Women are underrepresented in design and architecture, but they are playing a leading role in shaping the development of AlUla.

Key players discussed their approaches to designing the future of this extraordinary destination.

Featured speakers:

  • Samantha Cotterell, Executive Director of Design, Royal Commission for AlUla
  • Nouf AlAnkari, Design Manager, Royal Commission for AlUla
  • Sumaya Dabbagh, Owner and Founder of Dabbagh Architects, Dubai
  • Shahira Fahmy, Owner and Founder of Shahira Fahmy Architects, Cairo/London
  • Ayah Al Bitar, Industrial Designer, Founder of AYA the Art of Living, Dubai
  • Stephanie Ledoux, Partner AW2, Paris (online)
  • Isabelle Vergnaud, Interior Architecture, Kerry Hill Architects, Singapore (Online)

About AlUla

Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km², includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned.

About The Royal Commission for AlUla

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) was established by royal decree in July 2017 to protect and safeguard AlUla, a region of outstanding natural and cultural significance in North-West Saudi Arabia. RCU is embarking on a long-term plan to develop and deliver a sensitive, sustainable transformation of the region, reaffirming it as one of the country's most important archaeological and cultural destinations and preparing it to welcome visitors from around the world. RCU’s development work in AlUla encompasses a broad range of initiatives across archaeology, tourism, culture, education and the arts, reflecting the ambitious commitment to cultivate tourism and leisure in Saudi Arabia, outlined in Vision 2030.