Abdullah Al-Khelaiwi is the head of economic and social development at the Royal Commission for Al-Ula. He has also been the human resources and support functions consultant at the commission since September 2017. Recently, the Royal Commission for Al-Ula launched the second phase of its overseas scholarship program, giving students the chance to study at universities in the US, UK, France and Australia. The program is intended to broaden the horizons of Saudi students, creating more rounded graduates with wider experiences of foreign cultures and practices. “The people of Al-Ula are our (the commission’s) partners in our plans to develop and transform this region,” he said. “Therefore, we must work hand in hand. The youth of Al-Ula are the future of the province — investing in them is the most important kind of investment for us to make.” Al-Khelaiwi was the human resources director at the General Entertainment Authority between September 2016 and September 2017. Between 2011 and 2016, he worked at King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, where he held several managerial posts. He was also the Gulf human resources officer at food company Almarai. Al-Khelaiwi holds a master’s degree in business management from the University of Hull in the UK. The Royal Commission for Al-Ula was established in July 2017 to protect and safeguard Al-Ula, while facilitating areas of development such as tourism.