Saudi Arabia Guide

Use this Region Guide to easily find and compare Crags.

Table of contents

1. Saudi Arabia 376 routes in Region

7 5 1 6 3 2 4

1 Riyadh 2 Al Shafa 3 Hariq 4 Tanomah 5 Madinah 6 Camel Trail 1 7 NEOM

Summary:

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Seasonality

Sport climbing, Bouldering and other styles

Lat / Long: 23.860567, 44.905038

1.1. Riyadh 85 routes in Crag

2 4 1 3

1 Wadi Hanifa 2 AlRawda 3 Kiwi 4 Treasure Island

Summary:

Bouldering, Sport climbing and Top roping

Lat / Long: 24.725442, 46.056428

1.1.1. Wadi Hanifa 36 routes in Area

Summary:

Bouldering, Sport climbing and Top roping

Lat / Long: 24.655533, 46.623218

ethic

Leave no trace.

history

The sport routes were established by expats in the 80's, they were rebolted in 2014. The boulder problems were discovered and established by The Climbing Turtles

1.1.2. AlRawda 36 routes in Area

Summary:

All Bouldering

Lat / Long: 25.537772, 46.413269

summary

Sandstone boulders across the garden of khafs.

description

One of the best boulder fields found near Riyadh. Still being developed.

approach

The boulders are always near the car. Although a 4x4 higher clearance car may be needed for some areas, a sedan can drive to some of the outer boulder fields.

1.1.3. Kiwi 0 routes in Area

summary

An area found with some granite gems. the rock isn't quite the best but there are some lines worth repeating.

description

Amazing granite rocks everywhere, incredible potential after a lot of cleaning.

approach

Access by car, drive right up to the boulders

ethic

leave no trace

1.1.4. Treasure Island 13 routes in Area

Summary:

All Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 24.755383, 46.519036

summary

Sports crag currently being developed.

approach

Steepish hike from parking near a secluded road

ethic

Leave No Trace

1.2. Al Shafa 33 routes in Area

Summary:

Mostly Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 21.044966, 40.352541

1.2.1. Olympic Crag 33 routes in Crag

Summary:

Mostly Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 21.044966, 40.352541

description

https://www.facebook.com/saudiclimbingfederation/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1706444596126551

1.3. Hariq 52 routes in Area

1 2

1 Wadi Al Akhu 2 Old Hariq

Summary:

All Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 23.681722, 46.280528

description

Full of vertical limestone rocks along the valleys although rock can be unstable.

access issues

Hariq is a 2 hour drive south of Riyadh, and 30-60 minutes drive on the trail that leads to the campsite. You need a high clearance car as the sand/rock trail to get to the campsite is very rough.

approach

The approach to the crag is quite different then the other areas in Saudi, as Hariq is bit steep and far from the campsite.

where to stay

The campsite has flat ground for camping and is about 15 minute steep hike from the crag.

ethic

Leave no trace.

1.3.1. Wadi Al Akhu 43 routes in Crag

Summary:

Lat / Long: 23.685169, 46.289385

description

From the Climbing and hiking federation GUidebook

In years past the desert plains near Hariq were explored and sporadically developed by the local Riyadh climbing community. This crag, Wadi Al Akhu, which translates to "the brother's wadi" comes from Joau Miquel who equipped the first route, the area's namesake, in April 2019.

The formal development work has undertaken by the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation between October 24th and November 1st 2019 during the second phase of the Saudi Bolting Project. The team consisted of the project leader and author, Read Macadam, A. Mountain Guides' Carlo Giulberti and Piergiorgio Lotito along with Federation board member Abdulrahman Alabdu. The crag now hosts 38 climbs from 3 to 7b+.

The stone is a mix of marble and limestone and the climbing is short and technical on uniquely sculpted edges and pockets. Tons of loose stone was dropped from the cliff to bring the climbing to fruition and the talus base prepared with care. However, the nature of the climbing remains dusty and wild. Wadi Al Akhu is not considered a "child-friendly" zone. Exercise caution. Weating a helmet is strongly encouraged.

Wadi Al Akhu Crag is a desert crag at 1,000m, and since it is generally north-facing, shade can be found all day, with only a few of the right-most sections taking sun briefly in the mid-afternoon.

More initiatives of the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation can be found at www.climbing.sa

access issues

23°41'.21"N 46°17'21.89"E

4X4 high clearance vehicle is required

From Riyadh: 220KM. 2.5-hour drive to the location From Hariq: 35KM 35-minute drive

1.3.2. Old Hariq 9 routes in Crag

Summary:

Lat / Long: 23.677537, 46.269054

1.4. Tanomah 84 routes in Area

Summary:

Mostly Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 18.951327, 42.143865

1.4.1. Al Sharaf 43 routes in Crag

Summary:

All Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 18.951360, 42.143961

description

https://www.facebook.com/pg/saudiclimbingfederation/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1724629444308066

1.4.2. Wall of Shadows 41 routes in Crag

Summary:

Mostly Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 18.952065, 42.141611

1.5. Madinah 3 routes in Area

1

1 AlUla & around

Summary:

All Top roping

Lat / Long: 24.821892, 39.607200

1.5.1. AlUla & around 3 routes in Area

Summary:

Lat / Long: 26.850819, 37.771352

summary

Private climbing and via ferrata/ giant swing experience. You can find some amazing climbing instructors here for more local knowledge. Climb here to find try climbing and have a coffee.

description

Private business, ticket only

1.6. Camel Trail 1 4 routes in Area

Summary:

All Bouldering

Lat / Long: 24.505286, 46.408507

summary

Climbing areas scattered along Camel Trail 1

description

A walking trail with scattered cliffs, small caves, and boulders along the trail and plenty of opportunity for development.

approach

Park underneath the shade sails at the top of the walking trail. As of 2022 you'll have to pass trough a theme park thats under construction to get onto the road to the parking. Climbing locations are along the trail and can vary from a 5 minute walk to 20. Walking is relatively easy.

ethic

Leave No Trace

1.6.1. Camel Trail Bloc 4 routes in Boulder

Summary:

Lat / Long: 24.505286, 46.408507

description

Boulder is located at the end of camel trail 1, alone at the bottom, on flat ground.

approach

Park under the shade sails at the top of the camel trail. Relatively easy walking to the bottom of the trail past a large cliff. Cross the creek to approach the obvious lone boulder.

Note: There are several small caves and overhanging features along the trail where more development could definitely be done.

1.7. NEOM 115 routes in Area

3 2 4 1

1 Zone A 2 Zone B 3 Zone C 4 Zone D

Summary:

Mostly Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 28.574317, 35.726807

summary

NEOM climbing area established in 2021 for the Rise 100 competition. Updated in 2023 for the NEOM Beach Games. 100+ bolted and trad routes in specified zones.

description

4 zones contain a multitude of bolted and trad routes from grade 4 (UK) to over grade 8 (UK) over 4 zones A, B, C, & D.

GUIDEBOOK:

The 2023 guidebook was not published online, and hard copies are hard to obtain. The 2021 guidebook was published online but this does not contain zone D which was added in 2023. www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/65980317/neom-guidebook

access issues

A capable 4x4 is required to access all areas as the reserve contains soft sand (low pressure in tyres, rescue equipment, and experienced driver advised).

To access the Badjah reserve you need a booking per person and per vehicle, this is via the "Discover NEOM" app, look for "Badjah Wildlife Reserve" - Booking is free, best to gain entry and keep discussions to a minimum.

approach

Exit the highway at Bajdah at the gas station (right hand side, Est) and follow the dirt road about 4km to the gate, follow the orange cones.

where to stay

Camping outside the reserve is possible, local accommodation is not easy to find. Tabuk is 1 hour away and has lots of choices.

ethic

Never ever litter. Carry out more than you brought in.

Stay on the beaten trails. Do not cut trees.

Never modify the rock. Brush excess chalk from the holds.

Always partner check and tie a knot in the end of your rope.

Respect the local culture, residents, animals, property and other climbers.

Leave no trace. Dispose of human waste and paper appropriately.

Use your own gear for top-rope, only the last climber descends on the fixed rings.

Do not climb during rain or while the rock is still damp.

history

Established in 2021, updated in 2023.

1.7.1. Zone A 61 routes in Crag

Summary:

Mostly Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 28.571352, 35.735711

1.7.2. Zone B 25 routes in Crag

Summary:

Mostly Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 28.584831, 35.728496

1.7.3. Zone C 14 routes in Crag

Summary:

All Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 28.590694, 35.721119

1.7.4. Zone D 15 routes in Area

Summary:

All Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 28.577781, 35.726328

summary

Added to the Winter Games 2023 Guidebook- Easier climbing

description

Added to the Winter Games 2023 Guidebook- Easier climbing

access issues

Access pass required at the gate to the reserve via the "Discover NEOM" app