The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority inaugurated the second Touqi tourism season on 8 October 2026. Running through April 2027, it forms part of Saudi efforts to develop ecotourism while protecting wildlife and natural habitats.
The new season builds on its first edition, which welcomed more than 20,000 visitors over 78 days, and expands nature, adventure and heritage experiences as well as opportunities for local communities.
Nine bird species added to the reserve records
Last summer, the authority also announced a scientific milestone: nine bird species had been documented within the reserve for the first time. The findings were based on a year-long field survey and published in the peer-reviewed journal Check List in June 2026.
Researchers from the authority and King Saud University surveyed terrestrial, aquatic and migratory birds, including occasional visitors outside their usual migration routes.
The species included the lanner falcon, long-eared owl, rosy starling, yellow-throated sparrow, black-headed bunting, slender-billed gull, Eurasian dotterel, spur-winged lapwing and greater flamingo.
Photo source: Saudi Press Agency (SPA) / King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.
Covering more than 28,000 square kilometres, the reserve has vegetated valleys, wetlands and reservoirs behind dams that provide habitat for wildlife and migrating birds.
Together, scientific monitoring, conservation and regulated ecotourism illustrate how protected areas can help sustain biodiversity while allowing visitors to discover it.
Touqi season launch — Saudi Press Agency · Nine bird species announcement — SPA · Peer-reviewed study — Check List