King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve

The King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve is a protected area in northern Saudi Arabia covering more than 130,000 square kilometers. It unites three landscape types with mountains, plains, and desert terrain under one management framework.

A royal decree created this protected area in June 2018 to bring three existing territories under shared management. Before that, they were administered separately without a common strategy for preserving wildlife and plants.

Traditional camel riding through certain zones follows routes once used by traders crossing the desert. At some sandstone cliffs, you can see hand-carved inscriptions from ancient times.

Several zones are open to visitors, while other areas remain closed to protect wildlife. It is best to hike during cooler hours and wear sturdy shoes and carry enough water.

More than 300 animal species live here, including the Arabian wolf and the sand cat. Some programs work to bring back species that had vanished, such as the Arabian oryx.

GPS coordinates: 27.96972,39.20000

Latest update: December 19, 2025 22:50