It is a well spread 'myth' that this huge hole in the ground is a meteorite crater (hole caused by a star strike in local terminology). In fact, it is a naturally formed hole by collapsing limestone.
Sinkholes, as these are called, are natural depression or holes in the Earth's surface caused by dissolving minerals that normally happens in sandstone.
This sinkhole was said to have full of water reaching ground level in the past though the water level dropped dramatically in recent times. A pump house has been built by Aramco in 1930 which irrigated water in the region. As the water level went down, the skeletons of heavy pumping machines remain corroded these days.
Sight of this huge hole induces fear as it is easy for one to slip into the pit. Still, visitors can be seen standing at the edges. Cracks have been formed at the edges for further falls.
Courtesy: www.splendidarabia.com