In Najran, history lingers in the air carried on a dry wind scented with frankincense, sharp and sweet. Once the heart of Arabia’s ancient incense trade, the southern city still bears traces of that legacy, its fragrance clinging to streets and stories alike.

In Najran’s Old City, narrow sunlit alleys weave between mud-brick towers adorned with intricate designs. The walls, cool and faintly scented with clay and ash, seem to whisper the memories of generations past.

At the city’s edge lies Al-Ukhdood, a vast archaeological site marked by trenches, soot-blackened stones, and silent echoes of a tragic event mentioned in the Qur’an. Here, goats graze freely as a young boy scrolls through his phone, leaning against stones that have witnessed centuries of empires rising and falling. In Najran, history does not sleep — it quietly hums beneath your feet.

A short distance away, the Thursday Market bursts into color and rhythm. The quiet of antiquity gives way to the vibrance of daily life. Silver jambiya daggers gleam in the sun, sticky dates glisten on wooden tables, and vivid fabrics ripple like desert banners in the breeze. Vendors serve qishr, a traditional ginger coffee whose spicy aroma and warmth connect the present with a deep, familiar past.

Standing tall above the palm groves, Al-Aan Palace glows golden in the late afternoon light, its mud towers offering panoramic views of Najran’s lush date farms and the crimson sweep of the Tuwaiq Escarpment beyond. The climb to its rooftop is rewarded with stillness — an awe wrapped in quiet reflection.

South of the city, the desert road leads to Bir Hima, where 7,000-year-old rock carvings depict hunters, animals, and ancient rituals. Under the blazing sun, visitors sip thick, sweet tea while imagining those early artists etching their stories into stone.

Adventurers can explore Wadi Najran by bicycle, winding through rugged cliffs and shifting sands. Here, shepherds guide their flocks against a backdrop of silence and wind, reminding travelers that the desert is not to be conquered but respected.

As evening descends, Najran slows into a tranquil hush. The scent of incense and dust fills the air, and the horizon glows purple and gold. It is a place that engages every sense the sting of ginger, the cool touch of carved stone, the faint smoke that clings to your clothes. Najran is not a city one simply visits; it becomes part of you.

When night falls, the city’s soul emerges. In the souk, date vendors, clay homes, and roadside tea stalls reveal a culture built on generosity and trust. Visitors are offered water without question, tea without price, and, often, a seat at a stranger’s table. Beneath the moonlight, conversations drift toward life’s simplicity and the peace found in shared humanity a side of Najran unseen on any guided tour.

To truly know Najran, you must stay awhile. Wander its alleys, share its tea, breathe its incense, and listen. You’ll discover that Najran isn’t just a destination it’s a living memory.

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), has announced the opening of SEVEN Tabuk, expanding its entertainment network and supporting the Kingdom’s quality-of-life and regional development goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

SEVEN Chairman Abdullah Al Dawood said the opening represents another step in the company’s strategy to develop accessible entertainment destinations that are closely connected to the communities they serve.

SEVEN Tabuk is the company’s second entertainment destination, following SEVEN Abha, as SEVEN continues its plans to establish destinations across Saudi Arabia.

Located within Tabuk city, the fully indoor, all-weather destination is designed for everyday entertainment, offering residents and visitors a wide range of activities without requiring long-distance travel.

The destination operates from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekends and from 4:00 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, while Scene Cinemas operates daily from 4:00 p.m. until 3:30 a.m.

SEVEN Tabuk combines international attractions with locally developed concepts. Key offerings include Discovery Adventures, featuring immersive exploration-themed environments, and Hot Wheels E-Karting, an interactive karting experience inspired by the global brand.

The destination also features SEVEN’s homegrown concepts, including Kawaken, Kawaken Junior, GolFi, Cyber Bowling and Scene Cinemas, providing entertainment options for families, young people and a broad range of visitors.

Beyond entertainment, SEVEN Tabuk is expected to contribute to the city’s wider development by supporting local employment and strengthening partnerships with local businesses.

The opening further reinforces Tabuk’s position as an emerging leisure destination in northern Saudi Arabia while expanding access to entertainment experiences across the Kingdom.

Source: SPA

Green spaces and public parks across Makkah are playing an important role in improving the city’s urban environment and creating more comfortable spaces for residents, visitors and pilgrims.

The city has 290 public parks, many of which feature landscaped green areas, safe pedestrian walkways, sports facilities, courtyards, shaded seating areas, service amenities and playgrounds.

These spaces help provide shade, reduce heat absorption from urban surfaces and offer areas for movement, recreation and rest.

The development and maintenance of parks are particularly important in Makkah, which welcomes millions of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors throughout the year.

Expanding landscaping, shaded areas and open pedestrian spaces forms part of broader efforts to improve the pilgrim experience by creating a more comfortable and accessible urban environment.

The parks also complement Makkah’s wider network of services and facilities, supporting the city’s efforts to enhance quality of life while accommodating the needs of its residents and millions of visitors.

Source: SPA

Irqah Village, one of the oldest settlements in Riyadh Region, is showcasing more than 1,000 years of history through its traditional architecture, heritage sites and cultural experiences.

Once a thriving agricultural center, the village developed around mud-brick homes, historic mosques, farms and water sources, creating a distinctive architectural and social identity.

At the heart of the historic village, Bayt Isa recreates aspects of traditional Najdi life through its majlis, cafés, heritage pathways, courtyards and rooftops. The heritage house offers visitors an immersive experience reflecting the architectural style and social traditions of the Najdi environment.

Handicrafts further enrich the experience, with workshops helping revive traditional skills passed down through generations. Local outlets also provide artisans with opportunities to display and sell their work, linking cultural heritage with its social and economic roots.

Since opening, Irqah Village has welcomed more than 15,000 visitors, supported over 50 cottage-industry families and hosted filming by more than 20 production companies.

The village has also generated more than three million digital views and interactions, highlighting its growing popularity and the potential of its heritage spaces for tourism, culture and creative activities.

Source: SPA