Hejaz Mountains

The Hejaz Mountains are a range of mountains that form the central portion of the western highlands in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They extend from the north of Taif Governorate in Makkah al-Mukarramah Province to the south of al-Wajh City in Tabuk Province. The coastal plain is confined between the Hejaz Mountains and the coast, narrowing further towards the north until it disappears near the edges of the northern Hejaz Mountains. The Hejaz Mountains are lower and less rugged compared to the Sarawat Mountains, and they give rise to a series of valleys to the west that flow into the Red Sea.

The Hejaz Mountains cover several provinces, including Makkah al-Mukarramah, al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, and Tabuk. They overlook the coastal Tihama Plain in the west, characterized by lava fields and volcanic cones, with its western terrain dotted with valleys that drain into the Red Sea.

Hejaz Mountains encompass several peaks, including Mount Wirqan at 2,393 m, which is the highest peak, followed by Mount Radwa at 2,282 m, Mount Idqis at 2,161 m, Mount al-Ward at 2,096 m, Mount Awf at 2,082 m, Mount al-Faqrah at 1,901 m, Mount Subh at 1,898 m, and Mount Shamnasir at 1,618 m.

Numerous valleys descend from the Hejaz Mountains and flow into the Red Sea, including Wadi Fatimah, al-Safra, al-Hamd, and al-Abwaa. The lava fields are partially covered with volcanic plateaus, including Harat Khaybar, Harat Rahat, Harat al-Raha, and Harat Uwayrid.