Appointed CEO in January 2024, AlAkel has been part of RCU since 2017, where she has overseen flagship projects, strategic programs, and key initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting AlUla’s unique cultural and historical assets. Under her leadership, RCU signed a landmark partnership with the Cultural Heritage Administration of Henan, China, to strengthen cooperation in culture and heritage preservation. In 2025, she also spearheaded a new collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C., to implement joint heritage conservation initiatives and expand archaeological research.
CEO
Abeer AlAkel
Abeer AlAkel, Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), has been named among Forbes Middle East’s Most Powerful Travel & Tourism Leaders 2025 — a recognition that reflects her pivotal role in driving AlUla’s transformation into a world-class destination for heritage, culture, and tourism.
Career Journey
• The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) – CEO (since 2024) • The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) – Head of Special Initiatives & Partnerships Sector • The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) – Head of Strategic Delivery • SABB Bank – Head of Information Systems • SABB Bank – Productivity Management Manager • PwC – Senior Manager
Academic Credentials
• Bachelor’s in Computer Science – King Saud University, Saudi Arabia • Executive Leadership Development Program – Harvard University, USA
Leadership Impact
Through her vision and commitment, Abeer AlAkel has strengthened AlUla’s position as a cultural and tourism hub that bridges Saudi Arabia with the global heritage community. By fostering international partnerships, advancing archaeological research, and implementing sustainable heritage preservation practices, she continues to align RCU’s strategy with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its goal of making AlUla a global symbol of cultural diplomacy and historical preservation.
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