AL-BAHA: Ever wondered what it would be like to spend a night in a cave surrounded with nothing but the sounds of wilderness? For adventurous Saudis, it’s now possible — and they don’t even have to travel far.
In the striking Al-Baha region in the Kingdom’s southwest, Saudi architect Mohammed Nasser Al-Shadwee has carved out eye-catching architectural structures in the caves that make up part of dramatic mountain terrain.
Shada Mountain, along with its caves and grottoes engraved with drawings and inscriptions dating back more than 3,000 years, is a favorite destination for Saudis who enjoy the outdoors.
Al-Shadwee told Arab News that he studied the geography, geology and topography of the mountains before designing the unique tourist accommodation, working on the project for years until his vision was realized.
Architectural structures, each with its own individual style, were carved out of the terrain, and provided with proper lighting and water.
“The mountains of Al-Baha have some of the most wonderful rock formations. They are a geological and topographical masterpiece,” Al-Shadwee said. “Shada Mountain should be added to the list of historical geological heritage sites.”
Saudi Arabia’s mountains are among the most beautiful in the Middle East with geological features rarely found in other mountainous areas. Shada Mountain, for example, reveals rocks in the shape of wildlife, birds and sometimes humans.
The caves were used for shelter thousands of years ago. Today, some people still use the caves as dwellings, while others have become tourist attractions.
“That is why I decided to use the ancient caves, carving inns into them and trying to create more space inside,” Al-Shadwee said. “The process is difficult because the granite rocks are hard and make my job extremely difficult,” he explained.
Al-Shadwee said that he hopes this new form of “geological tourism” will attract visitors from around the world.
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via Latest News of Dubai
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