Experts & Research
UNESCO/Kingdoms Institute Fellowships Programme is one of the pillars of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and UNESCO partnership, designed to elevate regional research in heritage conservation and enhance knowledge exchange and dialogue among young heritage researchers and professionals.
Through this fully funded, programme, Fellows embark on an enriching journey, where they work hands-on at AlUla archaeological sites, engage with experts at UNESCO offices, and collaborate with national and international heritage institutions. From their different stations, Fellows will interact with peers, local communities, key heritage organizations, and government bodies, gaining invaluable experience and insights.
UNESCO and RCU launched this programme to support the growth of scientific knowledge on Heritage Research and Conservation and strengthen World Heritage management capacity, including with regards to emergency preparedness and response. This programme provides additional learning opportunities to highly skilled heritage experts in AlUla, in UNESCO field offices and other World Heritage sites, and in the Fellows' home countries. Upon completion of their training, the Fellows gain added capacities to apply and disseminate their knowledge on a broader scale, creating lasting impacts. The strong networks forged among Fellows and stakeholders during the programme amplifies their influence, generating a powerful multiplier effect that extends far beyond the initial Fellowship.
Fellow Voices
Meet the first cohort of AlUla Fellows
The first edition of the UNESCO/Kingdoms Institute Fellowships Programme was launched in 2022 through a call for applications from highly skilled heritage researchers and professionals in the Arab region. Five outstanding young women from Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Egypt, and Lebanon were selected from over 140 applications received from 16 Arab States.
As part of this inaugural edition, the Fellows undertook a 10-month journey, beginning with a four-month research Fellowship on the ground in AlUla, followed by a six-month sponsored traineeship at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris and its field offices in Amman, Cairo, and Venice.
Safeguarding heritage values through a holistic and inclusive risk management plan
Climate resilience and environmental performance of traditional houses
Industrial heritage conservation and management
Identification of earthen architecture know-how and its application
AlUla Fellowships, Edition II
Stay tuned for updates on the call for applications for the second edition of the UNESCO/Kingdoms Institute AlUla Fellowships Programme in 2025.