The CEO of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula (RCU), which is responsible for the economic and tourism development of Saudi Arabia’s archaeological sites, was arrested on Sunday, January 28 on suspicion of being involved in “crimes of abuse of power and money laundering” , was taken into custody. ” around news Amr bin Saleh Abdulrahman Al Madani “illegally obtained contracts” from Saudi Arabia’s government-led National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazara) to benefit a company he partially owned. I made a profit. The two relatives profited from illegal transactions.
Mr Al Madani was appointed CEO of the Commission upon its creation in 2017. RCU’s development of AlUla, an ancient desert city and civilization located in Medina Governorate in northwestern Saudi Arabia, is one of several cultural projects of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. vision 2030 —A comprehensive national project announced in 2016 to promote Saudi socio-economic and cultural diversity beyond dependence on oil reserves.
RCU’s plans to develop AlUla into an archaeological and cultural tourist attraction have been touted as an opportunity for the local economy and a global audience, but critics say bin Salman’s It cites investment in the arts and cultural scene as a prime example of “art cleansing.” his authoritarian and regressive regime;
According to a 2023 report by human rights organization Ripley Eve, Saudi Arabia was the country’s top minister between 2015 and 2022, when bin Salman was defense minister and his father, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, was prime minister. Official executions jumped by 82%. In 2018, the assassination of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi shocked the world and prompted arts institutions to reevaluate their relationships with Saudi Arabia. Bin Salman succeeded his father as prime minister in 2022, presiding over an even harsher crackdown on dissent on the one hand, and pushing Vision 2030 on the other.
As AlUla’s plans continue to develop, Al Madani has secured a total of SR206,630,905 (approximately $55.1 million) between the Kingdom’s Sustainable Energy Research Department and the National Talent Company, which he partly owns. ) is reported to have concluded a contract. Additionally, by recommending the National Talents Company to relevant departments within RCU, we were able to secure projects worth approximately SR 1,298,923 (approximately $346,400).
Al-Madani is also accused of directly benefiting from the project through remittances from two family members employed by the company, who were also reportedly arrested and have no access to the deal. He reportedly confessed to his involvement. The former CEO has been in custody since his arrest, awaiting prosecution, and has been replaced by Abeer Al Akel as acting chairman of the commission.
“Nazara confirms that it will continue to pursue those who use public office to achieve personal gain or undermine the public interest in any way, and has zero tolerance for corruption and will enforce the law. continue,” the supervisory and anti-corruption authority said. statement To read.
RCU did not respond immediately. Highly allergenic Request for comments.