Saudi crown prince chairs cabinet of ministers session in NEOM
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia is home to a vast network of caves and geological cavities formed over millions of years. The sites provide dramatic natural formations and rich stories about the region's history.
With their adventure appeal, scientific value, and environmental diversity, these underground wonders are emerging as a promising tourism frontier, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
In an interview with Arab News, cave researcher and adventurer Hassan Al-Rashidi shared his experiences exploring these hidden landscapes, describing how his passion began in childhood.
Caves attract a diverse mix of local and international visitors, from thrill-seekers to scientists drawn by the chance to study the Earth's age, examine rock layers, and observe the creatures within. (Supplied)
He said: 'The real starting point came in 2018 when I began filming and uploading videos for some friends, which received great interaction from the public. This encouraged me even more, especially after people from across the Kingdom reached out (by) asking to explore unknown sites.'
Among the many sites he has visited, Al-Rashidi enthuses over Abu Al-Waul Cave in Madinah's Khaybar Governorate, east of Al-Thamad village, as the most remarkable for depth and natural formations.
It lies in the middle of Harrat Khaybar and is surrounded by other notable caves such as Maker Al-Shaiheen, Umm Jersan, Abu Jamajem, and Al-Sibaa Cave.
HIGH LIGHTS
• With their adventure appeal, scientific value, and environmental diversity, caves are emerging as a promising tourism frontier, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
• Cave exploration carries risks such as possible collapses, which may be avoided by steering clear of unstable zones and exiting immediately if danger is detected.
• Some caves in the Kingdom remain closed to the public for safety, or to protect their archeological value.
Abu Al-Waul is the longest cave discovered in the Kingdom so far, stretching 5 km, and is still being studied, Al-Rashidi said.
According to researcher Hassan Al-Rashidi caves are 'a rare geological, tourism, and environmental treasure that must be preserved.' (Supplied)
The interiors of caves vary, with stalactites and stalagmites creating unique and stunning visuals.
Wildlife sightings are common, and Al-Rashidi said: 'We have observed animals such as foxes, hyenas, and wolves, which use caves as a safe shelter during the day, coming out at night to hunt and bring food for their young.'
He added that cave exploration required careful preparation, from modern distance-measuring devices, and ropes and supports for slippery areas, to food, water, first aid kits, sturdy footwear, helmets, and lighting with spare batteries.
Caves attract a diverse mix of local and international visitors, from thrill-seekers to scientists drawn by the chance to study the Earth's age, examine rock layers, and observe the creatures within. (Supplied)
Al-Rashidi added that volcanic caves form when the outer layer of lava cools while the inner part remains molten and flows onward, while calcareous sandstone caves date back millions of years and are formed from compacted sand layers shaped by rainfall and other climatic factors.
Cave exploration carries risks such as possible collapses, which may be avoided by steering clear of unstable zones and exiting immediately if danger is detected.
Some caves in the Kingdom remain closed to the public for safety, or to protect their archaeological value.
Caves attract a diverse mix of local and international visitors, from thrill-seekers to scientists drawn by the chance to study the Earth's age, examine rock layers, and observe the creatures within. (Supplied)
Highlighting their cultural and economic potential, Al-Rashidi called caves 'a rare geological, tourism, and environmental treasure that must be preserved.'
He believes Saudi Vision 2030 — supported by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — offers the Kingdom a real chance to develop cave tourism as a sustainable economic resource.
He said: 'Caves can be an economic resource through tourism and scientific research, as well as by opening employment and educational opportunities, in addition to (being the basis of) national research for the benefit of the nation's citizens.'
According to researcher Hassan Al-Rashidi caves are 'a rare geological, tourism, and environmental treasure that must be preserved.' (Supplied)
Caves attract a diverse mix of local and international visitors, from thrill-seekers to scientists drawn by the chance to study the Earth's age, examine rock layers, and observe the creatures within.
Al-Rashidi said that developing the sector will require improved infrastructure and the imposition of strict safety measures, in addition to providing engaging visitor experiences while encouraging strong public awareness of preserving the natural sites.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Arabiya
13 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
Why Gulf tourists are flocking to this Polish mountain town
Saudi photographer Fahad Alayyash gazed over the Alpine-like panorama of the Tatras, Poland's highest mountain range -- and a surprising new hotspot for Arab tourists. The 38-year-old is among thousands of Gulf residents spending their summer vacation in Zakopane, a resort known for its ski lifts and hiking trails, where historic wooden houses mix with modern hotels. 'We've completely taken over the place,' Alayyash said while standing on Gubalowka, a peak overlooking Zakopane, where dozens of visitors drink coffee, shop for souvenirs and enjoy the view. Zakopane, located in southern Poland, has become a major summer draw for holidaymakers from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, with up to seven daily flights from the region at nearby Krakow Airport. The boom started with a Saudi travel agency representative, said Agata Wojtowicz, head of the Tatra chamber of commerce. She said the official came to Zakopane to scout for a new destination with a direct connection to the Gulf and 'was astonished' by the town. Flydubai launched the first Dubai-Krakow connection in 2018 and Emiratis are now coming in droves -- helped by their visa-free access to the European Union. Last year they were Poland's fastest-growing tourist group, according to the tourism ministry, with numbers 66 percent higher than in 2023. Manal Alanazy, a 45-year-old educational technology professor at King Saud University, said Zakopane is well-known among Saudis. 'When I told my dad and my brother that I'm going to Poland, my brother didn't like it. He said: 'It's all Gulf people there,'' she told AFP. Social media effect Zakopane uses social media to attract Gulf tourists who have created 'a snowball effect' of growing interest, said Wojtowicz. Over the past three years, Arab influencers have been invited on promotional visits, according to Grzegorz Biedron, chairman of its tourism organization. Both Alanazy and Abdullah Alotaibi, a 30-year-old Kuwaiti ship captain, learnt about Zakopane from X. 'I saw on Twitter (X) a thread about Zakopane, and how it treats all people the same, and there is no racism about religions, so I liked it and I came,' said Alotaibi. Arab tourists cite the feeling of safety as one of Zakopane's key assets. 'It was dark, and I was walking... I'm like, 'You're not in Poland, you're in one of the Gulf countries. Just look. Nothing will happen,'' said Alanazy. 'Halal menu' For Zakopane's business owners, the Gulf clientele has been a blessing. 'This year, around two-thirds are Arabs,' Anna Stoch-El Einen, who owns a kebab restaurant and souvenir shop, said of her customers. 'We have very few Polish tourists in the region, perhaps because of the weather,' she added. The hospitality industry has adapted fast to the preferences of Middle East visitors. Stoch-El Einen offers menus in Polish and Arabic and has a 'halal' certificate displayed over the counter. 'We also make sure that we have a halal menu,' said Wiktor Wrobel, CEO of the region's Nosalowy hotel group. Arab customers constitute up to 30 percent of all summer guests at his five-star hotel in Zakopane. City mayor Lukasz Filipowicz told AFP 'local entrepreneurs are very happy about the presence of tourists from the Middle East.' He said the biggest challenge was the difference in driving cultures, with visitors often breaking parking and entry laws. 'Every municipal police patrol is equipped with a handbook in Arabic... so that tourists from the Middle East can understand and comply with the applicable regulations,' Filipowicz said. 'Weather is perfect' The day is rainy, but the drizzle did not deter Gulf visitors escaping the infernal summer heat in their home region. Temperatures sometimes top 50C in the Gulf, whereas Polish summers are generally mild. Alanazy initially wanted to vacation in Paris. 'I cancelled because the heatwave hit the European countries,' she told AFP, adding that 'the weather is perfect' in Zakopane. Wrobel said climate change is a reason behind the surge in Zakopane's popularity. 'The respite that visitors from Arab countries are looking for cannot be found in Italy or Spain, where temperatures have also risen significantly,' he told AFP.
Arab News
a day ago
- Arab News
‘Al-Baha Summer' extended for 2 more weeks
RIYADH: Prince Dr. Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, governor of Al-Baha region, has directed the extension of 'Al-Baha Summer' activities and programs under the slogan 'Al-Baha ... Heritage and Tourism' for an additional two weeks. This is in response to the strong turnout from residents and visitors, and out of keenness to provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the tourism and entertainment activities that the region abounds with during the season, SPA reported. It comes within the framework of the governor's support to enhance Al-Baha's position as a prominent tourist destination at the national level, due to its natural resources and diverse activities that combine tourism, heritage, culture and arts, in addition to programs targeting families and children. Dr. Ali bin Mohammed Al-Swat, mayor of Al-Baha region and chairman of the executive committee of 'Al-Baha Summer,' said that the extension included all activities held in parks, heritage markets and tourist sites.
Asharq Al-Awsat
a day ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Al-Baha Summer Season Revitalizes Heritage
Al-Baha Summer Season has breathed new life into the region's heritage by showcasing its unique environment and traditional way of life. The region's heritage villages and popular markets attracted a large number of visitors eager to immerse themselves in history and experience cultural traditions, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The villages and markets hosted a wide array of cultural events and activities, including folk games, traditional dances, and various hands-on workshops on sewing, embroidery, handicrafts, and Arabic calligraphy. Visitors also had the opportunity to learn about agriculture and construction, enjoy popular local dishes, and witness the recycling of traditional crafts. The programs also featured entertainment and educational competitions for children, ensuring a fun and engaging experience for all ages. With over 194 archaeological and heritage sites, including 72 heritage villages, Al-Baha Region is a significant cultural and economic driver. These sites, which have become popular tourist destinations, align with the Kingdom's national tourism vision by celebrating the region's historical legacy and hosting a variety of festivals throughout the year.
