The purpose of these regulations is to organize the operation of environmental tourism activities in the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, contributing to the promotion of environmental tourism based on the regulatory arrangements of the Council of Royal Reserves and the bodies responsible for the development of royal reserves, issued by the Council of Ministers Resolution No. (437) dated 1/7/1441 AH.
For the purposes of applying these regulations, the terms and phrases mentioned - wherever they appear - shall have the meanings specified next to each, unless the context requires otherwise:
Regulations: Regulations for tourism activities.
The Reserve: King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.
The Authority: Authority for the Development of King Abdulaziz Reserve.
President: The Chief Executive Officer of the Authority.
The Competent Authority: Ministry of Tourism, or Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, or any other government entity authorized by law to issue licenses.
Permit: A document issued by the Authority to practice an activity or provide a service in the field of environmental tourism under these regulations.
Environmental Impact: The change caused by tourism activity on the environment, whether positive or negative.
Environmental Equivalent: A measure or action provided by the permit applicant after studying the environmental impact that contributes to creating a positive change for the environment.
Tourism Activity: An activity carried out by individuals within the reserve as part of a set of activities approved by the Authority.
The scope of application of these regulations shall be within the sites specified for each activity according to the permit.
The Authority grants the permit to operate tourism activities within the sites specified by the Authority, with the approval of the President - or his delegate - according to the following conditions:
1- Submit a permit application through the Authority's official website.
2- The applicant must attach the following requirements:
A- A valid tourism license issued by the competent authority within the Kingdom.
B- All necessary licenses from the competent authority for the targeted activity.
C- Provide a brief description of the targeted tourism activity.
D- Provide proof of experience and previous work in the same field.
E- A valid environmental permit from the National Center for Environmental Compliance, to assess and classify the activity based on the Implementing Regulation for environmental permits for establishing and operating activities.
F- Submit an executive plan for the targeted activity in accordance with these controls, including (implementation phases, timeline, visitor registration mechanism, comprehensive risk management plan, and project completion plan).
G- Attach the commercial register.
H- Any additional documents requested by the Authority.
3- The duration of the permit is (six) months, renewable according to the following conditions:
A- Submit a renewal application.
B- Provide comprehensive statistics on visitors and activities that have been conducted.
C- No more than (three) official warnings from the Authority.
4- The applicant commits to fulfilling the environmental equivalent, as determined by the Authority and the mechanism for its application based on the type of activity and the outcomes of the submitted environmental impact assessment study.
5- The Authority will study the application and notify the applicant of the application status within (30) thirty working days from the date of receipt.
6- The Authority has the right to refuse to issue or renew any permit application submitted to it after reviewing the application, with an explanation of the reasons for the refusal.
The licensee is obligated to comply with the following conditions:
A- Providing services according to the approved tourism activity.
B- Adhering to the geographical scope specified in the permit issued by the authority, and not trespassing into another area.
C- Complying with the specified timeline for the activity.
D- The licensee or their representative or agent is responsible for the quality and type of activities provided, and for any damages that may result from them.
E- It should be noted that the workforce in tourism activities includes individuals from the local community.
F- Responding to inquiries from the authority before, during, and after the permit period.
G- Providing all data and tourism statistics to the authority, related to the licensed tourism activity during the permit period, after the activity concludes.
H- Employees are obligated to maintain personal hygiene and a good appearance.
I- Maintaining the safety and cleanliness of the facilities and means of the tourism activity, performing regular maintenance, and ensuring they are free from any defects or flaws that affect their use or overall appearance.
J- Not causing any harm to the reserve and adhering to security, technical, health, environmental instructions, safety measures, first aid, evacuation, and others issued by the relevant authorities, and exercising the necessary care in this regard.
K- Not using the name of the authority in any advertisement or marketing activity, except after obtaining its approval.
L- Not engaging in any act that may harm or affect the reputation of tourism in the Kingdom, or the reputation, value, or importance of the authority.
M- Appointing a communication officer to receive inquiries and complaints and share them with the authority.
N- Conducting a trial operation of the activity before the official launch, and preparing a detailed report on that to be submitted to the authority.
O- Directly responding to complaints and observations from visitors and addressing them immediately.
P- The licensee is obligated to comply with the applicable laws and regulations related to this matter.
1- The authority issues permits for the following tourism activities:
A- Cultural tours B- Hiking C- Horse riding activities D- Open-air cinema E- Cycling activities
F- Yoga G- Bird watching H- Camel trips I- Light aircraft (Microlight) J- Paragliding
K- Hot air ballooning L- Sand dune sports M- Archery N- Photography O- Rope free falling
P- Safari Q- Exhibitions and museums R- Rock climbing S- High mountain climbing adventure T- Stargazing
U- Camping and caravans
2- In the event of applying for a permit for a tourism activity not listed in paragraph (1), it will be studied, and a response will be provided within (10) working days from the date of receipt of the claim.
3- If the permit request is not listed in paragraph (1) and the activity is subject to an environmental impact assessment, it will be studied in coordination with the National Center for Environmental Compliance, and a response will be provided within (30) working days from the date of receipt of the claim.
The licensee must comply with security and safety requirements, as follows:
1- Ensure the validity of the necessary licenses for food and beverage suppliers.
2- Appoint a person/people to perform the following roles according to the nature of the tourism activity:
A- An activity manager present on-site throughout the operating period.
B- A specialist in health and safety management.
C- Security guard(s) to protect the site during the operating period.
3- Prepare the site according to the implementation plan submitted by the licensee and approved by the authority to ensure the presence of the workforce before allowing visitors to enter.
4- Establish safety requirements for activities and interactive corners, and display them in a clear location for visitors.
5- The number of visitors must not exceed the maximum capacity specified in the operational plan submitted by the permit applicant.
6- There must be a specialized technical team for maintenance work, such as: electrical, air conditioning, and others for emergency repairs.
7- The authority may suspend or revoke the permit if the licensee violates these regulations, and the licensee shall be responsible for any resulting damages.
A- The Authority shall update these regulations or exempt from their provisions - when necessary - with the approval of the President and informing the Board of Directors of the Authority.
B- The President shall establish and approve a mechanism for implementing these regulations.
These regulations shall come into effect from the date of their publication in the official gazette.
