THE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTHERN COASTAL AREA OF SAUDI ARABIA (CASE STUDY: COASTAL CITIES IN TABOUK REGION)

Abstract

The objective of this research is to set up a strategic vision and a sustainable tourism development plan for the northern coastal area of the red sea in Tabouk region, northwest of Saudi Arabia, in light of National Spatial Strategy (NSS) and National Tourism Strategy considering natural and environmental resources in Tabouk region, for a balanced urban development environmentally, economically, and socially. This research will examine the potential natural, environmental and cultural resources in the coastal area of Tabouk region by applying the descriptive approach and analyzing the surveys and interviews and data collection results. The study area is located within the administration boundary of Tabouk region in northwest part of Saudi Arabia, covering over 500 km of coastal line starting from Hagel in the north of Al aqaba Gulf and ending in the south of Umlej city on the red sea. The findings in this research reveal the importance of the tourism resources in the coastal areas of Tabouk region. The study concludes that the coastal areas of Tabouk region has some of the most significant and promising areas with the ultimate potentiality for sustainable tourism development at saudi Arabia.