© Pham Ngoc Khoa
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North Riyadh UNESCO Global Geopark
Celebrating Earth Heritage
At the foothills of Tuwaiq mountain, in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, North Riyadh UNESCO Global Geopark is a captivating site of geological, ecological and cultural landmarks. The striking Tabletop Mountains, with their flat-topped peaks and dramatic escarpments, form the centrepiece of the geopark’s geomorphological heritage. Jurassic-Cretaceous rock formations provide an important educational and cultural site, as the geological foundations for Saudi Arabia’s important petroleum heritage. Another highlight is the Obaitharan Valley – or Wadi Obaitharan – a lush, protected reserve that plays a vital role in sustaining the region’s water supply and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The valley is also home to ancient coral reef systems, making it an important educational site for visitors.