Riyadh: The Uruq Bani Ma'arid has been registered as Saudi Arabia's first natural site on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023. This recognition marks a significant milestone for the Kingdom as it highlights the unique environmental and ecological attributes of the site.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the Uruq Bani Ma'arid is located along the western edge of the Empty Quarter, also known as Al-Rub' Al-Khali desert. Covering an expansive area of over 12,750 square kilometers, this reserve is notable for being the only continuous sand desert in tropical Asia and the largest continuous sand sea on Earth.
The site has been acknowledged for its outstanding universal value, offering an exceptional panoramic view of the Al-Rub' Al-Khali sands and featuring some of the world's largest complex linear dunes. Its unique landscape meets UNESCO criteria, illustrating the remarkable natural beauty and geological formations of the region.
The reserve serves as a crucial natural habitat, hosting over 900 species of flora and fauna, including 120 species of native wild plants. It provides a sanctuary for endangered wildlife, notably housing the world's only free-ranging herd of Arabian Oryx, as well as mountain and sand antelopes. Encompassing five subsets of the Kingdom's national ecosystems, the site is vital for the survival of key species, thus emphasizing its ecological importance.