Umm Jirsan cave, located in Harrat Khaybar, north of Madinah, is an important natural landmark, given its moderate weather throughout the year and its unique geological composition, making it a top destination for tourists, explorers, researchers, amateurs and hikers from all over the world.
Geologist Abdul Aziz bin Laboun explained that the Umm Jirsan is a long underground lava tube, tilting from east to west, with multiple openings, inside which many tunnels and narrow and wide grooves can be found, in addition to overhangs of black basalt and calcite.
The cave is about 1,500 meters long, 45 meters wide, with a maximum height of 12 meters, making it the Kingdom’s longest lava tube system. It is surrounded by many craters and volcanic mountains, including Jabal Al-Qadar, Jabal Al-Abyad, Jabal Al-Bayda and Jabal Al-Aqar.
The tube receives torrential water through its openings, and water flows through and collects sand, dust, and clay, and some plants and trees grow inside it, Bin Laboun noted, adding that Umm Jirsan is cold in summer and warm in winter, which is what makes it a top destination for both humans and animals.
He pointed out that traces of ancient humans have been found inside, such as stone tools, writings and drawings on the rocks, in addition to bones, skulls and fossils that were studied using radiocarbon technology, dating back about 7,000 years.
ThePlace: Umm Jirsan, Saudi Arabia’s longest lava cave located in Harrat Khaybar
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ThePlace: Umm Jirsan, Saudi Arabia’s longest lava cave located in Harrat Khaybar
- The cave is about 1,500 meters long, 45 meters wide, with a maximum height of 12 meters, making it the Kingdom’s longest lava tube system
Saudi aid agency launches food distribution projects in Djibouti and Guinea
- Projects to benefit 40,000 individuals across Djibouti and 50,000 in Guinea
- KSrelief's aid programs have reached a total of 113 countries across four continents
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has launched its 2026 food distribution projects in the African republics of Djibouti and Guinea.
The initiatives are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian relief efforts to enhance global food security for vulnerable populations, according to statements carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
In Djibouti, Saudi Ambassador Mutrek Al-Ajaleen and other local officials rolled out the fifth phase of the year’s project. It consists of 6,715 baskets of essential food items designed to support 40,000 individuals across multiple regions of the country.
In Guinea, Saudi Ambassador Dr. Fahad Al-Rashidi led the launch ceremony for a similar initiative. Under this project, 8,400 food baskets will be distributed, benefiting 50,000 people nationwide.
Since its establishment in 2015, KSrelief has served as Saudi Arabia's primary humanitarian arm, making food security one of its largest and most critical operational sectors. According to the center's official statistics, KSrelief has implemented over 1,150 dedicated food security projects at a total cost of more than $2.2 billion.
These specific food distribution initiatives have successfully delivered vital sustenance to vulnerable populations in 86 countries worldwide. Broadening the scope beyond just food security, KSrelief's overall humanitarian and development aid programs have reached a total of 113 countries across four continents.
