Royal Commission for AlUla Showcases Conservation Leadership at IUCN Congress

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is participating in the IUCN World Conservation Congress, the world’s largest and most influential gathering focused on nature conservation and sustainable development. The event, taking place in Abu Dhabi from October 9 to 15, 2025, brings together leaders from governments, civil society, Indigenous communities, academia, and the private sector to set global priorities and drive transformative action for nature.

 The RCU’s participation underscores its commitment to positioning AlUla as a global model for conservation and sustainable development.

 This year, the RCU is highlighting its efforts in wildlife preservation, including habitat restoration and the reintroduction of endangered species, as well as its pioneering work in balancing agriculture with biodiversity, showcased through its contribution to the IUCN Flagship Report on Agriculture and Conservation.

 The RCU is also celebrating the inclusion of Sharaan Nature Reserve on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, a recognition of the robust and inclusive management of one of AlUla’s most important natural sites.

 Central to the RCU’s presence is its strategic partnership with IUCN, established in 2021 and reinforced by its membership in 2022. The partnership has since advanced critical projects, including the AlUla Protected Areas Network (APAN), ecosystem restoration initiatives, the development of conservation frameworks, and the adoption of the Sports for Nature program. Together, these efforts reflect the RCU’s ambition to protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and align with the Saudi Green Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030.

 Through its participation in the IUCN World Conservation Congress, RCU reaffirms its role as a trusted partner in advancing global conservation priorities, while continuing to preserve the natural and cultural heritage that defines AlUla.