The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), in partnership with UNESCO, is continuing to advance the Rawi program, an initiative aimed at preserving living heritage and promoting intercultural dialogue.
The program empowers members of the local community in AlUla to share their stories, knowledge, and cultural traditions with audiences in Saudi Arabia and abroad, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency on Sunday.
The initiative coincides with UNESCO’s hosting of the photography exhibition, “I’m Rawi: Sharing Stories, Discovering Cultures,” at its headquarters in Paris. Running through Aug. 31, the exhibition showcases the experiences of AlUla’s Rawis and highlights their role in fostering connections between cultures, communities, and generations.
The Rawi program forms part of the strategic partnership between RCU and UNESCO under the Social and Human Sciences program. It seeks to encourage cultural exchange, strengthen local capabilities, and underscore the role of communities in preserving and interpreting heritage, contributing to greater cross-cultural understanding.
AlUla’s Rawis serve as custodians of the region’s heritage, sharing its history, culture, and natural landmarks through storytelling experiences that offer visitors a deeper connection to the area. Drawing on inherited knowledge and personal experience, they provide insights that reflect AlUla’s distinctive cultural identity.
Built around the concept of a “living museum,” the program reinforces the relationship between people, place, and heritage while enabling community members to tell their own stories and preserve their traditions.
Rawi program
Since its launch, the Rawi program has evolved into a platform for cultural exchange, encouraging collaboration between AlUla and international heritage institutions and strengthening the region’s standing as a global destination for culture and learning.
The initiative underscores the value of international partnerships in supporting community empowerment and safeguarding cultural heritage. It also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives and further enhances AlUla’s position as a leading international center for culture and knowledge exchange.
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