RIYADH: The Shigry mountains in Tabuk, in northern Saudi Arabia, stand as a testament to the history of the Earth, with the rocks and red sands telling a story spanning more than 542 million years.
According to Abdulaziz Ibn Laboun, founder of the Saudi Geologists Cooperative, these mountains are an “open geological museum” containing the oldest sedimentary rocks in the Kingdom.
He notes that beyond their scientific value they hold significant economic importance, with their sandstone rocks serving as natural groundwater reservoirs vital for agriculture in the region.
The unique formations, sculpted by millions of years of wind and rain, have created a landscape of natural columns, terraces, and caves.
The area also provides a rich record of human history.
The unique formations, sculpted by millions of years of wind and rain, have created a landscape of natural columns, terraces, and caves. (SPA)
Ancient inhabitants used the mountains for shelter and water, leaving behind rock carvings of daily life and wildlife.
These inscriptions, depicting animals like lions, elephants, and gazelles, offer invaluable insights into the relationship between early humans and their environment.
A great rift exposes a cross-section of the region’s oldest rocks, making the Shigry mountains a prime natural laboratory for researchers and students.
The mountains’ proximity to the city of Tabuk make it an accessible destination that combines scientific discovery with stunning natural beauty.
