Winter in Darb Zubayda 2025: Luxury accommodation in Al-Haski caravans

In a move that promotes luxury ecotourism in Saudi Arabia, the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority announced the launch of the “Al-Haski Caravans” experience as part of the 2025 “Winter Darb Zubaydah” season. This initiative offers visitors an exceptional overnight experience that combines the luxury of modern accommodation with the charm of stunning nature, giving them a unique opportunity to enjoy the enchanting winter atmosphere in the heart of the reserve while ensuring the highest levels of privacy and comfort.

A variety of accommodation options to suit all needs

The Authority designed the “Al-Haski Caravans” experience to be flexible and suitable for different groups, as the program provides three main accommodation options:

• Single caravan: It accommodates four people, making it ideal for small families or groups of friends.
• The double caravan: accommodates eight people, providing more space for average-sized families.
• Triple caravan: It includes three connected units that can accommodate up to 12 people, and is the ideal choice for large family gatherings and group trips.

These units have been equipped with all the amenities and integrated services that ensure a luxurious overnight experience, taking the concept of wild camping to unprecedented levels of quality and luxury.

Darb Zubayda: Historical Depth and Cultural Heritage

The importance of this event extends beyond mere entertainment; it is deeply intertwined with the historical significance of the location. The Darb Zubayda (Zubayda Trail) is one of the most important pilgrimage and trade routes in Islamic history, connecting Kufa and Mecca. The trail is named after Zubayda bint Ja'far, wife of Caliph Harun al-Rashid, who commissioned the construction of rest stops, cisterns, and wells along its length to serve pilgrims and travelers. Reviving this route through tourism events brings renewed attention to this great cultural heritage, connecting current generations to their rich history and adding profound cultural value to the visitor experience.

Promoting ecotourism and the goals of Vision 2030

The “Al-Haski Caravans” experience aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to develop the tourism sector and preserve the natural environment. The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, the second largest royal reserve in the Kingdom, aims to provide a leading model for sustainable ecotourism. By offering eco-friendly and organized accommodation options, the Authority contributes to protecting the reserve's vegetation and biodiversity, while allowing visitors to explore the diverse terrain and abundant wildlife, such as gazelles, Arabian oryx, and ostriches, in their natural habitat.

Economic impact and a comprehensive winter experience

The “Winter in Darb Zubaydah” season is expected to revitalize the local economy by attracting tourists from within the Kingdom and abroad. These initiatives create seasonal and permanent employment opportunities for the local community, in addition to supporting local producers and artisans participating in the accompanying events. By combining historical significance, pristine natural beauty, and high-quality services, the Imam Turki Reserve is establishing itself as a comprehensive winter tourism destination, rivaling global destinations in the desert and ecotourism sectors.