Saudi Arabia's Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal Nature Reserve, a protected area covering 4,310 sq km across Dhurma, Al Muzahimiyah and surrounding areas, reported the Saudi Gazette. 

The Cabinet also approved the formation of the reserve's board of directors, it stated.

Ibrahim Al Sultan, the Minister of State, Cabinet member and CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, said the decision reflected the government's efforts to protect natural areas, develop nature reserves and preserve the kingdom's environmental, rural and cultural heritage.

The Cabinet also approved the formation of the reserve's board of directors.

As per the deal, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City will oversee the reserve's development and objectives, which include protecting ecosystems, restoring degraded areas and supporting economic and social development.

The commission will coordinate with relevant government authorities on plans to protect and rehabilitate areas surrounding the Tuwaiq Mountains and manage urban expansion, stated Al Sultan.

The plans will take into account the interests of residents, landowners and businesses while seeking to preserve the area's rural character and historical identity, he added.