RCU and UNESCO Support 'I'm Rawi' Program to Champion Cultural Dialogue and Safeguard Living Heritage

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), continues to support the “Rawi” Program, an initiative dedicated to safeguarding living heritage and fostering intercultural dialogue by empowering the local community in AlUla to share its stories, knowledge, and cultural legacy with wider audiences both locally and internationally.
 This comes alongside UNESCO’s hosting of the photography exhibition “I’m Rawi: Sharing Stories, Discovering Cultures” at its headquarters in Paris, France. Running until August 31, 2026, the exhibition highlights the stories and experiences of AlUla’s Rawis and their role in building bridges of understanding between cultures, communities, and generations.
 The Rawi Program forms part of the strategic partnership between RCU and UNESCO under the Social and Human Sciences programme. It focuses on promoting cultural exchange, strengthening local capacities, and highlighting the role of communities in preserving and interpreting cultural heritage, contributing to greater intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.
 AlUla’s Rawis play a pivotal role in preserving and sharing the region’s cultural heritage by delivering rich storytelling and interpretation experiences that connect visitors with AlUla’s history, diverse culture, and natural and heritage landmarks. Drawing on inherited knowledge and authentic lived experiences, they offer unique perspectives that reflect the depth of AlUla’s cultural identity.
 The program is built around the concept of a “living museum,” strengthening the connection between people, place, and heritage while enabling community members to share their own narratives and interpretations of cultural heritage.
 Since its launch, the Rawi Program has evolved into a platform for cultural and knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration between AlUla and international cultural and heritage institutions while reinforcing AlUla’s position as a global destination for culture, dialogue, and learning.
 The program reflects the importance of international partnerships in supporting human development, empowering local communities, and safeguarding cultural heritage. It also aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and further strengthens AlUla’s standing as a leading global destination for culture, heritage, and knowledge exchange.