Slow Mobilities and Heritage Landscapes in the Middle East: A Comparative Study of Oman, Jordan and Saudi Arabia

A comparative analysis of three culturally significant Middle Eastern landscapes—Jabal Akhdar and Jabal Shams (Oman), Wadi Rum (Jordan), and AlUla (Saudi Arabia)—reveals that slow mobilities, characterized by low-velocity movement patterns, play a pivotal role in shaping heritage landscapes. The study demonstrates how these mobility dynamics influence geological processes, land use, and community spatial organization, thereby contributing to the preservation of both cultural and natural heritage. By integrating extensive field research with geomorphological analysis, the findings underscore the significance of these landscapes as living links between past, present, and future human-environment relationships. This work provides a framework for understanding how mobility patterns can inform conservation strategies in regions where geological and cultural evolution are intricately intertwined.

Zavettieri, G. G. (2025). Slow Mobilities and Heritage Landscapes in the Middle East: A Comparative Study of Oman, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Bollettino Della Società Geografica Italiana, 101–115. https://doi.org/10.36253/bsgi-7515