Geospatial Risk Modelling of Prehistoric Landscapes in Hyper‐Arid Environments: A GIS‐MCDM Approach Applied to Harrat Khaybar, Saudi Arabia

This study presents a comprehensive geospatial framework for assessing the vulnerability of prehistoric archaeological landscapes in Harrat Khaybar, Saudi Arabia. Utilizing a Multi‐Criteria Decision‐Making (MCDM) approach integrated with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and GIS, the research quantifies the spatial conflict between modern developmental expansion and ancient heritage. A total of 3112 archaeological features, including Mustatils, Desert Kites and Funerary Avenues, were analysed against six primary environmental and anthropogenic risk drivers: slope, elevation, soil type, distance to wadis, distance to vegetation and distance to infrastructure. The results reveal a critical conservation crisis, with 2076 features (66.7%) situated within High‐ and Very High‐risk zones. Statistical validation through Getis‐Ord Gi hotspot analysis and proximity metrics confirms that anthropogenic pressures, particularly road networks, represent the most proximal threat, with a median distance of only 385.3 m to high‐risk sites. The findings demonstrate that modern infrastructure is disproportionately encroaching upon ancient funerary corridors, outpacing natural erosion processes. This study provides a spatial risk exposure mapping tool for heritage managers, emphasizing the urgent need to integrate archaeological risk models into national urban planning to safeguard Arabia's prehistoric legacy amidst rapid regional development.