Washington: The Royal Commission for AlUla participated in the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum organized by the Ministry of Investment in Washington. The commission took part in a panel session titled ‘Innovation in Developing the Cities of the Future,’ which focused on Saudi-U.S. cooperation in accelerating infrastructure projects and urban transformation. The session highlighted the role of innovation, advanced technologies, and new financing models in creating sustainable economic and social value.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the commission presented various programs, initiatives, and projects at the exhibition accompanying the forum, held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. A significant highlight was the presence of the Arabian Leopard as a symbol of environmental cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United States. The pavilion featured visual storytelling documenting the stages led by the commission in breeding, protection, and ecosystem restoration to return the species to its natural habitats in northwest Saudi Arabia.
The commission’s participation also highlighted a strategic cooperation agreement with the Smithsonian Institution, announced in May 2025 during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia. This agreement aims to broaden the genetic diversity of the Arabian Leopard, establish an ex situ assurance population, enhance scientific and research cooperation, and raise global awareness of the importance of conserving this endangered species. It is part of a broader network of international partnerships, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Panthera, Catmosphere, and other global wildlife organizations.
Through its participation, the commission emphasized that the Arabian Leopard is a key indicator of ecosystem sustainability in AlUla. Its conservation is integrated with a scientific model linking breeding and habitat restoration, reintroducing native prey species, reviving vegetation cover, and promoting sustainable agriculture to build an integrated ecological system.
As part of broader national efforts, the commission is developing a leading model for managing natural environments in AlUla, with protected areas covering more than 50% of the governorate’s area. Ongoing programs aim to rehabilitate habitats, release thousands of native animals, restore vegetation cover, and rebalance the food chain within an integrated environmental and development vision.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international cooperation, developing partnerships in development and environmental fields, and cementing AlUla’s position as a leading global destination for biodiversity conservation through its participation in the forum and the accompanying exhibition.