Salma Geopark in the Ha’il region brings together rock formations, volcanic features and historical evidence. It offers visitors a chance to explore the area’s geological heritage and its links to the history of human settlement. Since April 2025 the site is listed on the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.
Spanning more than 3,145 square kilometres, the geopark reaches elevations of up to 1,380 metres above sea level in some areas. It encompasses rock formations created across successive geological periods, bearing witness to the natural transformations that shaped the region’s topography.
Dr Abdullah Al-Buraiki, Director-General of the National Centre for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification branch in Ha’il, says Salma Geopark is distinguished by its diverse geological features, including volcanic formations, craters and volcanic cones. He describes it as a natural archive documenting part of the Earth’s history and evolution through the ages.
Moreover, he adds that the site’s exceptional value extends to the surrounding historical and archaeological landmarks. These include the city of Fayd and the historic Darb Zubaida route, which add a cultural dimension to its natural assets and enhance the diversity of its tourism appeal.
Salma Geopark human heritage and geological formations trace ancient history
Dr Al-Buraiki describes the human heritage as one of the site’s most prominent attributes. It provides evidence of the antiquity of human presence and its connection to the place across successive eras. Moreover, the geological formations provide record of the natural environment’s development.
The inclusion of Salma Geopark in the Global Geoparks Network helps raise international awareness of its components. It also supports geological and cultural tourism, and reinforces understanding of the value of its natural and human heritage and the importance of preserving it.
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