Shamal Reserve Showcased as Leading Sustainable Hunting Destination in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh – The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority is presenting the Shamal Reserve for Sustainable Hunting as a major eco-tourism feature during the Winter at Darb Zubaida season.

The initiative highlights Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to balance cultural traditions with environmental conservation across large natural landscapes.

Shamal Reserve spans more than 2,000 square kilometers, offering visitors a destination where traditional hunting heritage merges with carefully protected natural surroundings.
Its design supports both cultural appreciation and environmental sustainability, making it a model for managed eco-tourism in the Kingdom.

The reserve offers visitors hospitality services tailored to enhance their nature-based experience while ensuring the ecological integrity of the area remains undisturbed.

Guests are welcomed into organized facilities and guided activities that reflect the region’s history and natural diversity.

A new eco-lodge concept introduced this year expands accommodation options to suit groups with varying needs.

Camps include sleeping tents, dining areas, Bedouin-style tents, and open outdoor spaces that create an immersive cultural setting for guests.

Specialized environmental and hunting guides accompany visitors as part of the reserve’s managed approach to sustainable tourism.
Their role includes educating guests on wildlife behavior, conservation practices, and safe, regulated hunting methods.

The reserve features notable species associated with traditional hunting, including the houbara bustard, gazelles, and Arabian oryx.
These species are part of the region’s cultural identity, and their management reflects strict ecological guidelines to ensure population stability.

Falcons are used in hunting the houbara bustard, preserving a longstanding Arabian tradition that requires skill and environmental awareness.

Gazelles may be hunted using saluki dogs or firearms under regulated conditions, while Arabian oryx hunting follows controlled firearm-based procedures.

All hunting activities inside the reserve operate within a framework designed to prioritize ecological protection and long-term wildlife preservation.

Regulations are enforced consistently to ensure that cultural practices do not compromise sustainability.

The development authority describes Shamal Reserve as an advanced model for integrating natural environments with heritage-focused tourism.

Its services, professional teams, and structured guidelines aim to create a balanced approach between enjoyment and conservation.

The reserve’s activities reflect broader goals within Saudi Arabia to enhance nature-based tourism and showcase environmentally responsible practices.

Such initiatives contribute to national efforts to diversify tourism offerings and promote sustainable outdoor experiences.

Conservation remains a core principle of the reserve’s operations, with continuous assessments to monitor species health and habitat conditions.

Visitor activities are carefully managed to minimize ecological disruption while maximizing educational value.

The reserve also helps raise public awareness about the importance of biodiversity protection and the responsible use of natural resources.

Guests are encouraged to understand the significance of maintaining ecological balance within desert and wildlife habitats.

Through its modern infrastructure and commitment to sustainability, Shamal Reserve has become a leading example of how eco-tourism can align with cultural heritage.

Its participation in the Winter at Darb Zubaida season carries both recreational and educational importance for local and international visitors.

Officials note that sustainable hunting practices contribute to stronger conservation systems when paired with scientific management and regulated access.

This model allows traditions to continue while ensuring species preservation remains a top priority.

As eco-tourism expands across Saudi Arabia, destinations like Shamal Reserve demonstrate the country’s growing focus on nature-friendly tourism experiences.

Its approach is expected to inspire similar initiatives across other protected areas, supporting the Kingdom’s broader environmental and tourism vision.