Jean Nouvel, the Pritzker-prize-winning French architect, shared the design philosophies and principles that are guiding the transformation of AlUla with visitors and leading industry figures at this year’s Dubai Design Week as part of AlUla Design, an immersive exhibition presented by The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU).

Designed by Gio Forma and Black Engineering, the exhibition is inspired by the extraordinary rock formations in AlUla’s desert and mountain landscapes. AlUla Design will highlight the diversity of projects that are shaping the emerging design city in northwest Saudi Arabia while also inspiring international and Saudi-based creatives to be part of the AlUla journey.

It featured masterplans, architecture and designs by world-leading architects and designers, revealing the development of early planning principles, research approaches and both realized and future projects.

One of the world’s most celebrated architects, Nouvel’s impressive credentials extend to designing iconic cultural buildings around the world. In AlUla, Ateliers Jean Nouvel has conceptualised the Sharaan Nature Resort, a pioneering resort and residence that will be carved and sculpted from the rocks of AlUla, Nabataean style, in the protected Sharaan Nature Reserve.

“AlUla is sacred. It holds great significance, filled with unique sites for exploration and discovery, and is therefore deserving of innovation and respectful design to enhance the well-being of the local community and elevate its original authenticity,” said Nouvel.

AlUla County is an important part of the Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan. The region is positioned between a desert plateau and the Hijaz mountains and covers an area of 22,561 square kilometres.