JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is radically expanding its leisure, tourism and hospitality sectors as it opens to international travelers. One attraction in particular could give the tourism industry an ace up its sleeve: The Soudah and “Tahlal” mountains in Rijal Almaa.
Soudah is home to the highest peak in Saudi Arabia, about 3,000 meters above sea level, and has long been popular with locals for its mild year-round temperatures.
Together with its rich history and breathtaking views, this mountainous region has all the makings of a top tourist destination.
The Soudah Development Co. was launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, chairman of the Public Investment Fund PIF, to help Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa in the Asir region grow into a world-class tourist destination.
Soudah and Rijal Almaa boast a combination of geographic, historical and cultural diversity that gives visitors an authentic sense of social connection and cultural immersion, and provide them with a variety of residential and recreational options.
The site of the project was chosen with great care, as it combines all elements of natural beauty historical depth and human values based on Arab and Islamic heritage.
The place drew the attention of Western researchers and scholars for decades, such as the American engineer Karl Twitchell, who was commissioned by Saudi founder King Abdul Aziz to search for water.
The writer Abdullah bin Ali bin Hamid quoted Twitchell describing the beauty of the Soudah mountains and its water sources.
In one of his articles, compiled by his son, the former president of Abha Literary Club, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Hamid, into a book titled “Knowledge from Asir,” he pointed out that Jabal Tahlal, which Soudah is part of, was known by several names, including “Jabal Asir,” the “Green Mountain” or “Tawr Al-Ghamam,” all indications of the beauty and heritage of the place in popular memory.
Soudah attracts about 1 million visitors a year, and the SDC hopes to develop a destination that will attract as many as 2 million annually by 2030.
The area is also filled with natural economic resources such as iron. Professor of history at King Khalid University Dr. Ahmed Al-Fayeh pointed out that the inhabitants of the area used to extract minerals used in traditional industries, especially iron and lead, in addition to sulphur compounds used in the manufacture of knives, daggers, janbia and swords.
These areas were also known for pottery and leather industries.
The impressive natural wealth on which modern tourism projects were based includes juniper forests and wild olive trees, as well as hundreds of other trees and shrubs that form one large green space, due to mild summer weather where temperatures do not exceed 20 C with an average annual rainfall of 300 to 500 mm.
The high mountains come together with the dense forests to provide a rare investment and tourism environment, relying on nature’s components while preserving the flora and fauna, namely swallows, turtle doves, and wild pigeons, whose chirping forms a natural melody mixed with burbling water flowing through mountain forests.
The SDC infused SR11 billion ($3 billion) into local infrastructure. Planned developments include 2,700 hotel rooms, 1,300 residential units, and 30 commercial and entertainment attractions.
The project aims to boost the quality of services provided in the project area, by investing in infrastructure development though more than 20 projects worth more than SR3 billion.
Soudah and Rijal Almaa: Where Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty opens up to the world
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Soudah and Rijal Almaa: Where Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty opens up to the world
- Soudah and Rijal Almaa boast a combination of geographic, historical and cultural diversity that gives visitors an authentic sense of social connection and cultural immersion
Busy bees: Asir’s local markets abuzz over Sidr honey season
- Unique taste, aroma make it popular locally, internationally
RIYADH: The Asir region is currently in the midst of the Sidr honey season, with local markets flooded with high-quality honey produced from the nectar of Sidr trees.
The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Sidr honey, which is renowned for its health benefits, is particularly prized for its antioxidant properties and ability to strengthen the immune system.
The unique taste and aroma of the honey have made it a sought-after commodity, both locally and internationally, the SPA reported.
Beekeepers in Tihama Asir have been busy harvesting the golden nectar, with prices ranging from SR350 to SR500 ($93-133) per kg.
The region’s diverse ecosystem, characterized by its fertile valleys and abundant flora, provides an optimal environment for beekeeping.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is actively supporting the development of the beekeeping industry. Initiatives such as the beekeeping and honey production development initiative improve practices, protect bee populations, and enhance the quality of honey.
By promoting sustainable beekeeping and preserving the natural habitats of bees, the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its position as a leading producer of high-quality honey while contributing to the global market.
Saudi Reef Forum to focus on rural sustainability
- Al-Ahsa event to promote communities’ role in economic growth
RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture will host the 1st International Forum for Saudi Reef in Al-Ahsa from Dec. 16-18, aiming to strengthen rural communities, and promote their role in driving sustainable development.
Maha Aldhahi, head of the forum’s executive committee, said: “The forum is pivotal in advancing rural development, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Saudi Vision 2030. It will support rural communities, while contributing to global efforts and research on sustainable agriculture.”
Aldhahi said that the forum will unite regional and international experts to address the challenge of rural-to-urban migration, a widespread issue. To counter this, the forum will propose practical solutions to ensure rural areas remain economically viable, vibrant, and sustainable.
Additionally, it will explore innovations in agriculture and rural development, fostering economic growth and social cohesion through job creation and investment promotion, she added.
Aldhahi said that the forum builds on the Saudi Reef Program, recognized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization as the world’s largest development initiative of its kind.
The program has supported over 77,000 agricultural projects, achieved a self-sufficiency rate exceeding 65 percent in vital sectors, and provided upskilling and career opportunities for rural communities.
Ghassan Bakri, secretary-general of the Saudi Reef Program, said: “The program is a model of sustainable growth, addressing food security and job creation while preserving cultural heritage. By hosting this forum, we aim to attract global partnerships and exchange cutting-edge solutions for rural empowerment.”
Bakri added that the forum will feature dynamic discussions on key topics, including sustainable agricultural practices, rural entrepreneurship, and the role of modern technology in agriculture.
The three-day event will also include an exhibition showcasing unique rural practices, handicrafts, and the work of local farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. It will highlight how traditional techniques integrate with modern innovations to create sustainable livelihoods.
Kingdom arrests 19,696 illegals in one week
- A total of 11,336 people were arrested for violations of residency laws
Riyadh: Saudi authorities arrested 19,696 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
According to an official report, a total of 11,336 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 5,176 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,184 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,547 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 65 percent were Ethiopian, 32 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 71 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 22 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Gaza victims praise Saudi Arabia’s lifesaving humanitarian efforts
Riyadh: Palestinians in Gaza who received Saudi aid have expressed gratitude to the Kingdom for its humanitarian support through aid agency KSrelief.
They likened the Saudi assistance to rain that quenches their thirst for hope, alleviates suffering and rekindles optimism amid immense challenges, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Samaher Eid Awkal, 47, said she struggled with health issues while living in Khan Younis with her blind mother in a basic tent. She thanked KSrelief for providing her family with a suitable tent, which has eased their hardship and restored hope.
A Gaza mother who endured freezing conditions with her children without shelter also expressed appreciation after receiving essential aid. She described the support as a source of joy and hope during difficult times.
Mahmoud Nabil Abu Alwan, displaced from Rafah to Mawasi in Khan Younis, thanked KSrelief after he received a new tent. He previously lived in a dilapidated tent borrowed from relatives amid shelling and harsh displacement conditions.
Saudi Orchestra performance in Tokyo helps ‘bridge cultural boundaries,’ CEO says
TOKYO: The Saudi National Orchestra’s performance in Tokyo is “bridging cultural boundaries” as part of Vision 2030, the CEO of the Kingdom’s top music body has said.
Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, added that music has a “very important part to play in each of the three main pillars of Vision 2030” as it represents a proud nation, a vibrant society and diversified economy.
Bringing the Saudi National Orchestra to Tokyo has given people the opportunity “to communicate with our language and it allows everybody to come together and share an experience that allows us to appreciate each other’s cultures, and really to be in harmony,” Pacifico said.
“And that’s why I think it’s so special that the orchestra is here for the first time.”
The program for the performance last night included traditional music directed by Saudi director Reab Ahmed, as well as the Japanese Imperial Court Orchestra “Gagaku.”
Pacifico said: “We’re able to show Saudi culture on one of the most prestigious stages in one of the world’s great cultural capitals here at Tokyo Opera City, and we’re doing that with authentic Saudi music, and authentic traditional Japanese music with Gagaku.
“But also with that great fusion between the two sets of musicians coming together and doing something really unique and beautiful.
“The Saudi National Orchestra and choir is really at the vanguard of developing the music landscape in Saudi Arabia as it builds the depth and richness and uniqueness of its beautiful culture, both traditional and modern.”
Pacifico said it was “an honor” to share the stage with the Japanese Imperial Orchestra performers. “It also shows how our cultures are different and yet similar: The regard for tradition and modernity, the appreciation of music, the sense of formality in public, but warmth and a sense of fun as well in private.”
He hoped that Friday’s performance was not a one-off but the foundation of a rich and longstanding collaboration with “our Japanese friends, the Tokyo College of Music, who we’re collaborating with on this concert.
“We hope that Saudi artists will start to have opportunities to play on stages here in Tokyo, like the Blue Note and Billboard Live and the Cotton Club, or festivals like Summer Sonic or Fuji Rock. And equally, we’d love to see Japanese artists playing more in Riyadh and all over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“Saudi Arabia has a very exciting story to tell.”
