Watching a parachute open against the sky is one of those rare moments that stills everything around you. The wind softens, the ground drifts away, and for a brief stretch of time, it’s only you, the air, and silence that feels alive. That sense of freedom is returning to the Kingdom.
Paragliding in Saudi Arabia has officially resumed, reopening the skies for those who crave flight and wide horizons. The approval, signed by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, signals a new era for adventure sports in the country. Announced by the Saudi Paragliding Federation in early October 2025, it confirms that all safety checks and aviation requirements are now fully in place.
For anyone who has ever looked up at a mountain ridge and wondered what it might feel like to leap, this is your moment. The Kingdom’s landscapes are calling again, and with them, a promise of clear air, breathtaking views, and the thrill of rising above it all.
Safety at the Core
Bringing paragliding back to Saudi skies was never just about reopening a sport. It was about doing it right. Behind every approved flight lies months of careful planning between the Saudi Paragliding Federation and the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). Together, they shaped a framework that meets global safety standards while honoring the Kingdom’s growing reputation for excellence in air sports.
Here’s what the new system looks like:
- Only licensed operators are allowed to conduct flights.
- Every pilot must carry official certification.
- Equipment is inspected regularly before and after use.
- Weather conditions are monitored closely at each site.
- Emergency response and insurance coverage are mandatory.
Each of these measures builds confidence for pilots, visitors, and first-time flyers alike. It means every takeoff happens within a structure built on trust, precision, and care. Paragliding in Saudi Arabia now offers the same assurance you’d expect from any professional aviation experience, but with a sense of adventure that belongs entirely to the sky.
The Federation Behind the Flight
Headquartered in Abha, the Saudi Paragliding Federation is the official body managing non-motorized paragliding in the country. It represents Saudi Arabia as a certified member of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) — the world authority for air sports.
Board of Directors
- President: Hussameddin bin Saleh Al-Madani
- Vice President: Fares bin Mohammed Muneer
- Members: Abdulbari bin Mohammed Al Abdullah, Ahmed bin Mansour Basrawi, Alaa bint Abdulrahman Al-Mazah, Ghada bint Turki Al-Ghamdi
- Executive Director: Majed bin Aoun Al-Ahmari
Their work extends beyond administration. They train, certify, and promote pilots, ensuring that paragliding in Saudi Arabia continues to grow with skill, professionalism, and pride.
Elevating the Vision 2030 Goals
The return of Paragliding in Saudi Arabia in 2025 ties directly into the country’s Vision 2030 plans. The goal is to make Saudi Arabia a leader in adventure sports and outdoor tourism.
This initiative also supports the Quality of Life Program, which aims to increase public participation in physical activities and encourage communities to engage in outdoor recreation. Each paragliding flight contributes to that vision, blending sport, tourism, and environmental appreciation.
By resuming paragliding, the Kingdom not only celebrates its landscape but also builds new opportunities for athletes, trainers, and adventure-seekers.
Training, Competitions, and Global Growth
The Saudi Paragliding Federation has expanded training programs for both beginners and professionals. These include national qualification courses and international training partnerships.
Recent highlights include:
- Elite Training Camps in Alanya, Turkey, to strengthen pilot skills.
- National Team Recognition, reaching 10th place globally in FAI rankings, a jump from their earlier 18th position.
- International Participation, including a training camp in Sharjah with 28 Saudi athletes and 4 certified judges.
While it is about flying safely, it is also about flying well. Building a team that represents the Kingdom on the world stage.
Where to Experience Paragliding in Saudi Arabia
If you’ve ever wanted to feel the wind lift you over mountains and valleys, Saudi Arabia might be one of the most beautiful places to do it. The country’s geography seems built for flight with high ridges in the south, gentle slopes in the west, and wide skies that stretch without end. If you’re trying it for the first time or chasing your next big thrill, there’s a launch point waiting for you.
Abha Al Soodh
High in the Asir mountains, Abha offers one of the most spectacular paragliding experiences in the Kingdom. At 2,900 meters, with a height difference of 1,230 meters, you take off surrounded by mountain mist and endless sky. Cable cars glide past below, and the cool air feels steady beneath your wing.
Al-Hada, Taif
At 923 meters above sea level, Al-Hada welcomes beginners with smooth air and calm slopes. It’s the kind of place where you learn to trust the wind: gentle, forgiving, and perfect for those first steps into the air.
Al-Baha
This mountain region offers multiple flying points for every skill level. From narrow ridges to open valleys, it’s a landscape that teaches you how to read the terrain and ride the thermals with ease.
Alsamma
Set at 2,194 meters, Alsamma balances challenge and beauty. The lift is strong, the air crisp, and the view stretches across rugged cliffs that seem to float in light.
Sharamh
At 2,716 meters, Sharamh is the calm after the climb. It’s known for steady air and long, scenic flights that let you simply breathe and look.
Season and Cost
- Best flying months: November to March, when winds are stable and the sky stays clear.
- Typical tandem flight: Around 15 minutes in the air, about 45 minutes for the full experience.
- Price range: 300 to 500 SAR for tandem flights.
- Weight limits: 25 to 105 kg for safety compliance.
Whichever site you choose, each brings its own charm. Taif with its golden morning light, Abha with its cool mountain air, and Al-Baha with its layered cliffs. Each flight gives you a new way to see Saudi Arabia, not from the ground, but from the serene space between land and sky.
A Sky Full of Possibility
When you stand on the edge before takeoff, you’ll feel a mix of calm and thrill. That’s the moment adventure turns real. With paragliding now officially back in 2025, Saudi Arabia invites both residents and travelers to rediscover its skies from Abha’s cool mountains to Taif’s golden ridges.
The Kingdom’s air has stories waiting to be written. Your flight could be one of them.
FAQs
Who approved the resumption of paragliding in Saudi Arabia in 2025?
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the Minister of Sports, approved the return of paragliding in 2025 after completing all safety and aviation requirements.
What is the Saudi Paragliding Federation?
It is the official governing body for non-motorized paragliding in Saudi Arabia, based in Abha, and a member of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).
Where can you go paragliding in Saudi Arabia in 2025?
Top sites include Abha Al Soodh, Al-Hada in Taif, Al-Baha, Alsamma, and Sharamh.
How much does a paragliding session cost in Saudi Arabia?
Tandem flights generally range between 300 and 500 Saudi Riyals.
When is the best season for paragliding in Saudi Arabia?
The best months are from November to March when weather conditions are most stable.
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This article is brought to you by Soul of Saudi (a Saudi travel blog dedicated to uncovering the beauty, heart, and soul of the Kingdom).
