Geotourism in the Middle East

Geotourism is an approach to tourism which starts with geology as a basis for understanding the environment. It comprises the ABC elements of the environment, that is, the Abiotic (non-living) elements of earth and climate, as these have shaped the Biotic (living) elements of plants and animals, which in turn have shaped the Cultural elements, both past (indigenous) and present (current population) and how they live. Unlike ecotourism, which focuses exclusively on the biotic environment, that is, natural areas, geotourism can occur in both urban and natural areas. This holistic approach to tourism is growing rapidly around the world. It is being developed by governments and business and is also powering UNESCO Global Geoparks which are now on virtually every continent. However, geotourism in the Middle East is a relatively new, emerging form of tourism. This chapter sets the scene by explaining what geotourism is, how is has grown across the world, and some of the emerging geotourism attractions in the Middle East.

Sand cover is extensive in Middle Eastern countries where massive sand dunes provide a dramatic reminder of the power of the wind to fashion and create iconic landscapes. Sand is also a huge topic of human interest and provides immense scope for a sand focused geo-guide who can offer a range of learning opportunities for the tourist. Because the occurrence, origin, and expression of sand in the environment is complex manifesting as sheets or sandplains of various depth and/or as different types of dunes, engaging a tourist demands some simplification of the science. This can be achieved by the tour guide gaining some understanding of relevant theory and exploring interpretive themes with tourists. Such themes can include mega geomorphological landscape features, macro level landforms, such as dunes, and investigation at the micro scale, where individual grains of sand can be examined with the assistance of visual aids.

Geoheritage and geodiversity visually and symbolically express the link between the physical and biological environment and cultural world. In the geoethical vision, their protection is fundamental since they are irreplaceable components of a non-renewable social and natural ‘capital’. Geoheritage and geodiversity become points of reference to redefine the intimate connection between human beings and Earth, thus assuming a value meaning to be placed at the basis of a new way of experiencing the territory. Initiatives such as geoparks or geotourism represent their concrete implementation, as activities capable of enhancing the environment and its geological landscape. Furthermore, their learning and enjoyment also foster a broader understanding of the significance of geosciences and their importance for the functioning of societies, as well as promoting interactions with local human communities, and the expansion of one’s spiritual and aesthetical dimension while living the interaction with nature. Responsible geotourism enhances sites and landscapes of geological significance, assuring their protection and the sustainable development of surrounding areas. Moreover, the use of those sites by citizens can increase their awareness and understanding of key issues to be faced by society, such as the sustainable use of geo-resources, the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change effects, and the reduction of risks related to natural and anthropogenic phenomena. Geotourism, therefore, also represents the common ground on which geosciences and social sciences can interact, offering undoubted advantages. Geotourism makes multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary work and cross-boundaries national and international collaboration visual and tangible; it produces an increase in public awareness and scientific knowledge; it improves the quality of life of the local population by creating incentives for economic development; finally, it drives society to behave and act more responsibly towards geodiversity and biodiversity. This chapter frames geotourism within geoethical thought, emphasising its formative contribution for the human being.

Recently, Geotourism (tourism with a geological base) has flourished on a global context and its demand has increased considerably. This tourism phenomenon is still new and has not gained traction in some world regions, such as the Middle East. Thus, exploring the scope of geotourism development in the Middle East is an urgent need and so far, few studies have investigated aspects of geological tourism in this region. Taken together, the Middle East is renowned for its outstanding and distinctive 'abiotic' (non-living) attractions and there is a great potential to provide holistic tourism experiences in a variety of geosites. An overview of the geotourism development in the Middle East is outlined in this chapter, including the characteristics of geotourism and geotourists, the main challenges for geotourism development, and geotoruism business and industry in the Middle East.

Egypt is one of the most important countries in the region for geotourism products which have a great scientific, historical and aesthetic development. These sites are abundant in natural diversity and include Wadi Al-Hitan, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Geotourism is not widely known in Egypt but the country has many geological sites that can enhance this branch of tourism. As such, it will enhance the competitiveness of the Egyptian tourism product. This chapter describes a number of geological attractions and focuses on five case studies including; Jebel Qatrani, Hassana Dome, Petrified Forest, Wadi Degla and Wadi Al-Hitan.

This chapter addresses Iran as an initiator of geotourism in the region with incomparable geological features and potential. Geological phenomena and attractions have been classified in a creative system according to their principles. The chapter reviews the geotourism potentials and the outstanding examples among them. The text goes further with the deliberation of opportunities and challenges in developing geotourism in the country. The subject will be discussed from different points of view and a number of suggestions and practical solutions will be provided.

Geotourism is emerging as a new form of regional tourism development in Iran. Qeshm Island is a well known tourism destination which was designated as the first Global Geopark in the Middle East in 2006 and became a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2017. The island and geopark attracts many visitors and this chapter explores the island’s residents’ perceptions of geotourism. Responses from 266 residents found that they held a reasonably positive view concerning the impacts of geotourism in their community. Most of the respondents agreed that they are happy with the development of geotourism on Qeshm Island but that there is an uneven distribution of benefits. However, they regard the positive socio-cultural and environmental impacts as outweighing the negative impacts.

Geoparks are unique natural geographic areas in which sites and landscapes of global geological importance can be managed to provide protection, education, and sustainable development. Geoparks revives recreational and scientific tourism to create sustainable local development under the auspices of local and international authorities. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) hosts many geoparks and aspires to include the most significant possible number of countries and expand global participation. Geopark aims to protect biodiversity and geo-heritage through the participation of local communities, increase the level of awareness and understanding of environmental and resource issues, as it includes the optimal and sustainable use of land resources, mitigating the effects of climate change, and reducing the effects of disasters such as earthquakes and landslides. Iraq includes geological and archaeological sites belonging to ancient civilizations, which left a vast heritage that was and still is the focus of tourists' attention. Therefore, it is worth activating tourism activity through education towards geo-tourism as a recreational community activity that combines culture, science, and economy.

Jordan has a great potential to be a significant regional and international geotourism destination. However, there are several obstacles to develop the geotourism industry in Jordan, such the weakness of tourism supply and the lack of established geotrails for tourists undertaking geotourism experiences. This chapter describes a variety of geotrails in a sample of Wadis in Jordan. It is anticipated that these geotrails have the potential to enhance the social, economic, and environmental aspects for the local communities adjacent to the selected geosites sites. Moreover, the geotrails could enrich the nature and scope of the geotourists experiences.

Geotourism is a form of natural area tourism that focuses on geology and natural heritage of the land. Geoconservation and geological heritage are considered now as a new challenge for geological research which concentrate on the preservation of sites of geological value. Oman is considered by geologists and geotourists as an open geologic book and a big wonderful outdoor geological Museum with unique geological features. The country offers many geological features which are spectacular or unique. The geological stories can be found everywhere in Oman, where one can explore the fascinating geology in one of the most varied and diverse landscapes – from gravel to sand to salt, Oman has a landscape, outcrop, archaeological sites, local culture and fascinating human stories or formation to suit everyone. Therefore, the country attracts more and more geosciences students to study geology in the field, as well as tourists to enjoy the spectacular scenery. As a consequence, thereof geological heritage is in danger of being destroyed due to lack of awareness, and the need to protect unique geological sites and landscapes.

Qatar is one of the most promising Middle Eastern countries in the field of geotourism, as it places a high priority on developing the tourism sector in general, particularly with the State of Qatar having hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022. Qatar is distinguished by its location in the east of the Arabian Peninsula on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, which has earned it the charm and beauty of both coastal and desert landscapes. As a result, there are many geological and geomorphological forms of rich beauty, whether on its coasts or between its desert folds, such as Fasht, Khor, Doha, Purple Island, Barchan Dunes, Dahool, Hazoom, Yardang, and others. These geographical locations entice many researchers and enthusiasts to visit the unique geological phenomena. Thus, the emphasis in this chapter is on highlighting the most important geological features in the country that can put Qatar on the map of global geotourism, as well as clarifying the facilities provided by the State of Qatar to attract more tourists and achieve sustainable tourism development.

Geotourism is considered one of the newest concepts within tourism studies today. It is based primarily on using geologically significant sites sustainably. There are many beautiful geological landmarks in Yemen that have not been thoroughly examined and documented by scientific institutions or official authorities. The term geological tourism has not been used in any scientific work at this time. Most studies have focused on other aspects of tourism, such as archaeological, medical and, ecotourism. This chapter is a step towards highlighting the concept of geotourism by reviewing some of Yemen's geological features. This growing type of tourism needs a great deal of joint efforts for specialists in the fields of tourism and geology to document the most important geological sites attractive to tourists. These scientific efforts will have a significant impact on highlighting and promoting the role of geotourism internally and externally to contribute to supporting the national economy in light of the war and instability in Yemen.

There are many factors that led to the formation of the geotourism sites in Saudi Arabia. Structural elements led to the formation of fantastic and diagnostic folds and fault systems in Wadi Fatima area. The role of the lithologic factors is well represented in the formation of karst landforms either on clastic sedimentary succession as in the area between Tabuk and Neom, Wadi Al Disah in the northwestern part of Saudi Arabia. Wadi Lajab and Hima areas in the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia are another example of the interaction between karstification and the structural elements (mainly faults). The carbonate karst landforms (tour karst, isolated cone hills and sinkholes) are present in the Late Jurassic carbonate succession of Tuwaiq mountains and Wadi Hanifah areas. Caves are recorded within the lava tubes of the harrat of the western part of Saudi Arabia. Primary structures within the Tertiary volcanic rocks (harrat) are mainly represented by columnar joints in Al Shinan area (Al Fayd, Hail region) and in Assir terrain in southwestern part of Saudi Arabia. Another cave system is described in the northeastern part of Saudi Arabia along the lithologic transition from the clastics of Wasi Formation and the overlying carbonates of Urmah Formation.

The provincial land of Zonguldak in Türkiye contains many caves due to its tectonic and climatic features, especially its lithological features. This chapter reports on a study aimed at analysing the caves in the Zonguldak province through Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to determine their geotourism potential by creating suitability zones with the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) method. Factors used in multi-criteria decision analysis method include the distance to roads, settlements and port locations, elevation, slope and aspect. On the basis of the results obtained, it is argued that 42.11% of all caves in the study area are located in highly sensitive areas in regard to geotourism potential.

The aim of this chapter is to focus on geotourism in Palestine as a tourist pattern that has recently emerged in the world, and the interest of a special group of tourists in this type of natural tourism. This study investigates Palestine in general with regard to the political, historical, touristic, social and economic reality, etc. Also highlights the importance of Palestine by the availability of many sites that contain terrain and geological forms that promote this type of tourism. Despite the lack of interest in geo-tourism and not activating it as required by the relevant authorities. Also, geotourism is still in very low demand from local and international tourists, for reasons that are due to its marketing in Palestine. Therefore, the competent authorities must invest this type of tourism product and present it on the tourism map. Furthermore, maintaining and developing these geological sites creates job opportunities for young generations, enhances their national affiliation, and increases the income of the local communities surrounding these sites by stimulating the tourism movement and exploiting them in the required manner that is commensurate with the geological location and achieves sustainability. Despite the political challenges facing Palestine, it is possible to achieve this type of tourism through scientific and academic cooperation, business owners, and governmental and non-governmental institutions in the advancement and benefit from the experiences of neighboring and foreign advanced countries in geotourism.

The UAE has had notable tourism growth in the few last years, especially, in Dubai city, which is considered an international iconic MICE tourism destination. Nonetheless, The Emirates has a rich geodiversity and biodiversity which can play a significant role in providing holistic nature-based tourism experiences. Despite having a number of types of tourism in the UAE, geotourism (tourism with a geological basis) is still limited. Thus, this chapter provides an overview about the status quo of geotourism in the country. It identifies some potential geotourism destinations and products and notes some barriers for this type of development to occur.

Geotourism in the Middle East is poorly studied and there is little published data on such tourism. Toward bridging this gap in the pertinent literature, this book explores the potential developments of geotourism in the Middle East, by introducing several cases studies from a sample of countries in the Middle East. Furthermore, the future of the geotourism phenomenon in the region has been discussed.