Saudi Arabia's Tourism Boom Sparks Environmental Concerns

Saudi Arabia's tourism sector is booming under Vision 2030, attracting a record 123 million visitors in 2025 and generating SAR 304 billion in total expenditure. The influx of outdoor enthusiasts has put pressure on fragile desert and alpine hiking routes, highlighting the need for managed trail limits to prevent long-term environmental degradation.

The Asir highlands, with elevations exceeding 3,000 meters above sea level, are experiencing congestion due to intense foot traffic from lowland summer heat escape. This has led to soil compaction and root exposure in cloud forests dominated by the East African juniper (Juniperus procera), while steep slate pathways suffer structural wear on terraced stone walls.

In contrast, northwestern Saudi Arabia's sandstone canyon landscapes are being protected through low-impact eco-tourism initiatives. The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve covers 24,500 square kilometers and contains over 50 percent of the Kingdom's biodiversity, with efforts to reintroduce native species such as the Asian houbara bustard and Arabian hare.