Saudi Arabia is known for its deserts, oil wealth, and futuristic visions. But now, something extraordinary is happening. NEOM — the Kingdom’s $500 billion mega-city project — is not just about technology and skyscrapers. It’s also about rewilding Saudi Arabia and reviving one of its oldest traditions: falconry.
In a bold new direction, NEOM is aiming to bring back lost animals, restore natural landscapes, and reconnect people with cultural practices like falcon hunting. It’s part of the Kingdom’s push toward sustainability and environmental protection, especially in the face of climate change.
NEOM’s environmental mission: not just about buildings
NEOM is being built in the northwest of Saudi Arabia. While much of the attention has been on its futuristic city, The Line, NEOM also has a larger goal — to become a hub of ecological balance.
At the heart of this mission is a massive rewilding Saudi Arabia program. This includes reintroducing native animals that had vanished over time, such as the Arabian leopard and the oryx. NEOM also aims to restore coral reefs, wetlands, and desert ecosystems.
In fact, 95% of NEOM’s total area — which is about the size of Belgium — is being kept untouched as a nature reserve. That’s nearly 26,500 square kilometers dedicated to nature.
What is rewilding and why does Saudi Arabia need it?
Rewilding is about bringing back natural ecosystems that have been damaged or lost. It often involves protecting wild animals, restoring natural water sources, and stopping deforestation or overgrazing.
In Saudi Arabia, many wild species disappeared due to hunting, development, and climate change. Now, through NEOM’s rewilding efforts, the country is reversing that loss.
NEOM’s plan includes:
- Reintroducing extinct or endangered animals
- Creating green corridors and migration routes
- Planting millions of native trees
- Restoring coral reefs in the Red Sea
These steps are expected to boost biodiversity, improve air and water quality, and attract eco-tourism in the future.
Bringing back the falcons: a deep cultural symbol
Alongside nature, NEOM is also working to bring back ancient falconry traditions. For centuries, falcons were a symbol of pride and strength across the Arabian Peninsula. The birds were used in hunting and were considered noble companions by Bedouins.
Today, falconry is recognized by UNESCO as part of the region’s intangible cultural heritage.
At NEOM, the team has launched a “Falcon Release” program. Recently, the first group of falcons was released into the wild after being carefully trained and rehabilitated.
These birds are now flying freely again across their natural desert and mountain habitats. It’s not just about sport or culture — falcons play a key role in balancing ecosystems by controlling rodent and small bird populations.
A high-tech approach to wildlife conservation
This is not just about tradition — it’s also about science. NEOM’s environmental teams are using cutting-edge technologies like AI, satellite imaging, and animal tracking to monitor wildlife movements and ecosystem health.
Cameras, drones, and sensors are placed throughout the nature reserve to detect any threats. Machine learning is helping scientists analyze migration patterns and predict breeding success rates.
For example, the Arabian leopard is being tracked to understand where and how it might be safely reintroduced. Scientists are also using DNA mapping and genome sequencing to protect endangered species from disease and inbreeding.
NEOM has even partnered with global conservation groups to ensure their efforts meet international standards.
Education and jobs through nature
NEOM’s rewilding project is also expected to create new jobs in conservation, research, and eco-tourism. Young Saudis are being trained in environmental sciences, animal care, and sustainable land management.
There are plans to open research centers and wildlife academies within NEOM that will attract experts from around the world. Local communities will be involved in everything from tree planting to animal care and tourism operations.
By 2030, NEOM wants to become a global example of how urban development and nature conservation can go hand in hand.
The Red Sea and marine life protection
NEOM’s coastline is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. These fragile underwater ecosystems are now under special protection as part of the rewilding strategy.
Efforts include:
- Creating marine protected areas
- Banning overfishing and harmful boat activity
- Monitoring water temperatures to track coral bleaching
- Growing new coral in underwater nurseries
This is a major move, especially since coral reefs are under threat globally due to rising sea temperatures.
Global attention on NEOM’s green ambitions
Environmental groups and international media have started paying attention to NEOM’s green side. While some critics worry about the social and economic impacts of such large-scale development, the environmental work has generally received praise.
In a region often criticized for carbon-heavy economies, NEOM is showcasing how rewilding Saudi Arabia could become a model for nature-first urban growth.
It also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, which focuses on reducing oil dependence and building a more diverse and sustainable economy.
Challenges ahead for NEOM’s rewilding plans
Still, rewilding such a vast area won’t be easy. Some of the biggest challenges include:
- Making sure reintroduced animals survive and breed
- Keeping a balance between tourists and wildlife safety
- Managing climate risks like droughts and rising temperatures
- Ensuring local communities stay involved and benefit
But NEOM says it is ready for the long haul. The goal is not just short-term success, but a permanent transformation of how land and wildlife are valued in Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion: a future where nature thrives again
NEOM’s rewilding and falconry revival efforts are more than just symbolic. They reflect a deeper shift in Saudi Arabia’s identity — one that values the land, its history, and its future.
As the world looks for ways to fight climate change and restore nature, the Kingdom’s bold approach could offer both inspiration and lessons.
By blending high-tech innovation with ancient wisdom, NEOM is rewilding Saudi Arabia in a way few expected. The desert might just bloom again — with leopards, oryx, falcons, and future generations watching closely.
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