Northeast of the kingdom’s capital, Riyadh, is where the 1,162 sq. km.-sized King Khalid Royal Park is located. It is administered by the Imam Abdullah bin Mohammed Royal Reserves Development Authority and contains unique and enticing natural features, structures, and geological formations.
The Khashm Al-Thumama is the highest summit in the Al-Urma mountainous range, which extends for over 700 kilometers in the east-central part of the Arabian Peninsula. At 810 metres above sea level, it is recognized as the most notable khashm in the reserve.
The mountain range is made up of sedimentary stones, some of that are brilliant white in color. Due to variables associated to erosion, which results in white valleys with trees of acacia and other plants, these rocks erode into white sand which fills several valley and reefs, especially Al-Thumama Valley.
These rocks set themselves out from other groups’ pale brown sedimentary rocks. Al-Thumama is a popular destination for ecotourism. It has a variety of untamed trees and bushes, as well as rock formations and crevices full of white sand that mirror the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
It also has paved mountain climbing paths that were built to international specifications and standards that address sustainable development and visitor safety.
Lowlands and floodplains surround the valleys of Al-Urma, notably Al-Batin in the west. However, the majority of them are found in the eastern part of the reserve, in locations like the Khuraim & Umm Al-Qata floodplains.
Water passes through valleys for many kilometers before reaching the intended location and irrigating the ground. Later in the year, ephemeral and pastoral plants cover the land.
The Saudi Government for Intellectual Property has registered Urma as a trademark after the authority introduced Urma during the wintertime last year.
It is of significant geological interest because its rocks include ancient stone inscriptions that relate historical tales.