Saudi Arabia’s AlUla produces one million native seedlings as part of environmental restoration

 

Saudi Arabia’s AlUla witnesses more than 140,000 native plants sown 

AlUla has produced more than one million native seedlings as part of its environmental restoration and tourism development strategy, with the plants set to be integrated throughout the destination.

The initiative is delivered through the AlUla Native Plant Nursery and Seedbank, supporting the Royal Commission for AlUla’s (RCU) approach to restoring the natural environment while weaving it into the visitor experience.

Authentic Tourism Through Nature

Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer at RCU, explained:

“Tourism development in AlUla is guided by a simple principle: what we build must be true to place. Integrating native flora and fauna across hotels, heritage sites, and visitor experiences ensures our destination authentically reflects its natural environment and cultural history. By embedding biodiversity into the design, we create meaningful encounters for visitors while strengthening AlUla’s long-term sustainability.”

 

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To date, more than 140,000 native plants have been deployed outside AlUla’s nature reserves, including tourism developments, cultural sites, and visitor infrastructure. The planting programme spans heritage locations such as Hegra, Dadan, and AlUla Old Town, as well as public spaces, outdoor areas, and boutique luxury resorts, where environmental planning is integrated into guest-facing landscapes.

Restoring Ecosystems at Scale

The initiative forms part of a broader plan to rehabilitate 65,000 hectares of degraded land by 2030, supporting conservation programmes for species including the Arabian Leopard, Arabian Oryx, and Red-necked Ostrich. By linking ecological restoration with tourism, AlUla is fostering the growth of nature- and wildlife-based experiences.

Historically, native plants played a vital role in life and trade in the region. Archaeological evidence shows how past civilizations relied on plants for food, medicine, construction, and daily use, illustrating a deep-rooted connection between communities and the landscape. AlUla’s location along the ancient Incense Road facilitated the trade of plant-based goods, contributing to the rise of cities like Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Dadan. Today, visitors can experience this ecological history through the planting programme.

 

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Royal Engagement and Community Impact

In February 2026, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales participated in the programme by planting an acacia tree in Sharaan National Park, which has seen more than half a million native saplings planted as part of AlUla’s protected area strategy.

Naif Al Malik, Vice President of Wildlife and Natural Heritage at RCU, said:

“The Native Plant Nursery and Seedbank is critical for ecological restoration across AlUla. By cultivating native species adapted to our environment, we restore habitats, strengthen ecosystem resilience, and support biodiversity at scale. This science-driven work ensures environmental restoration benefits conservation, communities, and the local economy.”

Sustainable Development Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030

The planting initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, demonstrating AlUla’s integrated approach to tourism, conservation, and cultural heritage. By linking restoration with visitor experience, the destination continues to prioritize long-term sustainability and holistic planning.

Source: https://www.caterermiddleeast.com/