Rock tombs at Madain Saleh, al-Ula

The Saudi Royal Commission for Al Ula - chaired by Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman - has announced a plan to develop Al Ula into a destination showcasing the region's natural and cultural heritage, in cooperation with the local community.

The Royal Commission and its staff of 400 will be working on the project in collaboration with 30 representatives of the French government agency Af-Alula.

Al Ula in the northwest of Saudi Arabia is home to several ancient cities - including Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - and a wealth of archaeological treasures.

Included in the plan is creation of a nature reserve and the establishment of a global fund for the protection of the Arabian leopard.

The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2013 at a cost of $3-4B. The total project is scheduled to complete in 2035 at a cost of up to $25B.

An exhibit on Al Ula opened last week at the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris.