Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve: Saudi Arabia Gets its First UNESCO Natural Site

Saudi Arabia has finally got its first UNESCO Natural Heritage Site – Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve, which reflects the kingdom’s vast culture and biodiversity. 

The Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve

This is also a protected area – the last habitat where Arabian ostriches, Nubian Ibex, Arabian oryx and Reem gazelle were seen in the Arabian peninsula. The reserve houses important terrestrial formations, natural wildlife, sand dunes and a limestone plateau. 

Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve is the only major sand desert in tropical Asia that occupies an area of over 12,750km. It is the largest continuous sand sea on Earth. The Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve is touted as an exceptional showcase of the environmental and biological evolution of plants and animals in Saudi Arabia. 

This site is a natural habitat for more than 120 indigenous plant species, and endangered animals, like gazelles and the Arabian Oryx in the world. Moreover, the Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve accommodates a range of extensive natural habitats which are important for the survival of species. 

This includes the five sub-groups of Saudi Arabia’s national ecosystems. It plays a key role in maintaining the site’s biodiversity. 

UNESCO Inscription is Monumental

Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, the Saudi Minister of Culture, Chairman for the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and Chairman of the Heritage Commission, said the international inscription is monumental. It comes on the wave of unprecedented support for culture and heritage in the kingdom. He commended the joint national efforts that brought about this achievement. 

“The inscription of the Reserve on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the ‘Natural Heritage Site in the Kingdom’ contributes to highlighting the importance of natural heritage on a global scale and reflects the outstanding value of the Reserve.” 

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The minister highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the conservation of natural heritage and the sustainable development of natural heritage.