Mount Al-Haylah In Muhayil Aseer: Dormant Volcano Shapes Tourism And Geology

Mount Al-Haylah in Muhayil Governorate, Aseer Region, around 80 kilometres northwest of Abha, is drawing rising interest from both scientists and tourism planners. The mountain stands out for its dormant volcanic nature, clear geological features and its growing role in local tourism.

Specialists and local stakeholders view Mount Al-Haylah as an important natural asset that supports development plans in Muhayil Governorate. The site attracts researchers, visitors and investors who see value in its landscape, while also reflecting broader efforts to use natural resources in the Aseer Region.

Geography specialist Mohammed Harish stated that Mount Al-Haylah is classified as a dormant volcanic mountain formed thousands of years ago. Harish mentioned that it shows no current volcanic activity, which helps reassure visitors and supports plans to expand tourism services around the site.

According to Harish, the height of Mount Al-Haylah is estimated between 1,000 and 1,500 metres above sea level. The mountain is marked by obvious volcanic characteristics, such as craters and old lava channels, which stretch for several kilometres and display a clear record of earlier eruptions.

Harish pointed to extensive volcanic lava fields in western parts of Saudi Arabia, including areas around Mount Al-Haylah. The mountain forms part of wider western mountain chains, among them the Sarawat Mountains, which provide a broader setting for understanding regional geological changes over long periods.

On current geological activity, Harish explained that dormant volcanoes are generally unlikely to become active again and, if they do, activity tends to remain limited. Harish added that small earthquakes recorded in some western areas in recent years are linked to tectonic movement associated with the African Rift, highlighting the value of ongoing seismic monitoring.

Experts note that Mount Al-Haylah offers a clear example of how natural scenery, volcanic history and tourism development come together in one location. The mountain is seen as evidence of Earth’s changes over millions of years while also serving as a tourism and development site that supports Muhayil Governorate’s plans for its natural environments.

With inputs from SPA