Riyadh, January 22, 2025 – The fourth edition of the Al Urumah Season for Ecotourism has attracted a remarkable number of visitors, providing them with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes and diverse terrains of the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve and the King Khalid Royal Reserve. This annual event, which has gained immense popularity among both domestic and international tourists, serves as a gateway to explore the Al Urumah Mountain Range. Stretching over 700 kilometers from Umm Al-Jamajim in the north to Al-Bayadh in the south, the mountain range is celebrated for its rich natural resources, botanical diversity, and ancient cultural heritage, making it an extraordinary destination for ecotourism.
The Al Urumah Mountain Range is a region renowned for its remarkable natural beauty, offering a wide array of terrains, including lush valleys, majestic mountains, and expansive plains. The Al Urumah Season, which runs until April each year, coincides with the cooler months and the rainy season, which brings new life to the vegetation and enhances the landscape’s beauty. These conditions create an ideal setting for outdoor excursions, attracting visitors to participate in activities such as hiking, camel riding, stargazing, and cycling, all while surrounded by the serene tranquility of the desert and diverse landscapes.
The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority has invested significant effort into ensuring that Al Urumah Season remains environmentally sustainable and ecologically responsible. This year, over 300 eco-friendly camping units have been established, built in accordance with sustainability standards designed to minimize environmental impact while providing a comfortable experience for visitors. These units reinforce the commitment to balancing nature and tourism, ensuring the preservation of the area’s natural heritage. The eco-friendly accommodations also support the region’s standing as a leading ecotourism destination in Saudi Arabia, catering to both adventure seekers and those interested in enjoying nature in its purest form.
Beyond promoting ecotourism, Al Urumah Season plays a key role in boosting the local economy. By generating employment opportunities and fostering growth in local industries, the event enhances the community’s income. Moreover, it encourages investments in environmentally friendly infrastructure, contributing to the broader sustainability goals of the region. The program also reinforces the cultural identity of the area, allowing visitors to connect with the rich heritage and traditions of the local communities while ensuring that tourism benefits are distributed across the population.
A core component of the Al Urumah Season is the commitment to providing visitors with an enriching educational experience. The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority has developed a comprehensive training program for environmental tour guides, certifying specialists who will lead visitors through the reserve’s trails. These guides, trained in ecotourism principles, tour planning, and emergency response procedures, are equipped with in-depth knowledge of the region’s geography, history, and biodiversity. By offering visitors accurate and insightful information, these guides serve as important stewards of the environment and facilitators of educational tourism.
Through these educational programs, the authority has trained 70 individuals, with 44 earning formal certifications as environmental tourism guides. This initiative not only strengthens the local workforce but also helps create a new generation of environmental leaders who are passionate about promoting sustainability and preserving the region’s unique ecosystems. The educational outreach extends further with the creation of a Responsible Hiking Guide, which encourages visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while minimizing their impact on the environment. The guide provides essential tips on best practices such as staying on designated paths, respecting speed limits, safely lighting fires in prescribed areas, and protecting vegetation. It also stresses the importance of leaving hiking sites as pristine as they were found, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy these natural wonders.
The fourth edition of the Al Urumah Season for Ecotourism reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental preservation. By combining adventure, education, and environmental stewardship, the event offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience one of the Kingdom’s most picturesque regions while contributing to the protection of its natural and cultural heritage. Through initiatives like the Al Urumah Season, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a leader in ecotourism in the Middle East, offering unique and sustainable travel experiences that showcase the beauty of its landscapes while respecting and preserving them for future generations.
