ABHA: In the high altitudes of Asir, green landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see offer a unique connection with nature.
Asir topped the destinations announced by the Saudi Summer 2021 program launched by the Saudi Tourism Authority through the “Visit Saudi” portal, under the slogan “Your Summer Mood.”
The program began on June 24 and will last until the end of September. It includes 11 tourist destinations, with over 500 touristic experiences in cooperation with more than 250 partners from the private sector.
Famous locations in the Asir region, which can be accessed through roads paved between mountains and greenery, include Shada Palace, the mud-walled embodiment of traditional architecture, which has been turned into a museum.
As one explores the region, the archaeological village of Rijal Almaa appears from atop a hill with its immortal image that dates back over 350 years. The village retains its glory and beauty, illustrated by the white quartz that adorns its structures from the outside and merges into the rural scenery from afar, with the green terraces that extend along the mountains and on all edges.
Heritage is seen as an eternal symbol throughout the region, and this is reflected in its residents, who are proud of their deep-rooted sense of belonging to the land.
The small neighborhood of Al-Muftaha village is a distinct cultural center characterized by bright murals and narrow lanes with beautiful art.
Despite the ideal scenic landscape, the spirit of adventure remains the major motive for enjoying the trip.
Riding the cable car is one of the most enjoyable experiences in the Asir region, with panoramic views that will be remembered forever.
The cable car journeys between the mountains, traveling through four stations, the first based on the Abha Palace Hotel.
The new Abha cable car station, which heads toward the Green Mountain, is exciting in daylight and picturesque at night. The mountain is lit with green neon lights whose warm glow can be seen from all over the city.
The third station is the Al-Soudah cable car, which transports passengers from the Jabal Al-Soudah to the village of Rijal Almaa. The last station is the Habala cable car, which extends toward the old village of Habala, and is the only means of transportation since it can only be reached by cable car.
After experiencing the cable car, tourists can visit the high city linked to the summit of the mountain. Mountain rocks were carved into walls and sidewalks on which the city rests. The high city has recently flourished with cafes, restaurants, and various recreational activities that cater to everyone’s taste.
The Asir region offers a wide range of nature scenes every day depending on the light, wind or rain. The image of the earth changes from bright and glowing on clear days to refreshingly wet after rain, and the air tends to cool as people ascend the hanging roads that rotate around mountains.
Asir, Saudi Arabia’s summer destination for nature lovers
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Asir, Saudi Arabia’s summer destination for nature lovers
- Famous locations in the Asir region include Shada Palace, the mud-walled embodiment of traditional architecture
Saudi Arabia gears up for Saudi Green Initiative Day on March 27
Riyadh: As Saudi Arabia prepares to mark Saudi Green Initiative Day on March 27, the Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.
The national event highlights Saudi Arabia’s efforts to combat climate change while fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In the lead-up to the occasion, the Saudi Green Initiative launched several interactive campaigns during Ramadan to encourage public participation in sustainable practices.
Social media users can still contribute by sharing their photos on the Saudi Green Initiative Day Photo Board, a show of the community’s dedication to eco-friendly initiatives.
The initiative’s mascot, Nomoor, continues to engage youth and children through the “30 Positive Steps to Protect the Environment” challenge, promoting sustainable habits across all age groups.
Three winners of the challenge will be announced on Saudi Green Initiative Day in recognition of their contributions.
With the submission deadline approaching, participants are encouraged to highlight their sustainable Ramadan practices and join the challenge.
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Green Initiative Day underscores the Kingdom’s ambitious sustainability goals, calling for collective action in climate efforts and environmental awareness.
Saudi Arabia condemns new Israeli agency for displacing Palestinians from Gaza Strip
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically rejects Israeli violations of international and humanitarian laws in the Gaza Strip
- Israel’s new agency will be tasked with relocating Palestinians to unspecified third countries
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel’s recognition of illegal settlements in the Occupied West Bank and the establishment of an agency aimed at displacing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip on Monday.
The ministry said it categorically rejects Israeli violations of international and humanitarian laws in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
“(Saudi Arabia condemns) Israeli occupation authorities’ announcement of the establishment of an agency aimed at displacing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip,” the ministry said in a statement.
Israel said it is creating a government agency to oversee the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip following approval from the Israeli security cabinet over the weekend.
Since late 2023, at least 50,000 people have been killed during the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip, and almost 1.9 million Palestinians in Gaza are now internally displaced.
Israel’s new agency will be tasked with relocating Palestinians to unspecified third countries under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence.
On Monday, Saudi Arabia also condemned the approval of 13 illegal settler outposts in the West Bank over the weekend. The Saudi ministry said that the decision was made “in preparation for their legalization as colonial settlements.”
It added that lasting peace can only be achieved if the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights and establish an independent state on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saudi deputy minister receives US embassy official
- Al-Khuraiji met Turkiye’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Emrullah Isler, the parties focusing on bilateral cooperation and ways to enhance it in various fields
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji recently received in Riyadh Alison Dilworth, the charge d’affaires ad interim of the US Embassy in the Kingdom.
The parties reviewed bilateral relations between the countries, as well as the latest regional and international developments, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.
Al-Khuraiji also met Turkiye’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Emrullah Isler, the parties focusing on bilateral cooperation and ways to enhance it in various fields.
Riyadh forum promotes cross-sector partnerships for sustainable development
- Event, held on Saudi Social Responsibility Day on March 23, raised awareness about the importance of social responsibility in community development and sustainable growth
- Saud Al-Subaie, chairman of the association, stressed the need for concerted efforts across all sectors to reinforce social responsibility
RIYADH: The Social Responsibility Association in Riyadh organized the second Social Responsibility Forum to integrate efforts across sectors to support sustainable development and Vision 2030.
The event, held on Saudi Social Responsibility Day on March 23, raised awareness about the importance of social responsibility in community development and sustainable growth.
It aimed to strengthen the role of companies in fostering this culture and contributing to societal, economic, and environmental development, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Saud Al-Subaie, chairman of the association, stressed the need for concerted efforts across all sectors to reinforce social responsibility.
He highlighted the complementary roles of the government, private, and nonprofit sectors in creating a positive impact on society and the economy, while promoting a culture of giving.
Abdullah Al-Muhanna, CEO of the association, noted its commitment to building effective partnerships and spreading social responsibility.
He said that the occasion serves as an opportunity to instil values of generosity and solidarity, while enhancing institutional contributions to community service.
Statistics from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development show that the percentage of major companies implementing social responsibility programs increased from 30 percent in 2019 to 65 percent by the end of 2023.
The forum featured two panel discussions on the role of the government, private, and nonprofit sectors in activating social responsibility.
The discussions also covered national experiences, governance of community work, and ways to instill a culture of social engagement among future generations.
Additionally, the forum addressed methods for measuring social responsibility outcomes and adopting impactful programs.
During the event, the Princess Al-Anoud Charity Foundation was honored for its contributions to community initiatives and sustainable development.
Several institutions, private sector entities, and individuals were also recognized for their work.
This year’s Saudi Social Responsibility Day, under the theme “We Commit to Our Social Responsibility,” reaffirmed the role of all entities in fostering a culture of generosity and citizenship.
The event is vital for entrenching the culture of giving and enhancing collaboration across sectors, contributing to sustainable development and raising awareness of commitments toward individuals and institutions.
Saudi Architecture Characters Map begins implementation with digital tools and training
- Initiative provides developers with guidelines for architectural styles
- Guidelines inspired by regional identities, aiming to reflect Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity
RIYADH: The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has started the next phase of the Saudi Architecture Characters Map rollout in Taif, Al-Ahsa, Asir, and Makkah following its official launch earlier this month.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Vice Minister of Municipalities and Housing Ihab AlHashani detailed the next steps and outlined the robust coordination efforts underway to ensure the project’s success.
AlHashani emphasized the long preparation behind the initiative: “The architectural map of Saudi Arabia is really a project that has been in the (works) for over two years, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.”
The ministry, he said, is concentrating on building awareness and preparing the industry for the upcoming rollout.
“The immediate step now that we have launched is really to kind of heighten awareness and start training some of the architects (to) launch in the four cities that were announced, at Taif, Al-Ahsa, Asir (and) Makkah.”
Saudi Architecture provides developers across the Kingdom with guidelines for building styles.
The Characters Map introduces 19 distinct architectural styles inspired by regional identities, aiming to reflect Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity through its built environment.
The long-term vision of the project is to create more walkable and sustainable cities.
“We are working on broader strategy to kind of develop the five, 10, 15-minute cities in Saudi Arabia, where you can go to work, do your basic needs with a walkable distance,” he said.
AlHashani stressed that training architects is crucial for smooth implementation. He noted the extensive groundwork already laid out before the public launch.
“We have a massive program ongoing, starting with the communication that we are doing now … this has the training started way before the launch, so to make sure that we hit the ground running. The efforts are significant.”
He also highlighted the technical and digital support behind the initiative. “There (are) the digital tools in place that have been implemented already, part of the Balady platform. And of course, the ongoing communications with … the municipalities, and of course, our partners, the regional development authorities,” he added.
Addressing the evolution of design influences, AlHashani explained how previous examples have informed the current codes. He remarked on the role that pioneering projects played in shaping the national approach.
“Any successful example of (an) architectural design guideline was taken into account in developing these codes … our designs (are) inspired somewhat by Diriyah … but mostly it’s more covering the entire area of the central region.”
Looking ahead, he confirmed that implementation is already visible on the ground.
He added that the rollout is set to accelerate, with numerous examples expected in the near future: “There will be many examples in the coming 12 months … of these guidelines being implemented on the ground.”
To ensure a uniform application of the new design codes, the ministry has integrated the guidelines into its licensing process. AlHashani explained how digital enforcement plays a key role.
“Balady platform already has kind of a geospatial element in it, where each zone is already linked to the license that is issued. So, if you apply for a license in Taif, then the guidelines will come up as the requirements that you will have to (adhere to) in terms of design.”
Public engagement and outreach are also essential components of the initiative. AlHashani underscored the breadth of the ministry’s reach through its extensive municipal network.
“The municipal sector is the largest sector in Saudi Arabia … that has access and reach to the citizen.
“You deal with the with us on a daily basis, even without you knowing. We have for instance 285 (municipalities). We have 17 amanahs (administrative divisions). We are present everywhere in Saudi Arabia.”
He further emphasized the role of workshops and stakeholder meetings as vital tools for ensuring that all parties are aligned with the new standards.
“More importantly (are) the kind of the workshops that we have with key stakeholders in (these) structures such as the architectural firms, the big developers, and of course, the giga projects.”
Looking to the future, AlHashani touched on the broader strategic goals that underpin the initiative.
He explained that success will not only be measured by the immediate application of design guidelines but also by their impact on urban planning, with “major (key performance indicators).”
With integrated digital tools, targeted training, and extensive stakeholder engagement, the Saudi Architecture Characters Map aims to redefine urban development across the Kingdom while remaining rooted in its rich cultural heritage.
