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Ship Rock in Jabal Dumat
484km
22km
Driving EASY, GRAVEL TRACKS
Best for FEARLESS EXPLORERS
Recommended for CLIMBING AND 360-DEGREE VIEWS
This route is not just a drive around rock formations. It’s caving, off-roading and climbing all in one. An ascent through the hollow section of Ship Rock to its ‘deck’ is a unique experience not suited for the faint-hearted. The views from its plateau of the surrounding rocky outcrops and lush agricultural circles typical of the Kingdom make this a route not to be missed.
Approximately 200km from Dammam, this is a great route for a day trip. The driving is easy, and there are plenty of opportunities to get down and dirty while scrambling over rocks and exploring small caverns.
Agricultural Circles
During your journey you’ll be surprised to see lush circles of green growing in the sand. This is made possible thanks to centre-pivot irrigation. A common form of mechanised irrigation throughout Saudi Arabia, a central pivot with an extensive pipe moves in a circle to water the crops below. An automated process, this type of farming ensures an even, consistent water supply, and has lower operational and labour costs.
Ship Rock in Jabal Dumat
Aptly named, Ship Rock looks like a cruise ship ploughing its way through a sea of sand. To reach the ‘deck’, enter the rock from its base and make your way by crawling to the ladder located near the rock’s centre. Once you have ascended the rickety ladder, you will emerge from a small hole on the top of the rock and be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
A RENEWED FOOD SUPPLY
With only 1.5% of the land suitable for agriculture, more than 80% of Saudi Arabia’s food is imported from other countries. To improve food security and long-term sustainability in the agricultural sector, efforts are underway to enhance the local food supply chain. This includes better water management, increased subsidies for farmers and integrating agricultural technology such as greenhouses and drip irrigation.
Ntaa Heritage Village
The modern-day minaret of the local mosque towers over the ruins of this sprawling complex. Located on the outskirts of the small town of Nita, this crumbling heritage village was one of the original communities in the area. In varying stages of disrepair, some of the original walls are still standing, and traditional building methods like the wooden beaming to support doorways is still evident.
DRIVING DIRECTION
The route to Ship Rock is an easy sandy drive, and the flat plains make it a great route to pitch a tent.
1 Turn left off Highway 75 and follow the road round until you see a sandy track on your right.
2 Take the track on your left towards the communication tower for 2km.
3 Take the sandy track on the right that follows a fence, past the agricultural circles and out into the desert.
4 After 10.3km, turn right and follow the sandy track towards Ship Rock.
5 After about 2.2km, you’ll reach a fork, turn left turn towards Ship Rock. Explore the rock before heading back to the route and returning to the main road.
