Najran, January 2, 2025 – Located on the western edge of the expansive Ar Rub' al-Khali (Empty Quarter) desert, where the rugged Tuwaiq plateau meets the sweeping sand dunes, lies the Uruq Bani Ma'arid protected area, a remarkable sanctuary for iconic desert wildlife. Spanning approximately 12,765 square kilometers, the protected area is situated 200 kilometers north of Najran and is renowned globally for its successful efforts in wildlife conservation, particularly the reintroduction of species once thought to be lost to the desert landscape.
As a pivotal part of Saudi Arabia's ambitious environmental goals, Uruq Bani Ma'arid has become a symbol of the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. The area is home to the celebrated Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx) and Arabian Sand Gazelle (Gazella marica), both species being successfully reintroduced after nearly vanishing from the region. These efforts are part of the Kingdom’s broader conservation strategy aimed at restoring biodiversity and creating sustainable ecosystems within its desert landscapes.
In a recent tour organized by the Saudi Press Agency, Abdullah Altalasat, the General Manager of Protected Areas at the National Center for Wildlife, emphasized the vital role of the Kingdom’s protected areas in both conservation and the advancement of its environmental initiatives. His remarks highlight how the Kingdom’s efforts have led to the inclusion of Uruq Bani Ma'arid on the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it Saudi Arabia’s first natural World Heritage Site. This milestone aligns closely with the nation’s Vision 2030, which underscores environmental protection and sustainability as integral pillars of the Kingdom’s future.
Hamad Al Qahtani, the manager of the Uruq Bani Ma'arid protected area, further highlighted the site’s exceptional biodiversity, noting that the reserve is home to over 930 recorded species of animals and plants. Uruq Bani Ma'arid stands out as a unique region within the Empty Quarter, renowned for its rich plant life, with 121 recorded plant species, making it the most biologically diverse area in the vast desert. The diversity of life extends beyond plants and mammals, with the reserve hosting a notable array of reptiles and invertebrates, including 664 recorded species of invertebrates, underscoring its ecological significance.
The Uruq Bani Ma'arid protected area serves not only as a refuge for desert wildlife but also as a vital research hub for scientists and conservationists around the world. By fostering a deeper understanding of desert ecosystems, the reserve contributes invaluable knowledge to the global conversation on biodiversity conservation. As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its environmental efforts in alignment with Vision 2030, Uruq Bani Ma'arid remains a beacon of hope for the future of desert ecosystems and wildlife preservation.
