addeera and the Aljadidah Arts District, leveraging L’ÉCOLE’s educational expertise in jewelry arts, global network and publishing capabilities. The partnership aims to support the development of professional talent, refine the skills of artisans and integrate the jewelry art into the broader cultural landscape of AlUla, thus contributing to the discovery and growth of local capabilities in line with international standards.
Both Madrasat Addeera and the Aljadidah Arts District also serve as cultural destinations for visitors, offering immersive experiences that connect education, craft and heritage within AlUla’s broader tourism and cultural ecosystem.
Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer, represented the Royal Commission for AlUla, alongside Karim Elayan, Managing Director of Van Cleef & Arpels KSA, and Sophie Claudel, Director of L’ÉCOLE Middle East.
The MoU also includes partnership in academic research, as well as the production and publication of specialized content that highlights AlUla’s artisanal heritage and cultural identity. In addition, the partnership will explore the development of knowledge platforms that contribute to empowering local artisans at all levels. This includes expanding publishing activities through the translation of educational materials into Arabic and the production of new publications that shed light on AlUla’s rich craft heritage.
Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer, said: “In AlUla, we see tourism as a catalyst for cultural exchange, skills development and long-term economic value, and not just for visitation. This partnership with L’École, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, brings world-class jewelery arts education to our destination ecosystem, strengthening Madrasat Addeera and the Aljadidah Arts District as places where creativity, learning and heritage converge. By investing in education and craft, we ensure that the cultural offering of AlUla continues to evolve in a way that is authentic, globally relevant and rooted in opportunities for the local community.”
Karim Elayan, Managing Director of Van Cleef & Arpels KSA said: “This agreement between L’ÉCOLE Middle East and the Royal Commission of AlUla is in line with Van Cleef & Arpels’ value of transmission and education, and strengthens a partnership to spread and share jewelry knowledge with the general public in Saudi Arabia.”
Sophie Claudel, Director of L’ÉCOLE Middle East, said: “This partnership demonstrates a shared vision and mutual belief that education is one of the world’s most empowering bridges between people. The collaboration between our institutions across borders reflects a strong commitment to advancing knowledge and practical learning in the jewelry arts by providing unparalleled access to knowledge and expertise in jewelry craftsmanship, art history and gemology, providing our youth with a promising path to a better future.”
Opportunities for organizing curated exhibitions, artistic residencies and cultural exchange programs will also be explored, further strengthening AlUla’s presence on the global creative stage.
This partnership reflects RCU’s commitment to building a pioneering creative ecosystem, in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals to develop the creative economy, promote international cultural cooperation and empower local communities as part of comprehensive and sustainable development.
