Saudi Royal Reserve Secures International Accreditation for Ten Hiking Trails

• Evaluated by the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation for safety and compliance with international standards.

RIYADH — The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve has reached a significant milestone in adventure sports and ecotourism, as ten of its hiking trails have become the first in the Kingdom to receive international accreditation. The Royal Reserve Development Authority announced that the trails were accredited following rigorous assessments and site surveys conducted by the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation. Meeting internationally recognized standards, the trails provide a safe environment for mountain hiking and nature exploration while offering unprecedented natural experiences within the reserve. This achievement enhances the Kingdom’s reputation in adventure tourism and strengthens the reserve’s status as a premier global destination for ecotourism.

The authority has also prioritized biodiversity, rehabilitating over 750,000 hectares of degraded land and planting more than 4 million seedlings. Partnerships with government, private, and nonprofit sectors have further supported environmental awareness and community engagement.

Spanning 130,700 square kilometers across the Northern Borders, Jouf, Tabuk, and Hail regions, the reserve serves as a critical stopover for migratory birds traveling between Asia, Europe, and Africa. It hosts 26 internationally endangered bird species, including over 300 great white pelicans observed during the last migratory season at sites designated as Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas.

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