Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) has confirmed that the caves and geological features spread across various regions of Saudi Arabia are rare natural treasures. They constitute a fundamental pillar for supporting scientific research and promoting sustainable ecotourism, which the country is currently focused on exploiting. More than 150 caves hold exceptional scientific value.

Some of them are documented natural records of the Earth's history and its geological and climatic transformations throughout the ages.

The SGS is making great efforts to discover and study these sites. These studies reveal precise scientific evidence reflecting the environmental transformations the region has undergone over thousands of years, along with rare plant and animal remains, some of which have become extinct as a result of natural changes.

The official spokesperson of SGS, Tariq Aba Al-Khail, explained that SGS provides an opportunity for researchers and specialists in the fields of earth sciences, archaeology, and paleo biology to benefit from these caves and sites and conduct in-depth studies within an organized scientific approach, the SPA reported.

He noted that the SGS commitment to its role as a reference in providing accurate geological data and building effective partnerships with academic and research institutions, with the aim of establishing a solid knowledge base and raising community awareness of the importance of these natural resources.

Aba Al-Khail pointed out that the authority has already discovered hundreds of caves scattered throughout Saudi Arabia and is currently focusing on investing in those with promising scientific or economic potential, ensuring maximum benefit from them.

Geological cave expert Eng. Mahmoud Al-Shanti described the geological diversity of caves in Saudi Arabia as exceptional and unique, as they include limestone caves formed in ancient marine environments, basalt caves within volcanic lava fields, and sandstone caves spread across various regions of the country.

A specialized team from SGS has discovered a large number of caves, and exploration work continues at an accelerated pace. Initial indications point to the presence of caves extending over four kilometers below the Earth's surface. Details are expected to be announced later as part of a series of scientific discoveries that the authority is working to document and share with the public.