AlUla Unveils Rare Sighting Of Rüppell's Vulture, Elevating Its Status As A Bird Sanctuary

AlUla, a destination renowned for its rich heritage and natural beauty, is making headlines once again with the remarkable sighting of a Rüppell's vulture in Sharaan National Park. This critically endangered bird, known for its ability to soar higher than any other bird species at altitudes over 11,300 metres, represents a significant discovery for the region.

Only the second time this species has been spotted in Saudi Arabia, the sighting underscores the area's growing importance as a sanctuary for some of the most threatened bird species worldwide.

Researchers from the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) have recently confirmed the successful breeding of Egyptian vultures within the park, along with sightings of Eurasian griffon, lappet-faced, and cinerous vultures.

These findings indicate that Sharaan National Park is emerging as a haven for many of the planet's endangered birds of prey. Vultures, in particular, face a dire situation globally, with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reporting that 16 of the world's 23 vulture species are at risk of extinction, and 12 of these are classified as critically endangered or endangered. In Africa, for instance, the Rüppell's vulture population has plummeted by over 90% in the last three decades.

The sighting of the Rüppell's vulture in AlUla is part of a broader conservation effort underway in the region. Sharaan's rewilding program has successfully reintroduced species like the Arabian oryx, Arabian gazelles, sand gazelles, and Nubian ibex, establishing breeding populations across the reserve.

The recent observation of the Rüppell's vulture was made in August 2025 by the diligent ranger team at Sharaan National Park, just in time to coincide with International Vulture Awareness Day. This event, celebrated on the first Saturday of September each year, aims to shed light on the crucial role these scavengers play in maintaining healthy ecosystems by preventing disease spread and cleaning up the environment.

This initiative is complemented by the Arabian Leopard Breeding Programme, a flagship project of RCU in partnership with international organizations such as Smithsonian's National Zoo, Panthera, and IUCN. This program aims to protect the world's most endangered big cat subspecies and prepare for its future reintroduction into the wild within Saudi Arabia. These combined efforts are contributing to the restoration of ecological balance and affirming AlUla's leadership in global conservation practices.

Sharaan National Park is gaining recognition as one of the planet's most unique landscapes, having recently been awarded Green List status by IUCN. It offers a variety of sustainable ecotourism experiences, such as safaris, starlit dinners, and day and night hikes, enabling visitors and the local community to forge a deep connection with nature.

According to Naif A Al Malik, Wildlife & Natural Heritage VP for RCU, the return of endangered species to AlUla's skies and lands is a testament to the success of the area's rewilding efforts. He emphasized, "Sharaan is showing what's possible when conservation is at the heart of development."

Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla, shared the vision for AlUla as a place where heritage, culture, and nature converge to create inspiring and lasting experiences. He highlighted the commitment to conserving over half of AlUla's territory as nature reserves and planting 10 million native trees to restore ecosystems. This dedication to conservation and tourism is intended to not only showcase AlUla's extraordinary landscapes but also contribute to a sustainable strategy that protects these areas for generations to come.

AlUla is not only celebrated for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra, and historical landmarks like Maraya and the ancient kingdoms of Dadan, but also for its dedication to reversing desertification and rebalancing nature through its considerable reintroduction of wildlife into Sharaan National Park.

With plans to protect at least 50% of AlUla's territory as nature reserves and the ambitious goal of planting 10 million native trees by 2035, the Royal Commission for AlUla is firmly committed to preserving the region's natural heritage for the future. The presence of the Rüppell's vulture in AlUla not only highlights a local success but also calls attention to the urgent global need to protect these dwindling species.