Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for AlUla has strengthened its cultural partnership with the National Museum of Asian Art, part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, by launching the “Rawi in Residence” program, with the participation of storytellers Atif AlBalawi and Wedad Yaseen.
The initiative is part of the commission’s efforts to promote international cultural dialogue and highlight the region’s exceptional cultural heritage, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Sunday.
The program is the first public-facing initiative under the partnership agreement between the commission and the museum. It was delivered through three interactive sessions involving museum visitors, families, curators, guides, and specialists in heritage and culture.
During the program, the two storytellers led a series of talks and interactive experiences highlighting AlUla’s cultural landscape and historical sites. They also highlighted its historical role as a major hub of cultural exchange along the Incense Route, drawing on storytelling and heritage interpretation techniques.
The initiative builds on field visits and the exchange of expertise between the commission and the museum, which contributed to shaping the “Rawi” concept and incorporating it into the museum’s summer program in Washington. This strengthened shared understanding of heritage interpretation methods and enhanced the visitor experience in line with the highest international standards.
The program is aligned with the Royal Commission for AlUla’s objectives of empowering AlUla’s young men and women and showcasing their capabilities at international forums. It builds on previous participation by storytellers at prominent global venues in Beijing, the UNESCO pavilion at the Venice Biennale, and the organization’s headquarters in Paris.
These efforts are in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to celebrate Saudi national heritage and strengthen its cultural presence on the international stage.
