Towering mountains have always borne witness to passing eras, civilizations, and nations. Their walls hold messages, inscriptions, and recorded events that endure as long as humanity itself.
From their slopes, people have inhabited the land and drawn unfading strength. In Saudi Arabia, the magnificent Tuwaiq Mountains, deeply associated with the Saudi people, stretch over 800 kilometers through central Najd.
Considered one of the most significant geographical landmarks on the Arabian Peninsula, the range begins in Al-Thuwayrat sands north of Al-Zulfi Governorate and extends about 1,000 kilometers south, its tip vanishing into the Empty Quarter. Surrounding it are the fertile lands of Al-Yamamah, dotted with palm trees, crops, cities, and villages. Dozens of large valleys flow from its slopes.
The Tuwaiq Mountains form an arc or "ring," enclosing a vast area and are even visible from outer space.
Their sharp peaks symbolize strength, loftiness, and steadfastness. The eastern slopes descend gradually, contrasting with the abrupt slant of the western side.
Several valleys cut through its eastern side, most famously Wadi Hanifa, where the city of Riyadh is located.
Important valleys like Al-Atk, Al-Sulayyil, and Al-Faw (the southernmost) completely divide the range from west to east.
Historians such as Al-Hamdani, Al-Bakri, Al-Isfahani, and Al-Hamawi meticulously identified its landmarks and tributaries.
Historically, most cities in the southern and central Najd region, even pre-Islam, were concentrated around Tuwaiq Mountain and its sloping valleys. The mountain was historically known as Jabal Al-Aridh or Aridh Al-Yamamah, a name that persisted into modern times.
The Al-Aridh region, encompassing Riyadh and surrounding governorates like Dhurma, Al-Muzahmiyya, Diriyah, and Al-Uyaynah, was named after its location within the range.
Tuwaiq Mountain also acts as a natural barrier between the villages of Sudair to the east and Al-Washm to the west, with Wadi Al-Bateen occupying the western part of the range.
It is from the towering peaks, extended lengths, and colossal shoulders of Tuwaiq Mountain that His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, derived his famous saying: "The strength of the Saudis is like that of the Tuwaiq Mountain."
This powerful and motivating description aims to boost morale and galvanize Saudi youth and future generations in the modern era, connecting their strength to their proud geographical and historical roots.
One of the nation's most ambitious projects under Vision 2030 is the Qiddiya City project, the flagship endeavor of the Qiddiya Investment Company, focusing on entertainment, sports, and culture. Located within the Tuwaiq Mountains range, approximately 45 kilometers from Riyadh, its foundation stone was laid by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on April 28, 2018.
HRH the Crown Prince affirmed that the significant investment in Qiddiya City is a cornerstone of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the local economy's income sources.
He indicated that Qiddiya will soon become a global leader in entertainment, sports, and culture.
