02
Dohoul Shawyah
356km
13km
Driving EASY, SOLID TRACKS
Best for BEATING THE HEAT UNDERGROUND
Recommended for GEOLOGY FANS
Created by the flowing of ancient rivers underground, the ‘dohoul’ (similar to sinkholes) of Saudi Arabia are some of the country’s most striking natural wonders. What appears to be a standard desert route is great value as it provides two adventures in one – an exhilarating drive and exploration of an underground world.
Pay attention to any boulders, flags and tyres that look like markers. These are spread across the route by knowledgeable locals to warn drivers of nearby dahl openings.
This route takes you on a simple loop via some remarkable douhoul, which are similar to sinkholes. To ensure your safety, before heading underground, make sure that you have the necessary experience and equipment. A great option is to hire a guide that can take you through the caverns and explain the geology and history of the area.
Dahl Aba al Jirfan
Just 12km from the route, you’ll notice a Dahl (the singular form of dohoul) Aba al Jirfan located on the side of the paved road. It’s easily visible, with markers placed around the entrance. As you make your way inside, you’ll discover a large cavern that has become partially filled with sand and some sparse desert vegetation.
King Abdulaziz Palace
Located just outside the town of Ash Shamlul (Um Oqala'a), this recently renovated, sprawling complex is made up of four towers connected by high walls surrounding a central courtyard. Built around 1944 as a local government palace, it is made from the traditional mudbrick typical of the Kingdom. To preserve the site, there is no access to the centre of the palace, but it’s still worth a visit.
Dahl Abu Marwah
Surrounded by a fence, this cavern has a large opening that slices through the desert plain. The dohoul in the area don’t have the typical vertical entrances. They are crude tears in the earth that can be hard to spot from a distance. If you decide to descend into Dahl Abu Marwah (the graffiti is evidence of regular access), always be cautious and never go down alone.
DOHOUL CREATION
An important part of mankind’s history, dohoul have functioned as a source of shelter and refuge for centuries. A distinctive ecosystem, dohoul are typically the result of water disintegration on soluble bedrock – usually limestone. When water penetrates bedrock, it slowly dissolves the rock, creating fractures. As time passes, these fractures can fill with sand and soil, eventually becoming large enough that they collapse and form a cavern.
Dahl Sultan
Quite literally a hole in the ground, Dahl Sultan’s entrance is a small opening that is just big enough for one person to fit into. Once inside, the dahl comprises a series of chambers linked by narrow tunnels. Unless you have some extensive experience with caving, please do not attempt to enter as it can be quite easy to get hurt or lost.
Dahl al Mareeh
As you make your way into this dahl, the sand that has blown into the chasm makes this seem like an underground desert. The limestone walls are thick with mineral deposits which hang as stalactites in some areas. Whilst it’s easy to ascend, the dahl is cavernous, and trips down should never be taken solo or without a decent flashlight. The flat areas in some parts of the dahl complex can be used for camping for those that are looking for a unique experience.
SAND-COVERED ROADS
As you leave the dohoul behind and drive towards the town of Shawyah, you’ll follow an established road. Intermittently covered in wind-swept sand, the road is quite picturesque as it disappears and reappears like a white snake amid the red sand.
Caravan Manufacturing
An unlikely manufacturing hub, the large outdoor space is being used to build caravans for those looking to explore the wild. With a variety of styles and price options, the locals will be happy to show you around some of the more high-end caravans so you can see just how luxurious the outdoor life can be.
DRIVING DIRECTION
This route takes you via some of the remarkable underground caverns in the region before taking you back to civilisation at Shawyah village.
1 From the main road, turn onto a path that runs parallel to the powerline. After 680m, turn right onto the sand track and continue for 1.4km.
2 When the track splits, take the right fork and explore the two dohoul as you come across them on the side of the road. Approximately 7km along the route, a sandy track to the right will take you towards the Dahl al Mareeh cavern. Once you have (carefully) explored, return to the main route, and continue through the desert.
3 Eventually you’ll meet a paved road that will take you towards Shawyah village.
