In Uruq Bani Ma’arid, the Arabian oryx roam freely, but the only shots taken here are with cameras, not guns. “We don’t want to tire them out,” says Mubarak Al Dosari with a warm smile, reflecting the care of someone deeply connected to nature. As his four-wheel drive glides across the golden sands, he scans the horizon for a glimpse of these elusive creatures. “There they are!” he exclaims as white dots appear against the sprawling orange dunes.
104 Species of birds
18 Species of reptiles
121 Species of plants
The oryx, sensing us, scatter—leaving nothing but dust and the thrill of pursuit. Capturing the perfect photograph in Uruq Bani Ma’arid isn’t easy. Morning and evening excursions often end with little more than gazing at the vast desert landscape. Tracks left by gazelles and oryx crisscross the reserve, an area larger than Lebanon, located on the southwestern edge of the Empty Quarter and the southern tip of the Tuwaiq mountain range.
Guides like Mubarak and his colleague Farhan spend their days navigating this expansive land. On one afternoon, Mubarak halts the vehicle abruptly, his eyes trained on faint animal tracks in the sand. “Jara sayd,” he says, using the local dialect for animal tracks. Though hunting has long been banned here, the ancient language persists, a reminder of the days when these
lands were once stalked by hunters. Now, however, we carry only cameras, seeking to capture the wild beauty of the desert’s inhabitants without disturbing their peace.
Occasionally, Mubarak or Farhan will call out “Dimna!”—meaning animal dung. In ancient times, these traces were also linked to memories of abandoned homes, immortalized in poetry. In the early Arab civilization, hunting shifted from a survival activity to a symbol of status for the elite, inspiring hunting poetry that celebrated the chase of gazelles and oryx. Armed only with bows, arrows, and horses, early hunters respected the balance of nature, taking only what they needed. But modern hunting, with firearms and four-wheel drives, disrupted that delicate balance, threatening the desert’s fragile ecosystems.
A Modern Conservation Success
With the advent of modern hunting technologies, overhunting led to the near extinction of key species. By the 1970s, the Arabian oryx had disappeared from Uruq Bani Ma’arid. However, the story of this protected area did not end there. In 1986, Saudi Arabia launched ambitious recovery efforts focused on the Arabian oryx. Through reintroduction programs, the oryx population began to grow, and by 2020, there were 81 individuals in the reserve. In 2023, that number increased to 105, and by 2024, the population reached 116.
This remarkable conservation achievement was recognized on the global stage when Uruq Bani Ma’arid was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in September 2023, marking a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to protect its natural heritage.
A Sanctuary for Desert Species
Uruq Bani Ma’arid, located along the western edge of the Empty Quarter, is more than just a habitat for the Arabian oryx. Covering over 12,760 square kilometers, the reserve includes valleys, salt flats, and sandy plains, forming one of Saudi Arabia’s most crucial habitats. The towering Tuwaiq Mountains and parallel sand dunes, some as high as 165 meters, contribute to the region’s rich ecological diversity.
Despite the harsh, arid climate, the reserve is teeming with life. The western region, in particular, is home to endangered species, sheltered by its valleys, gravel plains, and sandy pathways. Uruq Bani Ma’arid supports 104 species of birds and 18 species of reptiles, making it a biodiversity hotspot in the desert.
The Valleys of Life
The reserve’s valleys are fertile oases, essential to the area’s ecosystem. With 121 species of plants from 35 plant families, these valleys play a crucial role in supporting both herbivores and invertebrates. Many of the plant species are valuable as forage for animals, while others possess medicinal properties. Invertebrates, such as beetles and flies, thrive in this environment, providing food for larger species and ensuring the survival of the desert’s fragile ecosystem.
Adapting to Harsh Conditions
The Uruq Bani Ma’arid reserve is a place where only the hardiest species survive. Beetles, for instance, store water for long periods, while predatory and parasitic insects minimize their need for plant nutrition by feeding on other creatures. With 664 species of invertebrates from 127 families, they are the most common residents of the reserve.
Temporary water sources, though scarce, play a vital role in sustaining life. When rain does fall, grasses and plants briefly flourish in valleys such as Wadi Khashabi, Wadi Sudair, and Wadi Mureikha, providing sustenance for both plants and animals.
A Model for Conservation and Eco-Tourism
The reserve’s conservation success has transformed Uruq Bani Ma’arid into a potential eco-tourism hotspot. Saudi Arabia’s national plan for eco-tourism in protected areas is set to include guided experiences for visitors, allowing them to explore the dunes, valleys, and wildlife of this stunning desert.
Visitors will soon have the chance to observe the Arabian oryx in their natural habitat—no longer a species on the brink of extinction, but thriving in the wild, thanks to the dedication of conservationists. The reserve is a living example of environmental and biological evolution, as described by Dr. Mohammad Qurban. Since 1995, efforts to protect the oryx and other wildlife have turned Uruq Bani Ma’arid into the richest area for biodiversity in the Empty Quarter and the only place where the Arabian oryx roams freely in self-sustaining herds.
