Saudi Arabia is investing $2 billion to fund the first phase of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), pegged to be the world’s largest living museum by 2035.

AlUla will be a major centre for heritage, culture, arts and adventure tourism in Saudi Arabia. The $15 billion development is being built in three phases, the first of which is due to be complete in 2023. The site will comprise of five districts, five heritage sites and 15 cultural assets.

Amr AlMadani, CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “We are well into executing phase one. This includes the upgrade of the airport, which has been completed.

“We will start our low-carbon tram development infrastructure as well. And, so far, our visitor experience centres in the heritage and nature site are being upgraded,” AlMadani added.

Discussions are being carried out with several hotel operators as the destination plans to have almost 9,500 hotel rooms when complete.