BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. Saudi Arabia’s flagship ecotourism initiative, Al-Urumah Season, has concluded its fifth edition with more than 800,000 visits recorded over six months, underscoring the Kingdom’s growing appetite for nature-based tourism and conservation-focused travel TurkicWorld reports via arabnews.
The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority said the season, held across the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed and King Khalid royal reserves northeast of Riyadh, drew domestic and international visitors, created jobs, supported local communities and strengthened environmental awareness.
Fourteen service providers participated this year, offering 14 activities including hiking, cycling, horseback riding, camel trekking, stargazing and guided exploration trips. The season also created 84 jobs, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
The latest figures mean that nearly 2 million visits have been recorded in the Al-Urumah Season since its launch five years ago, a remarkable rise for an initiative that began as a niche outdoor tourism project.
Named after the Al-Urumah mountain range, a 700-km natural landmark stretching east of Riyadh, the season is distinct from the Kingdom’s urban entertainment festivals. Instead, it focuses on connecting visitors with Saudi Arabia’s natural landscapes, biodiversity and cultural heritage through sustainable tourism experiences.
The event is staged during the cooler months of autumn, winter and spring. Organizers say the timing has helped establish Al-Urumah as a preferred destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure travelers and families seeking alternatives to traditional tourism offerings.
The season is centered on two of Saudi Arabia’s most important protected areas. The 11,300 sq. km Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve encompasses parts of the Dahna Desert and renowned green areas such as Rawdat Khuraim.
And the neighboring King Khalid Royal Reserve is known for its dramatic desert-and-mountain landscapes, archaeological sites, ancient rock art and wildlife, including Arabian oryx and gazelles.
The authority says the initiative reflects broader efforts under Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy, expand tourism offerings and promote environmental sustainability.
Over the years, infrastructure improvements, eco-lodging facilities, private-sector participation and community engagement programs have helped fuel steady growth in visitor numbers.
The first Al-Urumah Season recorded about 52,000 visits followed by 230,000, 300,000 and 400,000 in subsequent editions.
Officials have announced plans for a sixth edition this coming November, with new programs aimed at enhancing sustainability, increasing community participation and showcasing the natural and cultural heritage of the two royal reserves.
As Saudi Arabia expands its tourism sector beyond cities and heritage sites, Al-Urumah Season is emerging as a showcase for a different side of the Kingdom — one defined by open landscapes, wildlife conservation and a growing culture of responsible outdoor recreation.
