In a visit that underscores the deepening bonds between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia, Prince William, the Prince of Wales and heir to the British throne, arrived in the Kingdom on Monday, February 9, 2026, for a landmark three-day official tour.
A Warm Welcome at Historic Diriyah
The visit opened with a high-profile meeting between Prince William and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the At-Turaif District in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as the birthplace of the first Saudi state. Walking through the ancient mud-brick structures, the British prince witnessed firsthand the rich cultural heritage that Saudi Arabia is preserving and showcasing to the world.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally guided Prince William through the site, highlighting the ambitious Diriyah Gate development project — a cornerstone of Vision 2030 that aims to transform the area into a world-class cultural and tourism destination.
Day Two: Sports, Youth, and Saudi Ambition
On his second day in the Kingdom, Prince William met with female footballers at Misk Sports City, witnessing the remarkable growth of women’s sports in Saudi Arabia. The prince expressed admiration for the young Saudi talent and the state-of-the-art sporting infrastructure being developed across the country.
He also visited the Sports Boulevard in Riyadh, one of the capital’s most ambitious urban transformation projects. There, he met Saudi families and learned about the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting healthy, active lifestyles as part of its broader quality-of-life initiatives.
Journey to AlUla
Prince William is set to travel to AlUla, the breathtaking archaeological jewel in the northwest of Saudi Arabia. Home to the ancient Nabataean tombs of Hegra — Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site — AlUla offers a window into civilizations spanning thousands of years. The region has emerged as one of the world’s most exciting cultural tourism destinations.
Strengthening a Strategic Partnership
This royal visit reflects the growing strategic partnership between the UK and Saudi Arabia, spanning energy transition, investment, youth development, and cultural tourism. It signals the Kingdom’s standing as a key international partner during a transformative era driven by Vision 2030.
From the heritage of Diriyah to the ambition of Sports Boulevard and the wonder of AlUla, Prince William’s tour showcases a Saudi Arabia that is open, dynamic, and confidently stepping onto the world stage.
