AL-ULA: The Royal Commission for Al-Ula is hosting a summit for its scholarship program, which gives successful applicants from the Saudi governorate the opportunity to pursue degrees at prestigious universities and academic institutions in the US, the UK and France. The summit will take place in Paris (March 27-28), London (March 29-30) and Los Angeles (April 5-6).  It will bring together students, families and key partners of the program, whose aim is the long-term sustainable development of Al-Ula.  It also aims to equip students with the skills necessary to diversify the Saudi economy and build a vibrant and robust tourism and leisure sector. The 165 students currently enrolled in the program left Saudi Arabia for the US, the UK and France in September 2018 to obtain diplomas, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in subjects including agricultural techniques, history, archaeology, tourism and hospitality.  The summit will facilitate engagement and networking between the commission, students and key partners, and will feature speeches and interactive sessions. “The skills and knowledge that our students are acquiring will be of utmost importance for the development of Al-Ula and the achievement of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 (reform plan), said Abdullah Khelaiwi, head of economic and social development at the commission. “I am proud of the students, who are not only gaining a world-class education, but also actively engaging in new cultures and broadening their horizons,” he added. “This summit is an excellent opportunity for the students to meet one another, network and learn more about their chosen country’s history and culture. It will be the first of many.”