'Uruq Bani Ma'arid, Protected area and World Heritage Site at the western edge of Ar Rub' al-Khali, Saudi Arabia.
Uruq Bani Ma'arid is a protected reserve located at the western edge of the Ar Rub' al-Khali desert, encompassing limestone plateaus, sand dunes, and gravel plains. The landscape combines these different landforms to create varied habitats within the broader desert environment.
The region once served as a natural home for Arabian oryx before the species disappeared from the area. Reintroduction efforts began in the 1990s to restore these animals to their original habitat.
The protected landscape reflects a deep connection to the desert environment that shapes life in this region. Visitors can observe how wildlife and the land form an interconnected whole that matters to the area.
Access to the reserve requires special permits, so planning ahead is necessary before traveling. Visitors should prepare well since desert conditions are demanding and the landscape offers few amenities.
A notable feature is the free-roaming population of around 500 Arabian oryx, which represents the only truly wild group of this species. These animals live unfenced in their natural environment, making this a living example of successful conservation work.
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