Sharaan Nature Reserve in AlUla: Stunning rock formations and a thriving habitat for wildlife

The reserve is included in efforts by the Royal Commission for AlUla to protect the environment and wildlife. (SPA)
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Updated 01 April 2025
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Sharaan Nature Reserve in AlUla: Stunning rock formations and a thriving habitat for wildlife

RIYADH: The Sharaan Nature Reserve stands as one of the most prominent natural landmarks in AlUla, spanning an area of 1,500 sq. km. It is distinguished by its unique rock formations shaped over millions of years, which create breathtaking landscapes that reflect the region’s geological heritage.

The reserve is included in efforts by the Royal Commission for AlUla to protect the environment and wildlife. It provides a safe habitat for many endangered species, including the Arabian oryx, Nubian ibex, Arabian gazelle, hare, wolves and birds of prey that nest in its rocky heights.

Sharaan Reserve is an ideal destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts, offering opportunities to explore its stunning rock formations, embark on safari trips, hike mountainous trails and camp amid its remarkable terrain.

Visitors can immerse themselves in a unique experience surrounded by red rocks, sloping valleys, vast desert plains and scattered rocky plateaus, allowing direct interaction with nature and up-close exploration of its beauty.

The reserve also includes qualified teams trained by international wildlife conservation experts. They work around the clock to efficiently monitor and manage protected areas, implement surveillance programs, combat illegal hunting, and raise awareness among local communities about the importance of environmental preservation and ecosystem sustainability.

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Sharaan Nature Reserve

Located in AlUla, the reserve is distinguished by its unique rock formations shaped over millions of years. Protected as a safe habitat for many endangered species, Sharaan offers opportunities to explore its stunning rock formations, embark on safari trips, hike mountainous trails and camp amid its remarkable terrain.


Saudi defense minister receives Mukalla port director, thanks him for heroic role

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman poses with the director of the Port of Mukalla Salem Basamir on Tuesday.
Updated 13 January 2026
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Saudi defense minister receives Mukalla port director, thanks him for heroic role

  • Prince Khalid thanked Basamir for his heroic and humanitarian role in ensuring safety and protecting lives and property at the port

RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman received the director of the Port of Mukalla Salem Basamir on Tuesday.
In a post on social media platform X, Prince Khalid thanked Basamir for his heroic and humanitarian role in ensuring safety and protecting lives and property at the port.
The Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen carried out a limited airstrike in December targeting foreign military support at the Port of Mukalla in the Hadramaut governorate, where calm has been restored after a period of tension.
In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency following the strikes, coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Maliki said two ships coming from the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates entered the Port of Mukalla without obtaining official permits from the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition.
“The crews of the two ships disabled their tracking systems and unloaded a large quantity of weapons and combat vehicles to support the Southern Transitional Council forces in the eastern governorates of Yemen (Hadramaut and Al-Mahra) with the aim of fueling the conflict. This is a clear violation of the truce and the pursuit of a peaceful solution, as well as a violation of UN Security Council Resolution No. 2216,” said the spokesman.