The dramatic Al-Musma mountains in the Hail region of Saudi Arabia are known for their distinctive rock formations and engravings from ancient civilizations.
The range surrounds Hail from the west extending 180 kilometers from the peaks of Al-Aarqoub in the south to Al-Nafud Al-Kabir in the north, taking in mountains such as Ghadab, Sahya, Al-Mudhaibeh, Al-Sataiha, Al-Auja, and Makhrouqa.
Formerly referred to as the Mahjar range (meaning mountains surrounded by sand, inscriptions, and historical landmarks), it has been described as one of the best places in the Kingdom to stargaze.
The area is also a popular destination for amateur and professional photographers from throughout the Kingdom, the Gulf region, and the world. The location of Al-Musma mountains, with their unusual rock shapes, caught the attention of many distinguished European travelers including German Louis Uting, French explorer Charles Huber in 1884, Gertro Debel from Britain, Czechoslovakian Louis Mussel, British adventurer Charles Doughty in 1845, and Italian journeyman Carlo Guarmani in 1860.
The trips of Uting and Huber documented a number of Arab and Nabataean inscriptions, as well as primitive drawings of animals. Today, the mountains are a magnet for hikers and play host to numerous other recreational and sporting activities.
ThePlace: Al-Musma mountains, located in Saudi Arabia’s Hail region
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ThePlace: Al-Musma mountains, located in Saudi Arabia’s Hail region
- The trips of Uting and Huber documented a number of Arab and Nabataean inscriptions, as well as primitive drawings of animals
Stray animals cause 426 accidents, 5 deaths in 2025
- Govt says heavy fines for cutting road fencing
- Animal owners must use designated crossings
RIYADH: Stray animals have been the cause of 426 accidents, five deaths and 26 injuries on the Kingdom’s roads in 2025, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The General Authority for Roads revealed the statistics to raise awareness about the dangers of people tampering with road fencing, the SPA reported recently.
It said the public must use designated camel crossings to protect lives and property.
The authority added that fencing and crossings are designed according to the highest standards to regulate the movement of animals.
It warned that deliberately cutting fencing was a criminal offence, with fines running up to SR50,000 ($13,000).
In addition, perpetrators will be responsible for the costs of repairing the damage.
The authority said measures are in place for camel crossings on single-lane roads or other unfenced routes.
Owners can coordinate with the call center at 938 to determine a suitable time for crossing, provided it is done all at once, during daylight hours, and in the presence of a road supervisor.
The authority urged camel owners to educate their workers about the regulations.
The Kingdom’s road network has 51 camel crossings and 3,056 km of fenced roads.
The authority said it is adhering to the standards of the International Road Safety Assessment Program.
The aim is sixth place globally in the quality index by 2030, and reduce fatalities to under five per 100,000 people.
