What we do
Our vision for the future is informed by our knowledge of the past. We are committed to restoring the natural and cultural environments – ensuring present and future generations can enjoy them
Rewild Arabia
The Reserve’s statement of conservation value sets out the values for which the Reserve is being conserved; superlative beauty, biodiversity and ecological processes, geomorphology, archaeological sites, culture, and living traditions. Guiding the work of the Development Authority is our Integrated Development Management Plan (IDMP), a rigorously researched framework backed up by data from multi-season on-the-ground studies and aligned to pillars of Saudi Vision 2030. It sets the foundations for effective Reserve-wide management, protecting the conservation values while catalyzing sustainable tourism and community development.
Read more about how we are putting this plan into action below.
Environmental convservation
Our environmental conservation strategy is grounded in global best practices. We are reintroducing 23 endangered or locally extinct species and restoring 24,500 km² across 15 distinct ecosystems – from the Hijaz mountains to the depths of the Red Sea.
Ancient rock engravings depicting ibex, lion, and gazelle offer a glimpse into the species that once inhabited the Reserve, while modern field research has documented rare species like the Striped hyena, extended ranges of species such as the Golden jackal and even recorded two species previously not known to man. All the species selected for reintroduction are from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and are important for holistic environmental conservation efforts. Four of the twenty-three are classified as Critically Endangered, three as Endangered, and sixteen as extinct in the Reserve.
Underpinning the rewilding strategy is an extensive program of habitat restoration, ensuring that the reintroduced species will be able to survive and thrive.
The Reserve’s iconic Wadi-Al Disah is part of the Bioclimatic Refugia of Western Arabia included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, acknowledging it as an outstanding hotspot of terrestrial biodiversity and site for endemism, reliction, and speciation. The site is also vital for conserving biodiversity and ecosystem processes under the pressure of climate change.
Celebrating our culture
Over 2,000 cultural heritage and archaeological sites have been discovered within the Reserve to date, and we continue to uncover new and exciting discoveries. Our commitment lies in protecting, conserving, and sharing this rich cultural legacy with both local communities and visitors from afar.
In close collaboration with local and global experts, and our key partner the Saudi Heritage Commission, we research, document, and enrich our understanding of the Reserve’s history. Together, we are preparing two cultural World Heritage Serial Site UNESCO nominations: the Egyptian Hajj Route and the Ancient Stone Structures of Western Arabia.
Additionally, the assessment of a third cultural serial site, Frontiers of the Roman Empire in Saudi Arabia, is underway.
Beyond tangible artifacts, the Reserve has a wealth of intangible cultural heritage, past and present. We are working hard to ensure that oral histories, handicrafts, and traditions are conserved and enjoyed by present and future generations.
Creating opportunities
At the heart of our mission is creating lasting opportunities for the communities that call the Reserve home. Over 75% of the 200-strong Development Authority team, headquartered in Al Wajh, are from the length and breadth of the Reserve. With an all-women ranger corps (a first in the Middle East), the Reserve has not only created economic opportunities for women in the region, part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions but created a generation of female pioneers in a role that until 2020 was uniquely filled by men.
Education and skills development are fundamental to socio-economic development, and our dedicated team engages with all sectors of the Reserve’s society. From school children to government officials, we promote environmental awareness, ensure regulatory compliance, and create avenues for economic growth.
Arabian oryx released into the Reserve.
Young Nubian ibex released into the Reserve.
Recently arrived wildlife is prepared for release.
Arabian oryx moments before its release.
Wildlife reintroduction in partnership with the National Center for Wildlife: November 2023.
Eagle owl released into the Reserve’s aviary.
Sand gazelle in the Reserve’s husbandry facility.
Open to the world
We are building a Reserve of global value that celebrates both the Kingdom’s natural and cultural heritage. Our mission is to provide a broad spectrum of experiences for the enjoyment of Reserve residents as well as local and international visitors. The Reserve is already open and self-drive, day visitors are welcome.
Nature-based and cultural heritage tourism are key socio-economic drivers and an important pillar of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. We are working closely with partners that share our vision to develop more experiences and overnight stays.
