ABSTRACT
The ophiolitic belts of the Arabian Shield occur along suture zones between tectonic provinces which could be either island arcs or microplates. Six belts were recognized. From east to west, these are: Al-Amar – Idsas, Humayyan – Halaban, Al-Bijadiyah – Halaban, Bir Tuluha – Hamdah “Nabitah”, Bir Umq – Jabal Thurwah, and Jabal Al-Wask – Jabal Ess “Al’Ays – Oweined” belts. These belts are believed to be of upper Proterozoic age emplaced between 850-700 Ma during accretion and collision of various tectonic provinces. The geotectonic setting of each of these belts is discussed and interpreted. Most of them are believed to have formed in subduction-related environments as obducted slices, while others formed in rift-related settings.
