Durham Mayor Bill Bell, along with 10 other U.S. mayors, will visit Saudi Arabia.

Bell was officially invited by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia to visit the country from May 7-14.

The mayors will have the opportunity to learn about Saudi Arabia's economy and educational system, among other things. Mayors are guests of the Saudi government, which is providing all the funding, according to a press release.

"This mission will make it possible to learn more about this important long-term ally of our country," Bell said in the press release. "We appreciate this opportunity to gain insights into the government, culture, and people of this important Middle Eastern nation."

Other members of the delegation include J. Christian Bollwage, Elizabeth, NJ; Ardell F. Brede, Rochester, MN; Mark Burroughs, Denton, TX; William D. "Bill" Euille, Alexandria, VA; Bill Gluba, Davenport, IA; Phil Gordon, Phoenix, AZ; Mark Mallory, Cincinnati, OH; John Marks, Tallahassee, FL; James J. Schmitt, Green Bay, WI; and Mark Stodola, Little Rock, AR.