Riyadh: North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark have achieved significant international recognition by officially joining UNESCO's Global Geoparks Network in April 2025. This milestone underscores the global importance of Saudi Arabia's rich geological heritage and its key role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the North Riyadh Geopark, covering over 3,200 square kilometers, is regarded as a vast open-air geological museum. It features more than 20 significant sites focused on geological heritage, education, research, and environmental sustainability. The geopark aims to promote geological and scientific tourism while enhancing environmental awareness.
The Salma Geopark, located approximately 80 kilometers south of Hail, spans an area of 3,145 square kilometers. A highlight of the geopark is the Salma Mountains, stretching about 60 kilometers and including a peak that reaches 1,380 meters above sea level.
This UNESCO designation emphasizes Saudi Arabia's commitment to biodiversity protection and empowering local communities to explore and sustainably utilize their environmental resources from both scientific and cultural perspectives.