Monday, 17 August 2026

Wadi Jazan Draws Growing Visitor Numbers With Scenic Landscapes and Outdoor Recreation

Published: Saturday, August 01, 2026
Wadi Jazan Draws Growing Visitor Numbers With Scenic Landscapes and Outdoor Recreation

JAZAN, Saudi Arabia: Wadi Jazan is welcoming a growing number of visitors as its scenic waterways, green landscapes, and improved visitor facilities continue to enhance its reputation as one of the region's premier natural attractions.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) observed families and tourists enjoying the valley's picturesque surroundings, walking along newly developed paths overlooking the flowing streams, and spending time amid dense vegetation, mountain scenery, and peaceful natural settings that reflect the area's environmental diversity.

Recognised as one of Jazan Region's most notable natural landmarks, Wadi Jazan offers year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation. Its mild climate makes it an attractive destination for picnics, hiking, relaxation, and nature exploration.

Recent infrastructure improvements, including upgraded walkways, road access, and visitor services, have enhanced the overall experience while increasing the valley's ability to accommodate larger numbers of tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. These developments also contribute to regional tourism growth and improved quality of life.

Blending natural beauty with modern amenities, Wadi Jazan continues to strengthen its role as a leading ecotourism destination, supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to expand domestic tourism, protect natural resources, and enhance residents' quality of life.

Source: SPA

Al-Naslaa: A Geological Wonder Steeped in Ancient Heritage

Published: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Al-Naslaa: A Geological Wonder Steeped in Ancient Heritage

TABUK, Saudi Arabia: Two adjoining rock formations in southwestern Tayma Governorate have become one of the area’s most distinctive natural and cultural attractions, known collectively as Al-Naslaa, or the “twin” rock.

The formation is characterized by a remarkably straight and narrow gap that divides the two rock sections, creating the appearance of a precise split. Its name is derived from the Arabic word nasalat, meaning “to separate,” referring to the rock’s separation from the surrounding mountain formations.

Standing approximately eight meters high, Al-Naslaa rests on two natural rock bases, with each base supporting one side of the formation. Its unusual geological structure is complemented by ancient inscriptions and rock art carved into its surface.

The Heritage Commission says Al-Naslaa lies within a broader area known for its archaeological sites and extensive rock inscriptions. These remains reflect the long-standing historical importance of Tayma and the wider Tabuk Region.

For centuries, Tayma served as an important station along ancient trade routes crossing northwestern Arabia, connecting the area to broader networks of commerce and cultural exchange.

Today, Al-Naslaa is recognized as one of Saudi Arabia’s notable geological landmarks. The combination of its unusual natural formation and preserved inscriptions offers visitors a glimpse into both the geological evolution and human history of the surrounding landscape.

Source: SPA

Wadi Hanifah Offers a Different Side of Summer in Riyadh

Published: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Wadi Hanifah Offers a Different Side of Summer in Riyadh

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Wadi Hanifah is offering residents and visitors a chance to escape Riyadh’s fast-paced urban environment, combining rugged terrain, greenery and open spaces within one of the capital’s most prominent natural landmarks.

The valley is featured among the destinations promoted under the Saudi Summer 2026 program, held under the slogan “Summer Your Way.” The initiative highlights a broad range of attractions across the Kingdom, including natural, recreational and heritage destinations.

Extending across large areas of Riyadh, Wadi Hanifah has played an important role in the city’s history and development. Rehabilitation projects have helped protect its natural character while improving surrounding areas with facilities designed to support visitors and outdoor activities.

The valley features landscaped areas, walking trails, seating spaces, parks and viewpoints overlooking its terrain. These amenities have helped establish Wadi Hanifah as a popular destination for families, walkers and people seeking outdoor recreation.

The Wadi Hanifah Dam and surrounding areas are among the valley’s notable attractions, complemented by parks and other natural sites distributed along its length. Together, they provide additional leisure options within the capital while creating spaces where nature and the urban environment intersect.

The destination’s growing summer popularity reflects increasing interest in outdoor leisure among Riyadh residents and visitors. Its open-air setting provides an alternative to indoor entertainment and offers several ways to enjoy the city’s natural surroundings.

Wadi Hanifah forms part of the diverse experiences promoted through Saudi Summer 2026, which includes events and activities alongside natural, cultural, heritage and recreational attractions. The program seeks to encourage domestic tourism and highlight destinations across the Kingdom’s regions.

With its environmental, historical and recreational significance, Wadi Hanifah remains an important feature of Riyadh’s tourism landscape, providing a distinctive natural retreat in the capital and adding an outdoor dimension to the city’s summer experience.

Source: SPA

Sea of Clouds Transforms Aseer Mountains into a Stunning Summer Landscape

Published: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Sea of Clouds Transforms Aseer Mountains into a Stunning Summer Landscape

ASEER, Saudi Arabia: Thick clouds are sweeping across the mountains of the Aseer region, creating a striking summer landscape as mist moves along steep slopes, winding roads and agricultural terraces.

Aerial images captured by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) show historic villages and traditional terraces emerging through the fog, at times appearing to float above an expansive sea of white clouds. The scenery reflects both the region’s rugged geography and generations of local adaptation to life in the mountains.

For travelers exploring Aseer’s highlands, rapidly changing weather conditions can transform the landscape within minutes. Clear views of deep valleys and green forests can give way to dense fog, creating an atmospheric setting that adds a sense of mystery to the journey.

The region’s combination of sweeping cloud formations and moderate temperatures has further strengthened Aseer’s appeal as a leading summer destination in 2026. Viewpoints across the highlands provide visitors with opportunities to watch clouds rise from the valleys, creating panoramic scenes in which the mountains appear to drift across an endless white horizon.

Source: SPA

Jeddah Emerges as a Leading Red Sea Marine Tourism Destination in Summer 2026

Published: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Jeddah Emerges as a Leading Red Sea Marine Tourism Destination in Summer 2026

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: Jeddah is drawing increased attention as a summer tourism destination in 2026, with its Red Sea coastline offering visitors a combination of marine recreation, adventure and natural attractions.

Beyond its beaches, the governorate provides opportunities for boat excursions, diving, water sports and exploration. Offshore islands and coral reefs add to the area’s appeal, with reefs featuring a wide range of formations and colors that contribute to Jeddah’s distinctive marine landscape.

The governorate is strengthening its role as a gateway to Red Sea marine tourism by expanding access to coastal sites, boat trips and water-based activities. The growing range of experiences gives visitors opportunities to combine leisure and adventure while discovering the region’s marine environment.

Activity is currently increasing across 13 beaches and marine sites. To support visitors, operations are being backed by 34 field supervisors and 66 male and female lifeguards. The deployment is intended to improve safety, strengthen operational preparedness and maintain service standards as demand for coastal activities rises.

Visitors can select from four types of marine sports and experiences, in addition to boat trips to islands and coral reef locations. Together, these activities offer opportunities to explore the Red Sea’s natural diversity while enjoying recreational and sporting experiences on the water.

The development forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to expand its tourism industry and capitalize on the Red Sea’s natural and competitive advantages. It also supports the diversification of tourism destinations and products in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to increase tourism’s contribution to the national economy and improve quality of life.

Source: SPA

Al-Duqm Beach Draws Summer Visitors to Saudi Arabia’s Umluj Coast

Published: Saturday, August 08, 2026
Al-Duqm Beach Draws Summer Visitors to Saudi Arabia’s Umluj Coast

Al-Duqm Beach in Saudi Arabia’s Umluj Governorate is welcoming growing numbers of residents and visitors during the summer holiday season, offering a combination of scenic coastline and family-friendly recreational facilities.

The beach is known for its mild summer climate, palm-lined surroundings, green spaces, white sandy shores and clear turquoise waters. It has become one of the governorate’s notable tourism destinations.

Visitors can enjoy children’s play areas, shaded seating spaces, a seaside promenade and cafes overlooking the coast. The facilities provide families with a range of options for outdoor activities and leisure.

The beach remains open around the clock, making it accessible throughout the day. Visitor numbers typically increase during the morning and evening hours, when families gather for picnics, walks and other outdoor activities.

Source: SPA