Arab News: RIYADH: The Royal Commission for AlUla, in partnership with UNESCO, continues to support the Rawi program, an initiative dedicated to safeguarding living heritage and fostering intercultural dialogue.

It does so by empowering the local community in AlUla to share its stories, knowledge, and cultural legacy with wider audiences both locally and internationally, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

This coincides with UNESCO’s hosting of the photography exhibition “I’m Rawi: Sharing Stories, Discovering Cultures” at its headquarters in Paris, France.

Running until Aug. 31, the exhibition highlights the stories and experiences of AlUla’s Rawis and their role in building bridges between cultures, communities, and generations.

The Rawi program is part of the strategic partnership between the Royal Commission for AlUla and UNESCO under the Social and Human Sciences program.

It promotes cultural exchange, strengthens local capacities, and highlights the role of communities in preserving and interpreting heritage, contributing to greater intercultural dialogue and understanding.

AlUla’s Rawis play a key role in preserving and sharing the region’s heritage through storytelling experiences that connect visitors with its history, culture, and natural landmarks.

Drawing on inherited knowledge and lived experience, they offer perspectives that reflect AlUla’s cultural identity.

The program is built around the concept of a “living museum,” strengthening the link between people, place, and heritage while enabling community members to share their narratives.

Since its launch, the Rawi program has become a platform for cultural exchange, fostering collaboration between AlUla and international heritage institutions and reinforcing its position as a global destination for culture and learning.

The program reflects the importance of international partnerships in supporting community empowerment and safeguarding heritage.

It also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and strengthens AlUla’s position as a leading global destination for culture and knowledge exchange.