Saudi Arabia adopting technology to protect is native wildlife
The Arabian Leopard Conservation Centre
exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s efforts to protect its native wildlife while
advancing its tourism ambitions.
AlUla,
renowned for its ancient sandstone tombs, vast desert cliffs, and unique
wildlife, is embracing AI-driven technology to support its conservation
initiatives while managing a sustainable tourism model. By integrating
artificial intelligence, AlUla aims to safeguard species like the Nubian ibex,
sand gazelle, and Arabian oryx—while offering visitors an immersive,
nature-focused experience.
The region’s approach revolves around a “low
volume, high value” tourism model, focusing on quality visitor experiences
while balancing environmental preservation and wildlife restoration. Phillip
Jones, chief tourism officer at the Royal
Commission for AlUla (RCU), emphasized the interconnectedness of economic
growth, tourism, and the stewardship of natural heritage.
The RCU is spearheading rewilding initiatives
aimed at restoring biodiversity, including the reintroduction of the critically
endangered Arabian leopard. Using AI-powered monitoring tools, rangers track
animal movements and environmental conditions in real time, allowing for
proactive responses to human-wildlife conflicts and climate stress.
Read More Royal
Commission for AlUla taking significant measures to protect leopard in Saudi
Arabia
AI also aids in wildlife location tracking,
enabling the adjustment of visitor routes to minimize disturbances to animals'
natural habitats. This ensures that eco-tourists can engage with AlUla’s
landscapes without compromising the wellbeing of its wildlife.
Jones explained, “Economic progress and
tourism are intertwined with our commitment to the welfare of our natural
heritage,” highlighting the region’s sustainable development philosophy.
The AI monitoring system, based on
EarthRanger—a platform created by the Allen Institute for AI—integrates data
from wildlife tracking, ranger patrols, and environmental sensors into a
unified dashboard. This allows conservation teams to swiftly address risks like
habitat disruptions and extreme weather conditions, leading to more efficient
operations on the ground.
Deploying EarthRanger across Sharaan National
Park, Hegra, and Wadi Nakhlah—covering over 12,160 square kilometers of AlUla’s
protected zones—has already enhanced the effectiveness of the region’s
conservation efforts. Jes Lefcourt, director of EarthRanger, noted that the
technology “lays the groundwork for using conservation tools to protect both
Middle Eastern biodiversity and the cultural heritage connected to it.”
Looking ahead, the expansion of business
opportunities in AlUla could attract up to SAR41 billion ($11 billion) in
private-sector investments, with about $1.7 billion allocated specifically for
tourism projects.
AlUla welcomed over 300,000 visitors in 2024—a
modest number compared to the millions drawn to Mecca and Riyadh—but the focus
remains on high-end, curated tourism experiences rather than mass tourism. With
more than half of the region designated as conservation land, Jones shared that
AlUla has set a goal of welcoming 2 million visitors annually by 2035.
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Rare
Rüppell's vulture spotted in Saudi Arabia's AlUla, strengthening its role as a
global bird sanctuary
Hegra,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among the region’s most popular attractions.
The site, known for its ancient Nabataean tombs carved into sandstone cliffs,
has stood for over 2,000 years. With a rich history spanning 7,000 years, Jones
emphasized the importance of long-term stewardship for the region’s future,
stating, “This approach reinforces our ‘low volume, high value’ tourism model,
which protects sensitive areas and ensures that nature-based experiences can
thrive as the destination continues to grow.”
Source:
Arabian Gulf Business Insight
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