Story by Trade Arabia News Service

ALULA, Saudi Arabia 28th October 2022 The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) plans to significantly upgrade AlUla airport’s services and facilities with the construction of new terminal to accommodate expected surge in private planes and high-end travellers.

A major boost to AlUla’s rapidly expanding infrastructure sector, RCU will construct new air- and land-side facilities, including a purpose-built VIP terminal with state-of-the-art features and luxurious amenities.  

RCU has also announced a new multi-year partnership with the world-famous Polo Club Saint-Tropez – Haras de Gassin that will greatly enhance and expand the range and frequency of top-level equestrian events and tournaments held in AlUla, opening the sector to some of the sport’s most famous teams, players and travelling fans.

The new partnership will play a key role in shaping AlUla’s equestrian experience. Indeed, with its expert knowledge of polo club management and tournament organisation, the renowned French polo resort will provide precious insights and technical support regarding the management and development of luxury equestrian facilities in AlUla.

The partnership will greatly contribute to establishing a solid relationship between the two parties, as twin destinations that will be promoted on a global scale, with AlUla as the leading winter venue and Saint-Tropez as the premier summer location.

The agreement will also spur new investment in the expansion and promotion of both polo and other equestrian sports across the County, with interest expected from leading industry figures and associated companies, particularly as the playable season will now be expanded into the sport’s traditional close period in Europe.

As a destination that provides a wide range of exciting experiences, all expertly tailored to showcase the natural beauty and heritage of north-west Arabia, RCU’s partnership with the Polo Club Saint-Tropez – Haras de Gassin perfectly highlights the rich variety of authentic equestrian, sporting, and cultural traditions in AlUla and the wider KSA.

RCU’s equestrian plan already includes significant investment in infrastructure and facility development. The sector will feature two equestrian villages – one of which is focusing on sports and another one focusing on leisure and culture events.

Amr AlMadani CEO of RCU, said: “AlUla’s ambition is to become a regional reference point for equestrian sports with high standard facilities, vast spaces, and a growing schedule of premium events. Through our partnership with the Polo Club Saint-Tropez – Haras de Gassin, we continue to strengthen the development and expansion of the sector, creating new jobs and career paths for the people of AlUla in a diversifying economy.

“By introducing a new and exciting location to the global polo community, we are also introducing the world to yet another unique and inspiring element of AlUla’s continued development and regeneration.”

Alshair Fiyaz, owner of the Polo Club Saint-Tropez – Haras de Gassin commented: “We are thrilled to start this multi-year collaboration with AlUla. We believe that our matching values and global ambitions will help us reach our long-term objectives and expand to newer territories.”

Located around 25km to the south of the urban centre, AlUla International Airport is the main transport and logistics gateway to north-west Arabia. With construction of the private aviation hangar nearing completion, the VIP terminal is currently in the design stage and will significantly upgrade the current services available. Acting as the first and last port of call for luxury travellers during their visit to AlUla, the terminal will deliver a visually striking design style along with extensive high-end amenities and customer services.

AlMadani added: “AlUla is an extraordinary destination, and its airport is a gateway to visitors eager to explore this part of north-west Arabia. Reflecting the area’s heritage, culture and environment, the redevelopment will drive forward the delivery of world-class services to a truly international clientele of global travellers. The popularity of AlUla among this segment of visitors presents us with a unique opportunity to expand our vision for AlUla into the global luxury market.

“As awareness of AlUla increases, it continues to attract ever greater numbers of visitors from all corners of the world, with particular interest from across the region, Europe, and Asia - among them high-net worth individuals who regularly frequent the world’s leading polo venues and competitions. The new terminal will easily accommodate the needs of private travellers while the overall development of the airport will ensure that every visitor enjoys a smooth, friendly, and welcoming experience.”