Since the first Gulf summit was held in 1981, the meetings were usually held in the capitals of any of the six member states.
Next week’s summit marks a precedent with the summit being held in Saudi Arabia’s northwestern city of AlUla.
The city of ancient kingdoms will now also become known as the window for modern politics.
The Kingdom will host the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council summit on Tuesday.
Minister of Culture and Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan described the city as the “meeting point for civilizations, people and cultures.”
The summit will be held at the Maraya (mirrors) Concert Hall, the world’s largest mirrored building.
Political science Professor Abdullah al-Assaf highlighted the significance of the summit being held in AlUla, saying it “marks the beginning of a new phase for the GCC.”
The summit will shed light on the history of the province, which was the capital of ancient kingdoms thousands of years go. It was also a meeting point for various civilizations and cultures and is an icon of different eras in Saudi history.
AlUla was capital of the ancient kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan, which controlled the caravan trade. The site of Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean kingdom, famed for its spectacular monumental tombs.
AlUla became a vital crossroads along the famous incense-trading routes running from southern Arabia north into Egypt and beyond. With oases dotting the area, it offered a much-needed respite for weary travelers, becoming a popular place to rest, commune and recharge.
