Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Reserve Gains UNESCO Recognition For Sustainability Efforts In Saudi Arabia

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, situated in Saudi Arabia's desert near Shuaib Al-Bida and the historic town of Linah, has become a national model for balancing nature conservation with sustainable development. In September 2025, UNESCO recognised the reserve under its Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program, highlighting Saudi Arabia's dedication to preserving biodiversity and protecting both environmental and cultural heritage.

In recent years, the reserve has undertaken numerous environmental projects in the Al-Bida area. These efforts include rehabilitating over 41 square kilometres of land and planting more than 44,000 native trees such as acacia, arta, and Najdi sidr. Additionally, over 11,000 tons of waste have been removed from the area. Once these trees mature, they are expected to absorb around 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually, aligning with the Kingdom’s sustainability goals.

The reserve also features the historic Al-Bida Station (Al-Thalabiah), one of the stations along the Zubaydah Trail. This site includes over 120 architectural structures spread across a large area. Among these are uniquely engineered water basins, stone wells, and multi-purpose fortresses that showcase the site's rich architectural heritage and its significant role in pilgrimage routes throughout history.

UNESCO Recognition

The inclusion of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve in UNESCO’s MAB Program highlights Saudi Arabia's growing leadership in international environmental initiatives. This recognition underscores the Kingdom’s vision to maintain harmony between humanity and nature while preserving its natural and historical treasures.

With inputs from SPA