Field Efforts to Develop Hiking Trails and Enhance Hiker Safety in Saudi Arabia

 Work continues across various regions of Saudi Arabia to develop and assess hiking trails, enhance safety, and regulate hiking activities by studying terrain, determining difficulty levels, and identifying potential risks, providing a safe sporting experience while preserving the natural features of the sites.

 Hiking Affairs Manager at the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation (SCHF) Faris Hajjar said fieldwork has included developing, mapping, and assessing more than 120 trails in several regions of Saudi Arabia, as well as contributing to work on various natural and tourist projects and sites.

 Hajjar noted that trail preparation begins with inspecting the site, studying its terrain and selecting an appropriate route, followed by assessing the level of difficulty, identifying potential hazards and entry and exit points, and finally reviewing markings and signage to ensure that the information provided to hikers is clear and accurate.

 He also stressed that ensuring hikers’ safety begins before they arrive at the site by studying the trail and assessing its risks.

 The aim is to provide an organized, safe experience while preserving the natural environment and the sites where these activities take place, he concluded.