Arabian Leopard Scholarship Program launched to secure a better future for Arabian leopards

The Arabian Leopard Scholarship Programme was established by the Arabian Leopard Fund and the Royal Commission for AlUla. It is a component of the AlUla Scholarship Programme. The programme inauguration took place at the Arabian Leopard Fund's new Riyadh offices.  The program's goal is to produce an educated generation of AlUla Saudis, which helps the Fund fulfil its role of ensuring the Arabian leopards' better future and maintaining the natural equilibrium. 50 Saudi men and women, chosen from a very competitive pool of 300 applications from AlUla, will have the opportunity to pursue academic possibilities in conservation-related subjects through this programme.

The curriculum consists of 50 study missions designed to equip AlUla's next generation of environmental conservationists with the knowledge and abilities necessary to preserve the critically endangered Arabian leopard. The inaugural International Arabian Leopard Day was celebrated on February 10 in honour of its UN designation, and thus marks the formal start of the scholarship programme.  The programme is the first of its type and supports the Fund's long-term initiatives to invest in the development of the future leaders and environmental conservation professionals in the area.

In order to assist ongoing efforts to safeguard the Arabian leopard, maintain its habitats, and lessen its extinction, the scholarship program's inauguration coincides with the establishment of the Arab Leopard Scholarship, which provides funding for individual and organisational research and activities. It seeks to award the Arabian leopard to different organisations, interested parties, and specialists.

In keeping with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom's interest in the Arabian leopard is a testament to its unwavering commitment to safeguarding biodiversity and maintaining the natural environment. The Fund, through its various programmes and initiatives, is a key player in organising international efforts to stem the loss of big cats and restore environmental equilibrium in the area.