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Hidab Qitan
365km
30km
Driving EASY – SUITABLE FOR NOVICE OFF-ROADERS
Best for FAMILY PICNICS & CAMPING
Recommended for GEOLOGISTS
The white marble hills of Hidab Qitan, or ‘Cotton Hills’ are renowned for their striking scenery and Acacia forests. Once referenced by the pre-Islamic poet Imru al-Qais, the mineral-rich mountains are now a popular tourist attraction featuring an easy route perfect for a family outing. Enjoy an afternoon drive around this historical area or spend the night on a mountain, camped under the stars.
Consisting of simple sand and gravel tracks, this route is perfect for novice off-roaders. Spectacular marble hills protrude from the flat, sandy terrain and younger explorers will enjoy identifying shapes in the mountains where years of weathering have eroded them into peculiar forms. The smooth ledges in the rock face are great for climbing, however, it’s worth noting that extensive excavation is being carried out in the area and some of the mountains are now fenced off.
Cotton Hills Valley
Bordered by rolling marble hills, this picturesque valley is well worth a visit. The sandy terrain is carpeted with Acacia trees and, in wetter months, the area flourishes with grass and small flowers. You’re sure to come across many elaborate picnic set ups as the valley is popular with locals and day trippers from nearby Buraydah.
MAJLIS
The word 'majlis' is an Arabic term referring to both a ‘council’ and ‘sitting place’. While a council has formal connotations, the latter is often associated with social or cultural gatherings where people meet to exchange news, share knowledge and be entertained. Typically, a majlis is a large space on the floor with carpets and cushions against the wall, but it can also refer to an open air gathering, like the traditional majlis of nomadic Bedouin people.
Viewpoint
A scramble up the hills at the end of the valley offers a fantastic vantage point from which to capture the entire landscape. On the mountain top to your right, the flat, smooth rock overhang offers an alternative camping location for adventurous explorers.
Cotton Hills
Unlike other mountainous areas in the region, the hills here are notably white-beige in colour and are formed predominantly of marble. Known locally as the ‘Cotton Hills’, years of weathering have moulded the mountains into interesting, non-symmetrical shapes, and when it rains, water streams down the rock faces to form tiered waterfalls and pools.
Archaeological Ruins & Picnic Spot
Nestled into the mountains are the remnants of a former historic settlement consisting of over 20 mudbrick houses and a building that closely resembles a mosque.
DRIVING DIRECTION
The area is full of established sand tracks, making it easy to venture away from the crowds and find a secluded picnic spot.
1 At the edge of Mibari village, follow the established sand track across the plain towards the marble mountains.
2 Turn right and then left towards Cotton Hills Valley.
3 Follow the route to the end of the valley where you’ll find a fantastic Viewpoint. Return to the main route, heading right to the Cotton Hills.
4 Turn right at the junction and then follow the route back to the main road or cut across the plain to visit the Archaeological Ruins & Picnic Spot.
5 Turn left through the village to re-join the main highway.
