Hautat Sudair: Cave and Astronomy

Hautat Sudair brings together two distinct themes that can give your trip a sense of direction: astronomy education and the cave landscape of Ghar Abu Qatour. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can start by asking yourself which of these interests you want to shape your stay.

Astronomy and the Cave Landscape

In 2020, Majmaah University reported that its observatory in Hautat Sudair had a permanent astronomy education exhibition. It is aimed at school pupils at various educational levels, university students and the public. This combines a specific astronomy offering with a broad audience and adds a distinctive cultural dimension. If you would like to visit the exhibition, check the current visitor arrangements in advance.

Ghar Abu Qatour cave provides a contrast in terms of landscape. A 2016 report describes it as arch-shaped and locates it in Hautat Sudair, more than four metres above the ground. According to the account at the time, the atmosphere was mild in summer and cold in winter; water flowed continuously from between the rocks. The report also noted that visitors from various cities made a point of visiting the cave. Its shape and seasonal contrast give the natural setting a distinctive character. If you want to make the cave a firm part of your plans, check the current visitor arrangements in advance.

A Visitor Camp in the Town’s History

A visitor-service camp is also part of Hautat Sudair’s history: in 2015, the newspaper Al-Jazirah reported that the municipality had completed a camp at Shuayb Wadi al-Malah. At the time, it served numerous visitors as well as government agencies, schools and universities. The report documents a different aspect of the town from the exhibition and the cave: how visitors and institutions used the camp at that time.

More to Explore Across the Broader Destination of Riyadh

Historic sites and landscapes across the broader destination of Riyadh offer further thematic perspectives. Shaqra’s historic old town is an important tourism and cultural heritage area in the Riyadh region. Its mosques, markets and houses represent the traditional townscape of Najd; its historical importance and strategic location are also part of its character. The historic Al-Subaie House in Shaqra was built in 1327 AH, has 32 rooms and contains historical objects. The focus thus shifts from the townscape as a whole to a single historic building.

Ushaiger Heritage Village is known for its traditional architecture. A 2016 SPA report highlighted it as one of the most visited destinations in the Riyadh region. Shaqra and Ushaiger therefore offer different perspectives on the region’s cultural heritage: a historic old town with mosques, markets and houses, and a heritage village with traditional architecture.

At the Ibex Protected Area, the focus shifts from architectural heritage to landscape and wildlife. The area is a rugged plateau of the Tuwayq Escarpment, cut through by ravines and gullies, and is home to the largest population of Nubian ibex in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Edge of the World offers a different landscape: a high cliff in the Riyadh region overlooking an endless desert horizon. Visitors can hike there and take in the landscape from the highest point. Across the broader Riyadh destination, you can clearly distinguish between interests: cultural heritage, a natural area with ibex, or a hike to the cliff each offers a different focus. This choice of theme can also guide your search for a holiday apartment.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Al Majmaah, Quai', Al-Mikhlaf, Afif, Az Zulfi, Al Ulya, Kharj, Al Muzahimiyah.

Go to the broader travel overview: Riyadh.