By Abdullahi Lukman
Saudi Arabia is developing a nationwide network of wildlife destinations aimed at giving visitors controlled access to the Kingdom’s biodiversity while protecting sensitive habitats and species.
The National Center for Wildlife launched the Wildlife Destinations program in June, with plans for safari tours, birdwatching sites, wildlife reserves and seasonal marine experiences across the country.
The initiative will feature destinations such as the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Wildlife Research Center near Taif and the Thadiq Wildlife Research Center in the Riyadh region.
Visitors will also be able to observe wildlife at locations including the Farasan Islands Reserve, Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve, Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve and Al-Ghat National Park.
Marine experiences will be offered seasonally to match wildlife movements. Potential sightings include Bryde’s whales around the Farasan Islands, dolphins at the Blue Holes Reserve and whale sharks at Ras Hatiba Reserve.
The National Center for Wildlife said locations were selected based on biodiversity, environmental importance, habitat conditions, visitor capacity and their suitability for safe and educational experiences.
Each destination will be designed around its local environment.
The Taif experience will highlight the region’s mountainous landscapes and highland ecosystems, alongside local products and traditions. Thadiq will focus on its desert setting through low-impact trails and facilities.
Conservation will remain central to the program. Visitor access, routes, transport, noise and lighting will be regulated, while sensitive areas used for breeding, research and veterinary care will have restricted access.
The center also plans to implement biosecurity, waste management and emergency procedures and continuously monitor wildlife and habitat conditions so activities can be adjusted when necessary.
Saudi Arabia has released more than 10,000 wild animals into natural habitats. Protected areas currently cover 18.3 percent of the Kingdom’s land and 16.3 percent of its marine areas, as the country works toward its target of protecting 30 percent of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030.
The program is also intended to create economic opportunities for communities near the destinations through low-impact tourism and related services.
Additional locations are being assessed based on environmental value, habitat integrity, carrying capacity and operational readiness.
The center said new destinations and future phases would be announced after environmental studies and approvals are completed.
