Tourism

AlUla has become the first destination in the Middle East to adopt EarthRanger, a globally recognised conservation technology platform, reinforcing its commitment to long-term environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism. The move strengthens wildlife monitoring and ecological restoration efforts across AlUla’s protected landscapes, ensuring the preservation of its unique biodiversity for future generations.

Renowned for its dramatic terrain and vast nature reserves—covering more than half of its land area—AlUla is home to rare species such as the Nubian ibex, Arabian oryx, and red-necked ostrich. The adoption of EarthRanger complements AlUla’s light-touch tourism approach, supporting premium, small-group nature experiences designed for eco-conscious visitors.

Developed by Ai2 (Allen Institute for AI), EarthRanger is a no-cost conservation software platform that integrates real-time data from multiple sources, including ranger patrols, wildlife tracking, vehicle movements, incident reports, and environmental monitoring. The system provides a unified operational view that enables rangers and conservation teams to make faster, data-driven decisions to protect wildlife and enhance visitor safety.

The technology is currently deployed across Sharaan National Park, Hegra, and Wadi Nakhlah, covering 12,160 square kilometres of AlUla’s Protected Area Network. These sites form the core of AlUla’s rewilding initiatives, including efforts to reintroduce endangered species such as the Arabian leopard into their natural habitats.

Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), said the integration of advanced conservation infrastructure reflects AlUla’s responsibility to safeguard its natural and cultural heritage. He noted that embedding environmental stewardship into tourism development is central to AlUla’s vision as a global leader in sustainable travel.

Naif Almalik, Vice President of Wildlife and Natural Heritage at RCU, highlighted the role of EarthRanger in supporting regeneration and nationwide collaboration. He said the platform will provide critical data to enhance rewilding efforts while preserving AlUla’s natural heritage for local communities and international visitors alike.

Beyond conservation, EarthRanger will also enhance visitor experiences. Wildlife and heritage teams will use accumulated data to design new routes and trails, while vehicle tracking during game drives will help manage speed and movement, allowing guests to explore deeper into AlUla’s landscapes without disturbing wildlife.

Future plans for the platform include mapping human-wildlife conflict, integrating camera traps with AlUla’s existing SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) data, and improving live navigation and incident response capabilities.

Jes Lefcourt, Director of EarthRanger, said the deployment in AlUla sets an important precedent for the Middle East, demonstrating how conservation technology can support biodiversity protection and cultural heritage preservation across the region.

Saudi Arabia now joins more than 90 countries using EarthRanger, which is active across 900 protected areas worldwide and tracks approximately 14,000 animals in real time. The platform has supported successful reintroduction and restoration programmes globally, including scimitar-horned oryx, rhinos in Mozambique, and giraffes in Angola.

AlUla’s adoption of EarthRanger aligns closely with its broader transformation into a boutique heritage and eco-tourism destination, where world-class hospitality, cultural landmarks, and expansive natural landscapes coexist with active sustainability and conservation initiatives.

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