With a 3,000-year history, the Sharaan Nature Reserve covers an area of 1,500 square kilometers and falls under the «Al-Ula Vision» initiated by the city's Royal Commission, which seeks to responsibly transform the region in order to preserve and protect its natural and cultural heritage.
Among them is the expansion of the animal breeding program; a multitude of species roam the reserve, including Nubian ibexes, red-necked ostriches, Idmi gazelles, the endangered Arabian wolves and bat-eared red foxes, and, above all, the Arabian leopard.
However, the introduction of livestock into the region has destroyed the native vegetation. Overgrazing has led to desertification and habitat degradation in some areas.
Protecting and preserving the sensitive biodiversity unique to Al-Ula is one of the commission's top priorities for restoring this area. Acacia trees growing on this land are being planted as part of the project to develop vegetation and restore Al-Ula's natural ecosystem — over time, the trees will also provide shade for the animals in the habitat.
Among its mountains, visitors can see historical engravings by ancient hunter civilizations depicting men with spears on horses and camels, which held religious significance, as well as petroglyphs in ancient Arabian scripts such as Nabataean.
As part of ongoing efforts to conserve its wildlife, the Royal Commission for Al-Ula has established the «Global Fund for the Arabian Leopard» to ensure that Sharaan can safely and adequately receive the endangered leopard and protect it from extinction. Its goal is to sustain the leopard population and its prey, as well as to protect its natural habitat.
The reserve will also feature a resort, with construction expected by 2023.