RIYADH: Britain’s Prince William concluded the final day of his official visit to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday with a tour of the historic region of AlUla, where he visited the Wildlife Conservation and Biodiversity Protection initiative at the Sharaan Nature Reserve.
The 43-year-old Prince of Wales, a prominent advocate for environmental protection, was accompanied during the visit by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.
According to Arab News, the tour focused on the Kingdom’s efforts to preserve biodiversity and restore native wildlife across the ecologically sensitive area.
During his visit, Prince William met with rangers and conservation specialists working on the ground to protect endangered species and rehabilitate AlUla’s natural habitats.
Officials briefed him on ongoing programs aimed at reintroducing native animals and maintaining the region’s delicate ecosystem.
AlUla is home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its remarkably preserved Nabataean tombs carved into towering sandstone mountains and valleys.
The region combines rich archaeological heritage with unique natural landscapes, making it one of the Kingdom’s most significant cultural assets.
In recent years, Saudi authorities have intensified development initiatives in AlUla, positioning it as a global destination for sustainable tourism, luxury travel, and international art and cultural exhibitions, while emphasizing environmental conservation alongside economic growth.
Prince William’s visit underscored growing international interest in Saudi Arabia’s conservation initiatives and highlighted shared global priorities on biodiversity protection and sustainable development.
