Tuwaiq Mountain is a mountain range that forms a narrow escarpment to the east of the Sarawat Mountains. It is located west of Riyadh in the center of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Known as Tuwaiq Mountains, al-Arid Mountains, or Ared al-Yamama, it is one of the most important geographical and tourist attractions in the Kingdom.
Tuwaiq Mountains extend over eight hundred km, starting from Nafud al-Thuwairat in Zulfi Governorate, traversing through the regions of al-Washm and al-Arid in Riyadh, and extending to the outskirts of the Empty Quarter Desert in the south of the Kingdom. These mountains rise to an elevation of six hundred m above the surrounding plains, with the highest peak being Fareeda al-Shazia located northwest of the city of al-Hariq in the Riyadh Region, reaching a height of 1,196 m.
The origins of the Tuwaiq Mountains' name
The mountain range was called Tuwaiq, a diminutive version of Tawq (ring/circle in Arabic) because its peaks take the shape of a ring. Human settlements spread on its outskirts, dating back to prehistoric times and stone-paved roads passed through it. Caravans crossed through it in the past for the purposes of pilgrimage and trade.
Tuwaiq Mountains can be seen from outer space, characterized by sharp rocky cliffs. It gradually descends from the east and is interrupted from the west. It consists of limestone rocks formed since the Jurassic period. Sedimentary edges and coral heads were found, indicating a five-hundred-million-year history when water covered the area.
Tuwaiq Mountains valleys
Tuwaiq Mountains serve as a corridor for the most important valleys in the central region of the Kingdom. Wadi Hanifa descends from its eastern side, while it is intersected from the west by Wadi al-Awsat, Wadi Nisah, which is one of the tributaries of Wadi al-Sahba, and Wadi Laha.
Tuwaiq Mountains' historic status
Tuwaiq Mountains occupy an important place in Saudi memory. In 1818, on its slopes, the Saudi army fought the invading Ottoman forces led by Ibrahim Pasha during their invasion of Diriyah, the capital of the First Saudi State.
In addition to its historical status, Tuwaiq Mountains were mentioned in ancient and contemporary poetry. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz, crown prince, and prime minister mentioned them in his speech during the Investment Initiative Conference in Riyadh in 2018. He said, “The Saudis' strength is like that of the Tuwaiq Mountain."
Tuwaiq Mountains' touristic significance
Tuwaiq Mountains are the official icon of the Qiddiya City Project, one of the largest entertainment, sports, and cultural projects under Saudi Vision 2030. Qiddiya City Project is located on one of its slopes, forty-five km away from the capital, Riyadh. The altitude of the project area is six hundred m.
Visitors and tourists visit the edges and slopes of Tuwaiq Mountains. They usually climb and tour it by 4WD vehicles or on foot to reach one of its most famous edges, called the Edge of the World.
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