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Saudi Geological Parks Nearing UNESCO Recognition

A Glimpse of Saudi Arabia’s geological heritage (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A Glimpse of Saudi Arabia’s geological heritage (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Geological Parks Nearing UNESCO Recognition

A Glimpse of Saudi Arabia’s geological heritage (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A Glimpse of Saudi Arabia’s geological heritage (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification in Saudi Arabia is working to establish and enhance several sites with unique geological and cultural significance.

The goal is to have more than ten of these sites recognized as UNESCO Global Geoparks, joining a list of 213 sites worldwide.

The Center informed Asharq Al-Awsat that registering these sites with UNESCO brings many advantages.

The primary benefit is international recognition, which attracts global attention to the geological and cultural importance of these sites. This increased visibility draws tourists, especially those interested in geological tourism, and boosts scientific and educational activities.

The sites provide an excellent environment for teaching Earth’s history and encouraging scientific studies.

Moreover, the Center noted that this recognition promotes the region’s cultural heritage.

The combination of geological and cultural features offers visitors unique experiences, showcasing how humans adapted to natural changes.

It also supports environmental protection and sustainable development by raising awareness and encouraging local communities and authorities to preserve these areas.

A delegation from UNESCO’s Global Geoparks Committee has recently inspected the Geological Park in Northern Riyadh, 120 kilometers from the capital, and the Salma Geological Park in Hail, northern Saudi Arabia.

The assessment tour is set to continue with visits to eight more parks before final approval under UNESCO's Global Geoparks Program.

Saudi Arabia’s Geological Riches

According to geological experts, geological parks represent unique areas that delve into the depths of ancient history, revealing numerous events and stories linked to geographical and historical realities, past, present, and future.

These unique geological formations, with their diverse landmarks and structures shaped over millions of years, explore the connections between geology, local communities, culture, and the natural world of all living organisms that have thrived and vanished on this defined geographical patch.

Saudi Arabia boasts what can be described as “multi-faceted geological museums,” uncovering most geological eras that have left their marks on planet Earth, with a heritage dating back around 550 million years.

This includes formations in the Makkah region, where geologists suggest successive volcanic eruptions shaped its volcanic belt in a straight line, and in AlUla province, adorned over millions of years by weathering agents revealing intricate details.

Also noteworthy are other formations in the Riyadh and Tabuk regions.

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Culture

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Visits Ameen Rihani Museum

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Fahd Al-Dosari is seen during his visit to the museum. (SPA)
Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Fahd Al-Dosari is seen during his visit to the museum. (SPA)
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Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Visits Ameen Rihani Museum

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Fahd Al-Dosari is seen during his visit to the museum. (SPA)
Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Fahd Al-Dosari is seen during his visit to the museum. (SPA)

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Fahd Al-Dosari visited on Monday the Ameen Rihani Museum in the town of Freike in Matn District, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The ambassador was received by members of the Rihani family, led by the museum's curator, Ameen Albert Rihani, who welcomed him and praised the historic relations between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon.

They recalled the historic meeting between King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud and Lebanese writer and historian Ameen Rihani in 1922.

During the visit, Al-Dosari toured the museum's historical and literary sections and viewed the exhibition marking the centenary of the book “Rihaniyyat”.

Culture

On World Camel Day, Saudi Arabia’s AlUla Celebrates Camel Heritage and Reinforces Its Cultural Identity

In Saudi Arabia, the relationship with camels extends beyond traditional heritage to form an integral part of national identity and collective memory. (SPA)
In Saudi Arabia, the relationship with camels extends beyond traditional heritage to form an integral part of national identity and collective memory. (SPA)
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On World Camel Day, Saudi Arabia’s AlUla Celebrates Camel Heritage and Reinforces Its Cultural Identity

In Saudi Arabia, the relationship with camels extends beyond traditional heritage to form an integral part of national identity and collective memory. (SPA)
In Saudi Arabia, the relationship with camels extends beyond traditional heritage to form an integral part of national identity and collective memory. (SPA)

World Camel Day, observed annually on June 22, serves as a global occasion to reflect on the enduring relationship between humans and camels throughout history.

The day highlights camels' economic contributions, their role in supporting food security and sustainable development, and their cultural significance, which extends beyond geographical boundaries and has made them a deeply rooted symbol in the collective memory of peoples worldwide, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.

In Saudi Arabia, the relationship with camels extends beyond traditional heritage to form an integral part of national identity and collective memory. This is reflected in the significant attention devoted to the sector through specialized initiatives and events, support for camel owners, and efforts to preserve and sustain this heritage as one of the Kingdom's most prominent cultural assets.

Across AlUla, rock art and inscriptions dating back thousands of years tell the story of the close relationship between humans and camels. (SPA)

Across AlUla, rock art and inscriptions dating back thousands of years tell the story of the close relationship between humans and camels. These animals contributed to the prosperity of trade routes, facilitated mobility, and supported the stability of successive communities.

Camels remain an essential part of AlUla's heritage and a testament to the deep connection between people and their environment since ancient times.

Today, camels in AlUla are more than witnesses to history. They are an integral part of the region's cultural and sporting landscape and a key element of the tourism experience offered by the land of civilizations.

Through a contemporary vision that combines the authenticity of history with the aspirations of the future, AlUla continues to showcase this rich heritage, ensuring that camels remain among the most enduring symbols in the story of people and place across generations.

Culture

Najran Sees Growing Interest in Heritage and Archaeological Artifact Collection

These collections also include artifacts illustrating stages of the modern Saudi state, serving as educational platforms that bridge the past and present - SPA
These collections also include artifacts illustrating stages of the modern Saudi state, serving as educational platforms that bridge the past and present - SPA
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Najran Sees Growing Interest in Heritage and Archaeological Artifact Collection

These collections also include artifacts illustrating stages of the modern Saudi state, serving as educational platforms that bridge the past and present - SPA
These collections also include artifacts illustrating stages of the modern Saudi state, serving as educational platforms that bridge the past and present - SPA

Najran Region has witnessed growing enthusiasm among community members and heritage enthusiasts for collecting traditional and archaeological artifacts that document historical eras linked to the region’s civilization and the lives of previous generations, contributing to reconnecting society with its roots and raising awareness of the importance of preserving tangible heritage as an essential part of cultural identity.

Heritage enthusiasts play a significant role in preserving Najran’s cultural legacy by establishing private museums that display archaeological items, traditional tools, clothing, photographs, and historical collections reflecting daily life and customs, SPA reported.

These collections also include artifacts illustrating stages of the modern Saudi state, serving as educational platforms that bridge the past and present.

The hobby of collecting heritage items in Najran ranges from gathering everyday tools such as pottery and agricultural equipment to traditional clothing, jewelry, weapons, books, and manuscripts. Motivations vary between personal documentation, preserving family memory, and academic research aimed at understanding historical social and economic practices.

Local markets and seasonal exhibitions, along with digital platforms, have contributed to expanding this hobby, enabling knowledge exchange and increasing awareness of preservation methods and historical value. Community initiatives and workshops further support proper documentation and conservation, ensuring that this passion complements heritage preservation while adhering to scientific and legal standards.