Natural Salt Lakes of Al-Awshaziyah: A Historic Economic, Tourist Hub in Unaizah

Al-Awshaziyah, a town located 10 kilometers east of Unaizah Governorate in Qassim Region, has held significant economic and commercial value since ancient times and is home to the largest natural salt lakes in the Arabian Peninsula, covering an area of 50 square kilometers.

 The town’s large salt production, supported by water gathered from nearby valleys and ravines, has made it a popular destination for tourists interested in salt harvesting as well as visitors to Qassim.

 Historically, salt from Al-Awshaziyah was exported to numerous cities and governorates across the Kingdom. Today, many professionals in Qassim Region continue to work in the salt industry, using traditional methods passed down by their ancestors to generate a lucrative income.

 Prominent travelers such as Ameen Al-Rihani and St. John Philby have historically documented the town of Al-Awshaziyah, whose salt lake is a low-lying area where rainwater collects in winter, forming a lake that can last throughout the season. During summer, the water evaporates, leaving behind a pristine layer of white table salt. The lake is estimated to be approximately 10 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide and is crossed by a 2.5-kilometer paved road. Salt is extracted from Al-Awshaziyah by selecting sites farthest from the lake’s edges to ensure purity. The flattest basins are chosen to collect a consistent, clear layer of soil. These basins are then filled with lake water and left for several days until the water evaporates and salt crystals form. The crystallized salt is collected, dried, and packed into bags of various sizes for export to markets. Salt extraction from the lake is only possible during the summer months, as the process requires high temperatures.