AlUla wins gold for nature-focused tourism at 2026 ICRT Awards
ALULA, September 27, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — AlUla has won gold in the Nature Positive category at the 2026 International Centre for Responsible Tourism Awards for its approach to protecting natural ecosystems while developing tourism.
More than half of AlUla’s approximately 22,561 square kilometres has been designated as nature reserves. Conservation work has included planting over 500,000 native trees and rewilding more than 1,500 animals.
The judging panel praised AlUla’s work with scientists and international conservation organisations, and its decision to make nature and wildlife central to planning the destination.
More than 500 plant species have been documented in AlUla. Restoration programmes support native plants and rehabilitate habitats across its desert and oasis ecosystems. In Sharaan National Park, rehabilitation work has covered more than 74,000 hectares.
