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Geoheritage and Geotourism Potential of NEOM, Saudi Arabia: Linking Geoethics, Geoconservation, and Geotourism

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Abstract

NEOM in the northwestern part of Saudi Arabia comprises of range of geodiversity like desert, mountain, and coast. This paper is a pioneering approach to document the geoheritage value of key landforms with outstanding scientific, educational, touristic, and additional value. The objective of this study is to prepare an inventory of the key geosites. The methodology involves the identification of geosites and geoheritage assessment and identifies geotourism potential. The study revealed ten key geosites, classified into geomorphological, geological, and geoarchaeological sites. Major key landforms are canyon, yardang, honeycomb structure, columnar basaltic lava, syn- and post-sedimentary deformation, denuded landscape, gullies in evaporite, alluvial fan, dyke swarm, and valley. The tectonic process in different geological phases formed various-scale deformations and fault structures, modified by rainfall and fluvial systems, including various gully and alluvial fans. Further, substantial shifting of the environment from the fluvial to the aeolian environment and weathering along the tectonic structures within a single territory of NEOM represent the geodiversity. Biodiversity and archaeological imprint in the geosites enhanced the additional value of the geosite. The study recommends that these ten sites be conserved and promoted for geotourism through the involvement of academicians, policymakers, and local people.

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Data Availability

The GIS files related to the geological map are collected from the open-source files from the United States Geological Survey website. Field data collected during the current study and available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge NEOM and King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) for providing the opportunity to carry out the research. The authors thank Dr. Naveen Kumar, Dr. Aarif K.M, Mr. Goutham Sambath, and Mr. Premlal Panickan in the Applied Research Center for Environment and Marine Studies researchers for their support. 

Funding

This research paper is an outcome of the NEOM-funded project to King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) entitled ‘Consultancy Services to NEOM in the execution of fast-track environmental technical services’ (KFUPM Project No. CEM02669).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Applied Research Center for Environment and Marine Studies, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, 31261, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

    Subhajit Sen, Mohamed O. Abouelresh, Thadickal V. Joydas, Ali Almusabeh & Fahad S. Al-Ismail

  2. NEOM Environment, NEOM, NEOM, Saudi Arabia

    Bruno Pulido

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Contributions

S. S initiated the concept and took the leading role in scoring, calculating, fieldwork, and developing an initial manuscript. M. O. A. participated in fieldwork and contributed to the manuscript preparation. A. A. participated extensively in the fieldwork. B. P. and F. S. A. was involved in the study design and contributed to the manuscript preparation. T. V. J. was involved in the study design and contributed to the manuscript preparation and review of it.

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Correspondence to Subhajit Sen.

Ethics declarations

This is an original article derived from the environmental survey work commissioned by NEOM to King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. NEOM provided funding, necessary permits, and required GIS files. Subhajit Sen prepared the initial manuscript draft, and all the authors contributed to the writing and review. Subhajit Sen, Thadickal V. Joydas, and Bruno Pulido conceptualized the study. Subhajit Sen, Mohamed O. Abouelresh, and Ali Almusabeh conducted the fieldwork. Subhajit Sen, Mohamed O. Abouelresh, and Fahad S. Al-Ismail performed data analyses and interpretation.

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Sen, S., Abouelresh, M.O., Joydas, T.V. et al. Geoheritage and Geotourism Potential of NEOM, Saudi Arabia: Linking Geoethics, Geoconservation, and Geotourism. Geoheritage 16, 27 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00932-2

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