Gharameel al-Ula

Gharameel al-Ula are accumulated sand. They refer to delicate rock formations resembling columns, positioned near sand clusters, sculpted by the gusts of sand-laden winds. The site is located in al-Ula Governorate in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Province, northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They form a piece of art recounting the tale of rock formations.

The Kingdom began devising a plan for turning the country into an important regional and international geological and geomorphologic tourism destination. The plan also aims at promoting some notable sites in the Kingdom, such as Wadi al-Disah in Tabuk, al-Hawiyah and Gharameel in al-Ula, al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Province.

Visit Saudi interactive platform, supervised by the Saudi Tourism Authority, has focused on introducing Saudi tourism destinations, sites, activities, and live festivals. It attached special attention to tourism in al-Ula through two tourism paths, the first being the oases path, centered on brown and green plants, while the second targets fans of panoramic views, namely those who grew fond of sunsets in Gharameel spot and experiencing enchantment under a blanket of stars, particularly upon the rise of a new moon and the days preceding and following this phase. Due to the unique characteristics of the Gharameel, the Milky Way Galaxy can be observed with remarkable clarity, free from any obstructions or impurities that might hinder a clear view.

Al-Ula is one of the rarest open historical sites known to history in the Arabian Peninsula. The area also comprises the Hegra site, one of the World Heritage Sites of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This site is known for its historical, geological, and geographic importance.

In 2020, the Royal Commission for al-Ula launched a wide range of tourism activities in the Governorate of al-Ula. Activities covered the Hegra site, Ikmah Mountain, and Dadan Kingdom. Activities also offered visitors the chance to stargaze amidst Gharameel rock formations. The tour features camping in the company of an astronomer who offers information on the importance of stars and constellations in terms of the history and culture of al-Ula.

In 2022, Visit Saudi launched al-Ula Moments aimed at attracting tourists through four festivals: Winter at Tantora, al-Ula Arts Festival, al-Ula Skies, and Stargazing at Gharameel, where tourists will enjoy a fireside dinner in the company of a tour guide.

At the environmental and wildlife levels, Gharameel and Wadi Nakhlah reserves in al-Ula are amongst the most important reserves for wildlife development. They are affiliated with the Royal Commission for al-Ula which cooperates with the National Center for Wildlife for the breeding of local endangered species and their resettlement into their natural habitat. In this respect, 2022 witnessed the resettlement of fourteen Arabian oryx, and forty Arabian sand gazelles in the Gharameel Reserve, fourteen Nubian ibex (Capra Nubian), and fourteen mountain gazelles in Wadi Nakhlah.