Al Urumah Season Attracts Visitors With Unique Ecotourism Experiences Amid Stunning Landscapes

The Al Urumah Season for ecotourism has become a major attraction, drawing many visitors to the scenic landscapes of the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve and King Khalid Royal Reserve. This annual event offers a unique chance to explore the Al Urumah Mountain Range, which stretches over 700 kilometers from Umm Al-Jamajim to Al-Bayadh. Known for its natural beauty, the range features diverse terrains like valleys, mountains, and plains.

Running until April each year, the season aligns with cooler weather and rain, revitalising vegetation and creating perfect conditions for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, stargazing, camel riding, and cycling in a peaceful setting that combines desert calm with varied landscapes. The event is popular among both local and international tourists.

The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority has prioritised sustainability by establishing over 300 eco-friendly camping units. These units adhere to environmental standards to protect nature. The season highlights the region's status as a leading ecotourism destination in Saudi Arabia. It also boosts the local economy by creating jobs, promoting industries, and enhancing community income through cultural identity reinforcement.

The authority is committed to sustainable ecotourism by training specialised environmental tour guides for trails in both reserves. These guides include authority staff, tourism providers, and community members who receive training on ecotourism principles, tour planning, and emergency response. They gain knowledge about local geography, history, and biology to provide accurate information to visitors.

Educational programs aim to increase environmental awareness among guides, enabling them to connect visitors with nature while ensuring an educational experience. Seventy trainees have participated in these initiatives, with 44 receiving environmental tourism guide certifications. This effort enriches the local workforce and nurtures a new generation of environmental guides.

To further promote environmental consciousness, the authority has introduced a responsible hiking guide. This guide encourages visitors to enjoy ecotourism activities responsibly by using designated paths, adhering to speed limits, lighting fires safely in specified areas, protecting vegetation, and keeping sites clean after visits.

The Al Urumah Season not only provides an exceptional experience but also plays a vital role in supporting sustainable tourism practices. By balancing nature conservation with economic growth, it reinforces the region's reputation as a premier destination for ecotourism enthusiasts.

With inputs from SPA