How can a blind tourist experience the beauty of Saudi Arabia… hear, touch, and imagine the place, even if he cannot see the picture?
This simple question was the initial spark for one of the projects closest to our hearts:
The first tourist guide about the Kingdom in Braille – by Nasr.
This is not just a “PDF file,” but a practical step towards inclusive Saudi tourism for all .
From a trainee's idea… to a national tourist guide
The story began inside a training hall at the Eagle Academy.
Our trainee, Nouf Al-Maliki, asked a direct question:
"Why isn't there a tourist guide specifically for our blind visitors?"
Don't they have the right to experience it fully, just like everyone else?
Instead of remaining just an observation, the idea turned into an actual project :
- Research into global experiences in comprehensive tourism.
- Review with mentors and experts in dealing with people with visual impairments.
- Reformulating tourist content in a way that relies on sensory description , not just on images.
The result:
A digital tourist guide about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Braille,
Designed to easily be converted to a printed version or used with screen readers.
What exactly does the guide offer?
1. An introduction to the Kingdom… told, not just shown
- An overview of Saudi Arabia: history, identity, and regional diversity.
- A simple presentation of the Vision 2030 concept from the visitor's perspective, not from the perspective of official reports.
2. Selected Saudi landmarks… with details suitable for the visually impaired visitor
A selection of prominent destinations and landmarks were chosen, such as:
- The historic city of Diriyah and what it represents in terms of the roots of the Saudi state.
- The village of Rijal Almaa is a unique example of mountain architecture and living heritage.
- Al-Ula and its rock formations are like an open natural canvas.
Each site is presented not only as a visual description, but also through:
- The texture of the place (stone, clay, wood…)
- His sounds (footsteps, water, market, nature…)
- Its scents and atmosphere (coffee, oud, sea or mountain air)
- So that the image remains in the imagination , even if the visitor does not see it with his own eyes.
3. Suggested paths and experiences
The guide does not merely describe the landmarks separately, but suggests:
- Short day and full-day itineraries.
- The idea of a "sensory experience" for each route:
Where can a visitor touch the details of the building?
When is it better to listen to the call to prayer, the hustle and bustle of the market, or the sounds of nature?
4. Practical guidelines for mentors and stakeholders
A significant part of the guide is dedicated to guides, and answers questions such as:
- How do I introduce myself to a blind visitor?
- How do I describe directions and distances?
- What phrases are best used or avoided?
- How can I ensure safe movement and transportation without exaggeration or restriction?
This section helps guides and tourist agencies to provide an experience that is both professional and respectful.
Why is this guide important for Saudi tourism?
1. Because tourism is a right for everyone
Having a guide specifically in Braille means a clear message:
“You are part of our guests, whatever your need may be.”
The blind tourist no longer relies solely on his companion or on a quick explanation,
He now had a written reference for himself, in his own language.
2. Because the Saudi guide deserves stronger tools.
A mentor who wants to serve people with visual impairments needs ready-made content, not just good intentions.
This guide provides it:
- Reliable material.
- A suitable method for explanation.
- A strong impression on the parties he deals with.
3. Because Saudi Vision 2030 focuses on quality of life
All-inclusive tourism is not a “nice addition”.
It is part of the quality of life, and of Saudi Arabia’s image to the world as a destination that welcomes everyone.
How can I benefit from the guide?
1. As a tour guide
- It is used as a reference during tours with blind visitors.
- Build your own texts from it, and add your own touch and experience to them.
- Present yourself to the authorities as a guide who has the readiness and content to serve people with visual impairments.
2. As a tourist destination (museum, landmark, hotel, tour operator)
- Print parts of the guide as Braille pages within your website.
- Texts are used in audio devices or applications accompanying the tour.
- You are collaborating with Nesr to develop a special version named after your establishment in the future.
3. As a family or group of friends
If you have a blind person in your family or among your friends:
- The guide gives you a way to explain the places to him better.
- Everyone then enjoys the experience together, instead of just being an “accompanying person”.
Why did we launch it as a pre-order… and for free?
The current version is a pilot version .
We would like to hear from:
- Guides: What serves them best?
- Visitors: Which part was impactful? What's missing?
- The entities: What levels do they want to develop in their websites?
That's why we decided it should be:
- Available for pre-order
- And free of charge at this stage
So that we can build it with the community , not far from them.
What's next?
This guide is just the beginning.
Eagle Plan, God willing, includes:
- Developing accompanying audio versions.
- Add other languages.
- Providing Braille guides for specific areas (Riyadh, Al-Ula, Historic Jeddah, etc.).
- Partnerships with associations and centers that care for people with visual impairments.
How do I request the guide now?
If you'd like to be among the first people to review and try the guide:
🔗 Pre-order link:
https://nsr.com.sa/ar/braille-saudi-tourism-guide/p179068442
- The order is completed just like any other product on the Nesr platform.
- The digital guide will be sent to you via WhatsApp and email when the first version is ready.
- We will later send a simple feedback form for those who would like to share their opinion and improve the next version.
The launch of this guide coincided with World Braille Day on January 4th , affirming that tourism is a right for all, and that visually impaired guests are an integral part of the new Saudi Arabia. Choosing this day was not merely a coincidence, but a message from the Eagle: when we respect the language people use to read the world, we become better equipped to introduce them to Saudi Arabia as it truly deserves. 🦅
At Nesr, we believe that tourism is not limited to those who see the picture .
Some people see more than we do… with their hearts, with their ears, and with their imagination.
This evidence is a sincere attempt to tell them:
Saudi Arabia is yours… just as it is for everyone. 🦅🇸🇦