Saudi Arabia’s North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark have officially been designated by UNESCO as part of its prestigious Global Geoparks Network, an accolade highlighting the Kingdom’s dedication to geoheritage preservation, sustainable tourism, and community-driven development.
Announced in Paris on April 17, 2025, this international recognition underlines the rigorous standards set by UNESCO’s Global Geoparks initiative, which seeks not only to protect geological wonders but also to leverage them for education, conservation, and sustainable economic development. Geoparks endorsed by UNESCO must demonstrate comprehensive management strategies and active engagement of local communities, principles clearly embodied by these Saudi geoparks.
Geoparks at heart of Vision 2030
Khaled Al-Abdulkader, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), applauded the UNESCO decision as a reflection of the Kingdom’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. He credited this accomplishment to the proactive environmental policies fostered under Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to safeguard the nation’s unique geological landscapes while fostering sustainable tourism and economic diversification.
Senior Director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative, Hussam Al-Turki, described the designation as a source of national pride, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global standing in geoheritage conservation and sustainable development. He highlighted that these geoparks would not only enrich the Kingdom’s cultural narrative but would also serve as prime destinations for discerning international travellers and investors, keen on immersive, authentic, and environmentally-responsible experiences.
The newly recognised North Riyadh Geopark, known for its impressive rock formations and significant paleontological sites, offers travellers a fascinating glimpse into Earth’s ancient past, seamlessly combined with the comforts and exclusivity expected by high-end visitors. Salma Geopark, located near the Hail region, provides a striking panorama of volcanic landscapes, unique desert ecosystems, and archaeological treasures dating back thousands of years, presenting exclusive opportunities for adventure and cultural enrichment.
The UNESCO Global Geoparks initiative is renowned globally for linking geological conservation with sustainable local development. Currently, the initiative encompasses over 200 geoparks across more than 40 countries. Notable examples include Zhangjiajie Geopark in China, famous for its stunning pillar-like formations that inspired the landscapes in the movie “Avatar,” the Azores Geopark in Portugal, known for its volcanic heritage and geothermal features, and Jeju Island Geopark in South Korea, celebrated for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and extensive lava tubes.
Geoparks serve as living laboratories for geoscientific research, educational hubs, and drivers for regional economic growth through eco-tourism and sustainable business practices. This aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions under Vision 2030 to position itself as a global leader in sustainable tourism and responsible environmental management.
These geoparks present exciting new avenues for sustainable investment and luxury eco-tourism offerings. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its geoparks ensures an environment where investment is harmonised with conservation, offering both rewarding business opportunities and meaningful contributions to global sustainability goals.
This prestigious UNESCO designation underscores Saudi Arabia’s progressive outlook and its strategic vision for a sustainable, prosperous future that responsibly showcases its abundant natural and cultural heritage to the world.
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Photos courtesy of SPA
