RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Al Masmak Palace stands in the historic Al-Dirah district as one of Riyadh’s most significant heritage landmarks, offering visitors an opportunity to explore a pivotal chapter in Saudi Arabia’s history.

The palace played a central role in the country’s early unification. On Shawwal 5, 1319 AH, corresponding to January 15, 1902, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud recaptured Riyadh, an event that marked a major step toward the establishment and unification of the modern Saudi state.

Today, the palace combines its authentic Najdi architectural character with a modern museum experience. Exhibits feature artifacts, historical documents, rare photographs and interactive displays that recount the recapture of Riyadh and key developments in the Kingdom’s history.

Multimedia presentations add another dimension to the visitor experience, using modern museum technologies to present the story of Saudi Arabia’s founding in an accessible and engaging format.

The palace’s traditional architecture is itself a major attraction. Built in 1282 AH, equivalent to 1865, it was constructed using mud bricks and clay mixed with straw on stone foundations, reflecting the architectural traditions of the Najd region.

The structure features four defensive towers at its corners, along with Al-Murabba Tower, Al-Khokha Gate, a mosque, a well and inner courtyards. Together, these elements illustrate the defensive and residential design characteristics of traditional Najdi architecture.

Al Masmak Palace welcomes visitors throughout the week and is located near the Qasr Al-Hokm metro and bus station, as well as several heritage markets in the Al-Dirah district.

A visit to the palace offers more than a glimpse into the past, bringing together Saudi history, traditional architecture, museum displays and the cultural atmosphere of central Riyadh.

Source: SPA

HAIL, Saudi Arabia: Al-Hutaima Crater stands as a prominent geological landmark in the Hail Region, offering a glimpse into the ancient volcanic activity that helped shape the area’s landscape.

The crater is surrounded by dark volcanic rocks formed by historic lava flows, while thousands of years of erosion and weathering have gradually shaped its distinctive terrain.

According to the Encyclopedia of Saudi Arabia, Al-Hutaima measures approximately 1.25 kilometers in diameter and reaches a depth of 110 meters. Its interior contains a variety of geological features, including volcanic rocks, natural formations and sediment deposits on the crater floor.

These features reflect the geological processes and changes that have taken place at the site over long periods, giving the crater both scientific significance and visual appeal.

The site also provides broad views of the Salma Mountains and the surrounding landscape. Its combination of dramatic terrain and open desert scenery makes it a destination for photography, desert trips and exploration, particularly when weather conditions are more moderate.

Al-Hutaima also contributes to the potential of the Hail Region for ecotourism and geological tourism, offering visitors an opportunity to experience a landscape shaped by volcanic forces and natural erosion over thousands of years.

Source: SPA

ABHA, Saudi Arabia: Abha is taking on a lively character after sunset, with its cool mountain weather, city lights and varied natural attractions drawing visitors well into the night.

Tourist sites and open-air venues across the city are seeing increased activity, as residents and visitors gather at walking paths, parks, restaurants, cafes and mountain viewpoints. The moderate temperatures allow families and tourists to enjoy outdoor activities long after daylight fades.

Clouds and fog frequently forming across the surrounding highlands add to the nighttime atmosphere. Combined with illuminated urban areas and the mountainous landscape, the changing weather creates distinctive views that reinforce Abha’s appeal during the summer season.

Parks, promenades and other outdoor attractions continue to welcome visitors in the evening, offering a range of recreational activities and venues for those looking to spend time outdoors.

The increase in nighttime tourism is also supporting activity across Abha’s hospitality, entertainment, restaurant, cafe and retail sectors, as demand grows for evening experiences and outdoor destinations.

Abha’s vibrant after-dark tourism scene highlights the diversity of its summer offering. Its mountain scenery, mild climate, recreational facilities and visitor services combine to create a tourism experience that extends well beyond the daytime.

Source: SPA

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has instructed all air carriers and private airlines operating at the Kingdom’s airports to ensure passengers hold the documents required for their journeys.

Under a recent circular, airlines must verify that travelers have the necessary documentation to enter or leave Saudi Arabia and to reach their final destinations or transit points.

GACA directed carriers to check the latest travel requirements covering entry, exit and transit in the countries of departure, destination and transit. The information must be verified through official channels operated by the relevant authorities or through approved regulations.

The regulator also called on airlines to take appropriate measures during the boarding process to confirm that passengers possess all documents required by destination and transit countries.

GACA stressed that airlines must comply with all circulars, directives and instructions issued by the authority.

The measures are intended to strengthen compliance with international travel requirements and help prevent passengers from facing disruptions caused by incomplete or invalid documentation.

Source: Saudi Gazette

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

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