AlUla, the jewel of Saudi Arabia’s northwest, is leading the Middle East in high-tech conservation efforts with the deployment of EarthRanger, a cutting-edge platform that safeguards endangered wildlife and strengthens ecological restoration. This initiative reflects AlUla’s dedication to long-term environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism.
The critically endangered Arabian leopard is among the first beneficiaries of this technology, alongside the Arabian oryx, Nubian ibex, sand gazelles, and red-necked ostriches. EarthRanger collects real-time data from ranger patrols, animal tracking devices, environmental sensors, and incident reports, giving conservation teams a comprehensive, immediate view of wildlife activity. This allows rangers to respond quickly to threats, manage habitats more effectively, and accelerate efforts to restore native species.
Currently operational across Sharaan National Park, Hegra, and Wadi Nakhlah, covering over 12,000km², EarthRanger forms the backbone of AlUla’s ambitious rewilding programme, which aims to return the Arabian leopard to its historic range and revive ecosystems across the region.
Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), explained:
“Protecting AlUla’s extraordinary wildlife—from the Arabian oryx to the critically endangered Arabian leopard—is a vital part of our vision. EarthRanger equips our teams with the tools to monitor, protect, and restore these species more effectively than ever before.”
Naif Almalik, Vice President of Wildlife and Natural Heritage at RCU, added:
“EarthRanger strengthens every aspect of conservation here. It delivers data-driven insights that support ecosystem regeneration, reduce risks, and ensure healthier habitats for future generations.”
Already used in 90 countries and over 900 protected areas worldwide, EarthRanger tracks more than 14,000 animals, cementing AlUla’s role as a global leader in conservation, sustainability, and low-impact nature tourism. By combining state-of-the-art technology with visionary environmental planning, AlUla is proving that luxury travel and wildlife preservation can thrive together—an inspiring model for the Middle East and beyond.
Natasha Syed is the dynamic Editor-in-Chief of British Muslim Magazine, the UK’s premium Travel & Lifestyle publication catering to Muslim audiences. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for celebrating diverse cultures, she leads the magazine in curating inspiring content that bridges heritage, modern luxury, and faith-driven experiences.
Under her leadership, British Muslim Magazine continues to set the standard for authentic, and engaging trusted narratives, making it the go-to source for Muslim traveler's and lifestyle enthusiasts across the UK and beyond.
