Saudi Arabia is emerging as one of the Middle East’s most exciting rock climbing destinations. From golden granite walls above the mist-filled valleys of the Asir Mountains to sculpted sandstone towers in the deserts of AlUla and Tabuk, the Kingdom offers world-class climbing terrain that has only begun to be explored. Whether you are a sport climber chasing steep pockets, a trad enthusiast looking for uncharted cracks, or a beginner hoping to pull on rock for the first time, this guide covers every crag, gym, and guiding outfit you need to know. For broader outdoor adventure planning, see our complete Saudi Arabia Hiking Guide, which covers trails, mountains, and canyons across the country.
Best Time to Visit: October–April (cooler temperatures; highland crags climbable year-round)
Getting There: Fly into Jeddah (for Al Shafa/Taif), Abha (for Tanomah/Asir), Tabuk (for NEOM/Hisma), or AlUla (for Ashar Valley)
Visa Required: Yes — tourist e-visa available for 63 nationalities
Budget: $60–$150/day (camping at crags is free; guided sessions from SAR 200–500)
Must-See: Olympic Crag (Al Shafa), Wall of Shadows (Tanomah), NEOM Crag (Hisma Desert)
Avoid: Climbing in lowland areas during summer (May–September) when temperatures exceed 45°C
Why Saudi Arabia for Rock Climbing?
Until 2018, Saudi Arabia had almost no documented climbing routes. That changed when the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation (SCHF) was established and launched the Saudi Bolting Project, a systematic effort to equip sport and trad routes across the Kingdom using stainless-steel glue-in bolts and modern safety standards. Today, there are well over 150 equipped routes spread across six major crags, with new areas being developed every season.
The rock itself is extraordinary. In the southwest, the Sarawat Mountains expose bands of hard, golden granite with small edges and pockets that rival the best friction climbing in Europe. In the northwest, the Hisma Desert presents towering sandstone pillars reminiscent of Jordan’s Wadi Rum. And near AlUla, soft sandstone formations offer beginner-friendly routes surrounded by ancient Nabatean history. Combine that with reliable winter sunshine, no permit requirements for most crags, and a rapidly growing infrastructure of guides and gyms, and you have a climbing destination that rewards early adopters.
The Best Crags in Saudi Arabia
Olympic Crag, Al Shafa (Taif Region)
Olympic Crag is the crown jewel of Saudi climbing and the Kingdom’s first professionally developed sport crag. Located in the Al Shafa highlands above Taif at 2,300 metres, it features 38 sport and trad routes graded from French 4 to 8a on bullet-hard golden granite. The rock quality is exceptional — compact, featured, and reminiscent of the best granite in Chamonix or Joshua Tree.
The crag was developed during the first phase of the Saudi Bolting Project in November 2018, using Raumer Superstar 10mm x 80mm 316L stainless-steel glue-in bolts with Hilti RE500 epoxy — the same hardware standard used at world-class European crags. Because the wall faces generally north and sits at high altitude, it benefits from morning shade and is comfortable to climb nearly year-round, though weather in the Sarawat Mountains can change quickly. Pack a warm layer and rain shell even in spring.
Access tip: Olympic Crag is approximately 2.5 hours by car from Jeddah and 45 minutes from Taif Airport. The approach hike from the parking area is short. There is no camping infrastructure at the crag itself, but Taif city has a full range of hotels and restaurants.
Al Sharaf Crag, Tanomah (Asir Province)
Al Sharaf is a mountain park on the western slopes of Tanomah, just ten minutes by car from the town centre. With 42 unique routes and 11 extensions graded up to 8b, it is the most route-dense crag in Saudi Arabia. Most routes fall between grades 4 and 6c, making it an outstanding venue for intermediate climbers looking to build endurance and technique on real rock.
The crag was equipped during the first phase of the Saudi Bolting Project between 16 and 26 November 2018. The granite here is textured with small crimps and occasional pockets, rewarding precise footwork. Like Olympic Crag, the hardware is top-quality stainless steel. Al Sharaf sits at around 2,000 metres, so temperatures remain comfortable throughout the year — a genuine four-season climbing destination within the broader Abha and Asir travel region.
Wall of Shadows, Tanomah (Asir Province)
A ten-minute walk from the Al Sharaf parking and camping area, the Wall of Shadows lives up to its name: the cliff is entirely in shade, making it comfortable to climb all day regardless of season. Routes here range from immaculate slabs to steep, physical climbing on pockets.
The wall was developed during the second phase of the Saudi Bolting Project in October 2019, when a team equipped 40 new pitches. One practical note: because the wall never sees direct sun, moss and lichen grow quickly on the holds. Bring a stiff brush to clean holds and keep excess chalk off the rock.
The Book Crag, Tanomah (Asir Province)
The Book is the third equipped crag in the Tanomah cluster, adding yet more variety to what is fast becoming Saudi Arabia’s most complete climbing destination. The granite here offers the same rough texture and diversity of features — cracks, pockets, slabs, and overhangs — that define the Asir climbing experience. A climbing guidebook for The Book is available from the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation.
With three crags within walking distance of each other, comfortable camping, friendly locals, and temperatures that rarely drop below 10°C or climb above 30°C, Tanomah is the destination to prioritise if you can only visit one area. For hikers and non-climbing partners, the surrounding juniper forests, terraced farms, and seasonal waterfalls offer plenty of alternatives.
NEOM Crag, Hisma Desert (Tabuk Region)
The NEOM Crag sits at 962 metres in the Hisma Desert, among the same red sandstone pillars that stretch across the border into Jordan’s Wadi Rum. The rock offers a completely different experience from the granite of the south: three-dimensional, sculpted flowstone on sheltered faces, and technical, balance-dependent climbing on the outer walls with natural crack features.
The first routes were equipped in 2021 by an Italian team — Read Macadam, Alex Ruscior, Andrea Botto, Piergiorggio Lotito, and Carlo Giuliberti — as part of NEOM’s Adventure Sport division. NEOM is developing 100 sport and traditional routes on the sandstone pillars, ranging from French 5 to 8a. In 2022, the area hosted an IFSC Climbing World Cup during the NEOM Beach Games, putting Saudi rock climbing on the global competition map.
Access note: The crag is inside the NEOM Wildlife Conservation Reserve. You need to book access per person and per vehicle through the “Discover NEOM” app. Exit the highway at Bajdah at the petrol station and follow the dirt road approximately 4 km to the reserve gate. A 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended. The nearest airport is Tabuk, with NEOM’s own airport also serving select routes.
Wadi Al Akhu, Hariq (Riyadh Region)
For climbers based in Riyadh, Wadi Al Akhu provides the closest outdoor climbing option. Located near the town of Hariq, roughly 90 minutes south of the capital, this desert crag features 38 routes graded from 3 to 7b+ on a mix of marble and limestone.
The climbing is short, technical, and characterised by uniquely sculpted edges and pockets. The first route was equipped in April 2019 by the Portuguese climber João Miquel, and the crag was subsequently developed by the SCHF. Because the wall faces generally north, shade can be found throughout the day, with only a few right-side sections catching brief afternoon sun.
Practical warning: Access requires a high-clearance vehicle. Park at the base camp and hike approximately 1 km to the wall, following a trail marked by cairns. The terrain is not child-friendly, and helmets are strongly recommended due to loose rock above some routes.
AlUla Crag (Medina Region)
The sandstone cliffs around AlUla offer a more accessible, guided climbing experience. The Ashar Valley is the primary climbing area, where professional instructors from The Warrior Group operate organised rock climbing sessions through the Experience AlUla platform. Routes suit all levels, from first-timers to experienced climbers, with secure anchor points and professional safety briefings.
Height restrictions apply (minimum 110 cm) and the weight range for harness equipment is 20–120 kg. Bookings can be made through experiencealula.com, with meeting at the Adventure Hub. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before your session. For non-climbers, AlUla offers hot air ballooning, heritage walking tours, and visits to the UNESCO-listed Hegra (Madain Saleh).
Climbing Grades and Route Summary
| Crag | Region | Rock Type | Routes | Grade Range (French) | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympic Crag, Al Shafa | Taif / Makkah | Granite | 38 | 4–8a | 2,300 m |
| Al Sharaf, Tanomah | Asir | Granite | 42 + 11 ext. | 4–8b | ~2,000 m |
| Wall of Shadows, Tanomah | Asir | Granite | 40 | 4–7c | ~2,000 m |
| The Book, Tanomah | Asir | Granite | 20+ | 4–7b | ~2,000 m |
| NEOM Crag, Hisma | Tabuk | Sandstone | 100 (planned) | 5–8a | 962 m |
| Wadi Al Akhu | Riyadh | Marble / Limestone | 38 | 3–7b+ | 1,000 m |
| AlUla Crag | Medina | Sandstone | Guided only | Beginner–Intermediate | ~700 m |
Guides, Operators, and Instruction
Granite Climbing (Nationwide)
Founded in 2021 by Abdulrahman Alabdu — Saudi Arabia’s first certified rock climbing instructor — Granite Climbing is the Kingdom’s leading adventure guiding company for outdoor climbing. Alabdu trained with the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) in Nevada and completed the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor programme in 2019. He leads private and group expeditions, consults for government and commercial climbing projects, and has personally bolted over 11 routes in the Tanomah area. Granite Climbing is the best option for visiting climbers who want a professional guide at any of the major outdoor crags.
Experience AlUla (AlUla Region)
The official tourism operator for the AlUla region runs structured rock climbing sessions in the Ashar Valley with professional instructors. Sessions are suitable for beginners and families, with all safety equipment provided. Book through the Experience AlUla website or the AlUla ticketing platform.
Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation
The SCHF is the national governing body for climbing in Saudi Arabia, established in 2018 as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 sports expansion (the number of sports federations in Saudi Arabia tripled between 2015 and 2022, now exceeding 95). The Federation manages the Saudi Bolting Project, publishes free crag guidebooks as downloadable PDFs on climbing.sa, licenses guides and instructors, and runs the Saudi Climbing Academy in Jeddah. Their website is the best single resource for crag topos, access directions, and development updates.
Indoor Climbing Gyms
Saudi Arabia’s indoor climbing scene has exploded since 2022, with dedicated gyms now operating in every major city. These are ideal for warming up before a trip to the crags, training during the hot summer months, or introducing newcomers to the sport.
Riyadh
- Climb Up — The capital’s largest bouldering centre, located in the Al Aarid district. Features walls for all levels from gentle slabs to aggressive overhangs and roofs. Open daily 4 PM–midnight. Membership starts from SAR 599 for three months.
- The Cave Climbing — A bouldering gym in the Al Nakheel district, popular with Riyadh’s growing climbing community.
- The Edge — Offers facilities for climbers of all levels at multiple locations. Visit theedge.sa for current schedules.
- Saudi Climbing Academy — The first facility of its kind, managed by the SCHF. Open to anyone aged 10 and above for try-outs and structured indoor climbing courses. The academy also runs competitive training programmes with international coaches.
- Jigsaw Climbing — Jeddah’s first dedicated bouldering gym, located on the 2nd floor of Stars Avenue Mall (Gate 3, King Abdul Aziz Road). Open 3 PM–11 PM daily (closed Sundays), ages 17+. Day passes and annual memberships available; a café corner serves coffee and snacks.
- Dyno Climbing Centre — Saudi Arabia’s first dedicated rock climbing centre, located on King Abdulaziz Road in the Al Nahdah district, Dammam. Features 150+ routes across auto belay, top rope, lead climbing, and bouldering walls, plus a MoonBoard for training. Open Monday–Wednesday 4–10 PM. Contact: +966 53 938 8809 or [email protected].
- Climbing shoes — Bring your own; rental options are limited outside indoor gyms and AlUla guided sessions
- Harness — Sport harness for single-pitch crags; alpine harness if planning multi-pitch
- Helmet — Strongly recommended at all outdoor crags, especially Wadi Al Akhu
- Rope — 60–70 m single rope covers all currently equipped routes
- Quickdraws — 12–15 sport quickdraws for the longest routes
- Chalk bag and chalk — Essential; humid conditions at highland crags can make hands sweaty
- Stiff brush — For cleaning lichen and excess chalk, particularly at the Wall of Shadows
- Sun protection — Hat, sunscreen (SPF 50+), and sunglasses; desert UV is intense
- Water — Carry at least 3 litres per person per day; there is no water at any outdoor crag
- Breathable, quick-drying clothing — Lightweight layers; a warm jacket for highland evenings when temperatures can drop to 10°C
- Olympic Crag (Al Shafa): Fly to Taif (TIF) or Jeddah (JED), then drive 45 min or 2.5 hrs respectively
- Tanomah crags: Fly to Abha (AHB), then drive approximately 2 hours north
- NEOM Crag: Fly to Tabuk (TBU) or NEOM Bay Airport (NUM), then drive with a 4×4
- Wadi Al Akhu: Drive 90 minutes south from Riyadh (RUH)
- AlUla: Fly to AlUla (ULH) on direct Saudia flights from Riyadh or Jeddah
- All SCHF-equipped routes use 316L stainless-steel glue-in bolts and Hilti RE500 epoxy. The hardware is modern and maintained, but always visually inspect bolts before clipping, especially at crags that see less traffic.
- Carry a first-aid kit. The nearest hospitals are in Tanomah, Taif, and Tabuk city — typically 30–60 minutes from the crags by car.
- Mobile phone signal is available at most crags but can be patchy in valleys. Save GPS coordinates offline before heading out.
- Weather in the Sarawat Mountains changes rapidly. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible from October through April. Retreat from exposed positions at the first sign of lightning.
- Saudi Arabia’s climbing areas are fragile desert and mountain ecosystems. Pack out all waste, including tape, food wrappers, and human waste from camping areas.
- Do not damage or mark rock surfaces. Several crags, particularly around AlUla and Hisma, contain ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions that are legally protected archaeological heritage.
- Stay on established trails to avoid disturbing vegetation and wildlife. The NEOM Reserve in particular has been re-wilded with native species.
- Brush holds with a stiff nylon brush, not a wire brush, to avoid permanently marking the rock.
- Indoor gyms in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam (see above). No experience needed; rental shoes and harnesses are available at all facilities. Climb Up and the Saudi Climbing Academy both welcome complete beginners aged 10+.
- AlUla guided sessions through Experience AlUla. Professional instructors handle all equipment and safety, routes are beginner-appropriate, and the setting — climbing sandstone walls surrounded by ancient Nabatean history — is unforgettable.
- Tanomah + Asir: Combine climbing with hiking in the Sarawat Mountains, visiting the cloud forests, or exploring the painted villages of Rijal Almaa near Abha.
- NEOM + Tabuk: After climbing the Hisma sandstone, explore the Tabuk region — including NEOM, Wadi Tayyib al-Ism, and the ancient site of Magna.
- AlUla: Pair a climbing session with visits to Hegra, Elephant Rock, and the Dadan archaeological site. See our AlUla travel guide for full details.
- Al Shafa + Taif: After a day on Olympic Crag, descend to Taif for rose gardens, honey farms, and the historic Shubra Palace.
- Red Sea coast: If you fly through Jeddah, add a day of diving or snorkelling in the Red Sea before heading to the mountains.
- climbing.sa — Official Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation website with free downloadable crag guidebooks, route topos, and access directions for all SCHF-equipped crags.
- mountainproject.com/area/107409398/saudi-arabia — Community-maintained route database with GPS coordinates, user photos, and grade opinions for Olympic Crag, Al Sharaf, Wall of Shadows, Wadi Al Akhu, NEOM, and AlUla.
- thecrag.com/climbing/saudi-arabia — Another comprehensive route database with tick lists and condition reports.
- 27crags.com/countries/saudi-arabia — Route listings and community reviews for Saudi crags.
- experiencealula.com — Booking platform for guided climbing sessions and other outdoor activities in AlUla.
- Saudi Arabia Hiking Guide — The best trails, mountains, and canyons across the Kingdom
- Abha and Asir Travel Guide — Cloud forests, painted villages, and mountain adventures in the southwest
- Tabuk Travel Guide — Gateway to NEOM, Hisma Desert, and the northwest frontier
- AlUla Travel Guide — Ancient heritage, sandstone landscapes, and adventure tourism
- Saudi Arabia Visa Guide — Every visa type explained, from tourist e-visas to transit permits
- Saudi Arabia Desert Safari Guide — Explore the Kingdom’s deserts beyond the crags
Jeddah
Dammam / Eastern Province
What to Bring: Gear and Equipment
Saudi Arabia does not yet have a mature outdoor gear retail market. Equipment is available from Decathlon stores in major cities and online retailers like noon.com, but selections are limited primarily to Black Diamond and Petzl brands. For specialty equipment or specific brands, purchase gear before arriving or order online.
Essential Gear Checklist
Cultural note: While climbing, dress modestly and respect prayer times. When camping near villages, introduce yourself to local residents — hospitality in the Asir and Tabuk regions is exceptional, and you may be invited for coffee and dates.
When to Climb: Season-by-Season Guide
| Season | Months | Conditions | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Season | November–February | 15–25°C at crags; clear skies; occasional rain in Asir highlands | All crags; ideal conditions everywhere |
| Shoulder Season | October, March–April | 20–30°C; comfortable mornings, warm afternoons | Highland crags (Tanomah, Al Shafa); shaded walls |
| Summer | May–September | 35–50°C at low elevations; 25–32°C in highlands | Indoor gyms only; highland crags possible early morning |
The highland crags of Tanomah and Al Shafa, both above 2,000 metres, are genuinely climbable year-round. The Wall of Shadows in particular, being permanently shaded, stays cool even in April. For desert crags like NEOM and Wadi Al Akhu, stick strictly to the October–March window.
Getting There and Getting Around
Saudi Arabia’s domestic flight network makes reaching climbing areas straightforward. Saudia, flynas, and flyadeal operate frequent services between Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Tabuk, and AlUla. For the latest entry requirements, check our Saudi Arabia visa guide — most visitors from 63 eligible countries can obtain a tourist e-visa online in minutes.
Recommended Airports by Crag
A rental car is essential for reaching every outdoor crag. For NEOM and Wadi Al Akhu, a 4×4 with high clearance is mandatory. GPS coordinates for each crag parking area are published in the SCHF guidebooks on climbing.sa.
Safety and Ethics
Climbing Safety
Environmental Ethics
Climbing for Beginners
If you have never climbed before, Saudi Arabia offers two excellent entry points:
For those who want to progress to outdoor independent climbing, consider hiring Abdulrahman Alabdu at Granite Climbing for a private or small-group session at one of the Tanomah crags. He is Saudi Arabia’s first AMGA-certified instructor and can teach everything from belaying fundamentals to lead climbing technique.
Combining Climbing with Other Adventures
Saudi Arabia’s climbing regions overlap with some of the country’s best destinations for other outdoor activities: