Tabuk, December 11, 2023, Every December 11, the world observes International Mountain Day, a significant occasion designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003 to raise awareness about the importance of mountains and advocate for sustainable development. Saudi Arabia, with its diverse landscapes, celebrates this day by highlighting its picturesque mountain ranges and highlands that contribute to the geological richness of the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia boasts several mountain ranges and elevated terrains, creating stunning landscapes that attract visitors from around the globe. The country has made remarkable progress in the tourism sector, establishing mountain sites and resorts that not only showcase natural beauty but also offer insights into the archaeological heritage and historical monuments found in these areas.
In the Tabuk region, mountains and highlands dominate the terrain, forming the most prominent geological features. According to the University of Tabuk's Scientific Encyclopedia, these formations originated during sea-forming rift movements and subsequently underwent various erosion processes.
The mountains in the Tabuk region include the Midian mountains in the northern part of the western highlands. These mountains are characterized as complex formations with slopes exceeding 60%, situated on diverse geological formations. Notable peaks in this region include Jabal al-Lawz at 2,580 meters, Shayati Mountain at 2,103 meters, and others such as Zuhd, Qina, Al-Hawwarah, and Nakhlah mountains.
The Hijaz mountains, located in the central and southern parts of the region's highlands, feature rugged interconnected mountains with steep slopes, interspersed with canyons and reefs. Among these are the Dabigh mountains at 2,315 meters northeast of Al-Muwaileh, Shar Mountain at 1,784 meters in northern Dhiba, and Shaihoub Mountains at 1,556 meters in the eastern part of Al-Wajh.
As Saudi Arabia marks International Mountain Day, it not only celebrates the geological diversity within its borders but also emphasizes the importance of sustainable development and the preservation of these natural wonders for future generations.
