AlUla wins Gold at 2026 Responsible Tourism Awards
More than half of its area is protected, with 500,000 trees planted and 1,500 animals released into the wild
AlUla has won the Gold Award in the “Responsible Tourism with a Positive Impact on Nature” category at the 2026 International Centre for Responsible Tourism Awards, recognising its efforts to protect nature and restore natural ecosystems as part of its tourism development plans.
More than half of AlUla’s 22,561-square-kilometre area is protected as nature reserves. The area has also seen more than 500,000 native trees planted and more than 1,500 animals released into the wild as part of efforts to protect wildlife and restore the environment.
The judging panel praised AlUla’s cooperation with scientists and international environmental organisations, as well as its focus on protecting wildlife and restoring natural habitats.
AlUla is home to more than 500 documented plant species. At Sharaan Nature Reserve, more than 74,000 hectares have been restored to support biodiversity and natural habitats.
Alongside protecting nature, AlUla is also preserving its cultural heritage, including Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is known for its well-preserved Nabataean tombs.
The award comes as the world marks World Tourism Day on September 27, highlighting AlUla’s approach to developing responsible tourism that combines nature protection with the preservation of cultural heritage.
