Which Saudi Geoparks Join the Global Geoparks Network?

North Riyadh Geopark and the Salma Geopark received major international recognition in April 2025 by officially joining UNESCO's Global Geoparks Network, highlighting the global importance of Saudi Arabia's rich geological heritage and its vital role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

 The North Riyadh Geopark, spanning over 3,200 square kilometers, has been described as a vast open-air geological museum. It encompasses more than 20 significant sites dedicated to geological heritage, education, research, and environmental sustainability, promoting geological and scientific tourism while boosting environmental awareness.

 Located approximately 80 kilometers south of Hail, the Salma Geopark covers an area of 3,145 square kilometers. A central feature of the geopark is the Salma Mountains, which stretch for about 60 kilometers and include a prominent peak reaching 1,380 meters above sea level.

 This UNESCO designation underscores the Kingdom's strong commitment to protecting biodiversity and empowering local communities to explore and sustainably utilize their unique environmental resources from both scientific and cultural perspectives.