Natural Sanctuary: The Imam Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Royal Reserve, located northeast of Riyadh, is celebrated for its diverse landscapes, including sand dunes, plains, gardens, valleys, and streams, and serves as a refuge for rare and endangered species.
Strategic Protection: The Reserve Development Authority implements protection plans to address environmental challenges, preserve the ecosystem, and promote sustainable growth, enhancing the reserve’s role as a vital natural environment.
Ecotourism and Attractions: The reserve offers guided tours and ecotourism activities, featuring unique geological formations like “duhool” and notable areas such as Rawdat Khuraim, which is renowned for its lush vegetation and is a popular destination during winter and spring.
Riyadh, August 21, 2024
Tucked away in the northeast of Riyadh, the Imam Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Royal Reserve stands as a remarkable natural sanctuary, celebrated for its diverse and breathtaking landscapes. This reserve is a true treasure, showcasing a blend of nature’s finest features and an array of awe-inspiring terrains that captivate the hearts of eco-enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The Imam Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Royal Reserve is not only a haven for distinctive geological formations but also a refuge for rare and endangered species listed on the Red List of Threatened Species. The Reserve Development Authority has implemented strategic protection plans to ensure the well-being of these species. These efforts are geared towards addressing environmental challenges, preserving the delicate ecosystem, and enhancing vegetation growth rates without human intervention, thereby fostering a sustainable and thriving natural environment.
The reserve’s varied landscapes—from sweeping sand dunes to verdant plains, gardens, valleys, and streams—display a mosaic of geological wonders that attract visitors from around the world. The sand dunes, with their striking colors, create a mesmerizing desert landscape that draws tourists eager to experience the magic of the desert. The Reserve Development Authority further enriches this experience by offering guided tours and excursions led by knowledgeable environmental tour guides. These tours provide an opportunity for visitors to engage in hiking, climbing, and other ecotourism activities, allowing them to explore the reserve’s enchanting natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Among the reserve’s most unique features are its “duhool” (the plural of “dahl”) and its scenic valleys. A “dahl” is a geological formation characterized by a cavity or depression in the earth, which can vary in size from small holes a few centimeters in diameter to extensive openings several meters across. These formations are created when rainwater collects and erodes the limestone rock, gradually deepening the cavities over time. The “duhool” play a crucial role in replenishing groundwater reservoirs by retaining rainwater for extended periods, making them vital to the region's hydrological system.
The reserve is also renowned for its streams and valleys, through which rainwater and floodwaters flow from the Al-Urumah Plateau. Notable valleys such as Al-Thumama Valley and Ghilana Valley contribute to the reserve’s rich network of streams and parks, including the well-known Rawdat Khuraim. Rawdat Khuraim, one of the reserve’s largest and most celebrated areas, covers approximately 52.3 square kilometers. It is distinguished by its lush and diverse plant cover, which comprises 77% of its area. During the winter and spring months, Rawdat Khuraim becomes a picturesque tourist destination, renowned for its dense vegetation, including acacia trees, sidr, and peganum harmala. Its natural beauty and vibrant wild landscapes offer a captivating retreat for visitors from both within the kingdom and beyond.
The Imam Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Royal Reserve not only exemplifies the splendor of Saudi Arabia’s natural environment but also serves as a testament to the country’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its unique ecological heritage.
