Saudi Arabia seeks ecotourism boost by protecting environment, wildlife

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King Salman issued a royal order establishing the Council of Royal Reserves under the chairmanship of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (Photo courtesy of Small And Big Wonders At The King’s Forest (Rawdat Khuraim))
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King Salman issued a royal order establishing the Council of Royal Reserves under the chairmanship of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (Photo courtesy of Small And Big Wonders At The King’s Forest (Rawdat Khuraim))
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King Salman issued a royal order establishing the Council of Royal Reserves under the chairmanship of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (Photo courtesy of Small And Big Wonders At The King’s Forest (Rawdat Khuraim))
Updated 03 June 2018
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Saudi Arabia seeks ecotourism boost by protecting environment, wildlife

  • King Salman aims to preserve natural environment and wildlife and its reproduction and development in Saudi Arabia
  • The royal decrees include identifying and designating the royal reserves and the formation of its boards of directors

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has made huge strides in environmental protection with initiatives to preserve the natural environment and wildlife that will boost ecotourism, reduce fishing and overgrazing, and protect and encourage vegetation.
As part of these efforts, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman issued a royal order establishing the Council of Royal Reserves under the chairmanship of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Royal Reserves shall be determined and named by an order issued by the president of Council of Ministers. Each Royal Reserve shall have a board of directors:
1- Rawdhat Khuraim Reserve will be a royal reserve named Imam Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed Reserve, with its board of directors under the chairmanship of Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd. Six specialists will be nominated by the Council of Royal Reserves.
2- Mahazah Al-Sayad Reserve will be named Imam Saud bin Abdul Aziz Reserve, under the chairmanship of Prince Abdullah bin Bandar and the membership of six specialists to be nominated by the Council of Royal Reserves.
3- Al-Taysiyah Reserve shall be a royal reserve named Imam Turki bin Abdullah Reserve, with its board under the chairmanship of Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd and the membership of six specialists to be nominated by the Council of Royal Reserves.
4- Al-Tanhat and Al-Khafs Reserves shall be a royal reserve named King Abdul Aziz Reserve, with its board under the chairmanship of Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saud bin Naif and the membership of six specialists to be nominated by the Council of Royal Reserves.
5- Al-Khanfa, Al-Tubaiq and Hurra Al-Hurra Reserves shall be a royal reserve named King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Reserve, with its board under the chairmanship of Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saud bin Naif and the membership of six specialists to be nominated by the Council of Royal Reserves.
6- The area between NEOM Project and Red Sea and Al-A’ala Project shall be a royal reserve named Prince Mohammed bin Salman Reserve, with under the chairmanship of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, vice president of the Council of Ministers. Six specialists will be nominated by the Council of Royal Reserves.

 


Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

Updated 11 January 2026
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Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

  • It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content

TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.

The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.

It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.

Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.

The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.

Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.