• The Daily Hints
• 18 Apr, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s North Riyadh and Salma Geoparks have earned a spot in UNESCO’s prestigious global network, opening doors to breath taking geological wonders for tourists and researchers worldwide. From 150 million year old fossils to volcanic craters, these sites promise adventure, discovery and a greener future, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.

Details & Context

On April 18th, 2025 UNESCO recognized the North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark in Saudi Arabia as part of its Global Geoparks Network, celebrating the Kingdom’s rich geological heritage. This milestone highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development, key pillars of Saudi Vision 2030.

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Each Geopark offers unique natural treasures

·      North Riyadh Geopark: Located near Riyadh, this site features fossilized coral reefs from 150 million years ago, limestone caves and stunning mountain ranges that reveal Earth’s ancient transformations.

·      Salma Geopark: Situated in Hail, it showcases volcanic landscapes including rare calderas, lava fields and craters formed over millions of years.

·      Purpose: Beyond tourism, these geoparks serve as hubs for scientific research, inviting global universities to study Earth’s history.

The Saudi Geoparks Initiative, led by Hussam Al-Turki, underwent rigorous UNESCO evaluations to meet global standards. This recognition positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in preserving geological heritage while promoting eco-friendly tourism and international collaboration.

Quotes

·      Hussam Al-Turki, Saudi Geoparks Initiative: “These geoparks are storytellers of Earth’s past, connecting visitors to nature’s history while supporting a sustainable future.”

·      UNESCO Representative: “Saudi Arabia’s geoparks are a gift to the world, blending tourism with scientific discovery.”

·      Local Tour Guide in Hail: “Visitors are amazed by Salma’s volcanic craters—it’s like stepping onto another planet.!”

Additional Information

The inclusion of North Riyadh and Salma Geoparks marks Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in global tourism, with over 5 million visitors to its natural sites in 2024, per Saudi tourism reports. These geoparks are expected to attract adventurers, geologists and families, boosting local economies in Riyadh and Hail.

Key features

·      North Riyadh: Offers guided tours through fossil-rich trails and cave explorations, ideal for history buffs.

·      Salma: Features volcanic hiking routes and educational programs on geological activity.

·      Research Opportunities: Partnerships with institutions like King Saud University are planned to study climate change and ancient ecosystems.

More Saudi geoparks are in development, aiming to expand the Kingdom’s UNESCO-recognized sites by 2030. This aligns with global trends, as searches for “geological tourism” have risen 25% on Google since 2023, reflecting growing interest in nature-based travel.

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Impact Analysis

·      Tourism Growth: The geoparks could attract 1 million additional tourists annually, boosting Saudi Arabia’s economy by $500 million, per tourism forecasts.

·      Scientific Advancements: Global researchers gain access to rare geological data, advancing studies on Earth’s history and climate.

·      Local Communities: Increased visitors will create jobs in Riyadh and Hail, from tour guides to hospitality.

·      Environmental Conservation: The geoparks promote sustainable practices, reducing ecological footprints in tourism.

·      Global Recognition: Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO status enhances its reputation as a leader in green initiatives.

The UNESCO recognition of North Riyadh and Salma Geoparks is a game-changer for Saudi Arabia, blending adventure, science and sustainability. These ancient landscapes invite the world to explore Earth’s history while supporting the Kingdom’s vision for a greener more connected future. As Saudi Arabia expands its geopark network, it’s redefining how we engage with our planet’s past and present.

Call to Action (CTA)

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