
Saudi Arabia's Ecotourism Flourishes with Al-Urumah Season Initiatives
Al-Urumah Season, set in the heart of the desert at the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve and King Khalid Royal Reserve, has become a premier ecotourism initiative, evolving from a tourist attraction into a significant national journey highlighting environmental beauty and human passion.
Over four consecutive seasons, Al-Urumah has transformed into a vibrant destination, drawing over one million ecotourists. The inaugural season welcomed approximately 52,000 visitors, which surged to around 230,000 in the second season. With eight service providers, the third season exceeded 300,000 attendees, and the fourth attracted over 400,000, reflecting the effectiveness of strategic planning and infrastructure development that engaged the private sector and local communities.
During Al-Urumah Season, the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority offers a comprehensive tourism experience with 13 activities across both royal reserves, including camping, hiking, camel riding, cycling, stargazing, and other outdoor pursuits. Additionally, 358 eco-units have been established for visitor accommodation.
The authority also organizes training workshops for service providers, focusing on ecotourism principles, responsible recreation, and wildlife interaction. These workshops emphasize the critical role of service providers in delivering successful tourism experiences.
Al-Urumah Season has emerged as an integrated model for sustainable ecotourism. The authority has developed a blend of ecotourism, entertainment, and nature conservation, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 for economic diversification and community empowerment. Today, Al-Urumah symbolizes a national message from nature, paving the way for a sustainable future.