Forests and vegetation cover remain among Al-Baha Region’s most prominent environmental features, supported by its varied terrain, elevations and contrasting ecosystems.

Stretching from the Sarawat Mountains to the Tihama coastal plain, the region is home to diverse plant life, including forests, trees, shrubs and wild plants adapted to different elevations and environments.

Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Qudwa, Director General of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) in Al-Baha Region, said the region has 105 forests covering approximately 221,000 hectares.

The region’s vegetation includes several important plant communities, particularly juniper, acacia, tamarisk and Acacia tortilis, contributing to its ecological diversity and natural character.

The extensive forest cover highlights Al-Baha’s environmental importance and its potential for nature-based tourism and outdoor recreation.

Source: SPA

Forests and vegetation cover remain among Al-Baha Region’s most prominent environmental features, supported by its varied terrain, elevations and contrasting ecosystems.

Stretching from the Sarawat Mountains to the Tihama coastal plain, the region is home to diverse plant life, including forests, trees, shrubs and wild plants adapted to different elevations and environments.

Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Qudwa, Director General of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) in Al-Baha Region, said the region has 105 forests covering approximately 221,000 hectares.

The region’s vegetation includes several important plant communities, particularly juniper, acacia, tamarisk and Acacia tortilis, contributing to its ecological diversity and natural character.

The extensive forest cover highlights Al-Baha’s environmental importance and its potential for nature-based tourism and outdoor recreation.

Source: SPA

Al-Mudamdamah Valley in Al-Ardah Governorate emerges as a striking natural destination following rainfall, as flowing water transforms its rocky landscape into a series of cascading waterfalls.

Located around 12 kilometers northwest of the governorate, the valley’s waterways wind through rock formations and trees, creating scenic views that highlight the natural diversity of Jazan Region.

Following rainfall, the valley attracts residents and visitors who gather along its banks to watch the flowing waters, enjoy the waterfalls and capture photographs of the surrounding landscape.

The seasonal transformation underscores the recreational and tourism potential of Jazan’s valleys, which become popular outdoor destinations during periods of rainfall.

Al-Mudamdamah Valley offers visitors a chance to experience the region’s natural beauty while enjoying a peaceful setting away from urban areas.

Source: SPA

Wadi Haras has emerged as a notable natural attraction and summer destination in Najran Region, offering visitors a combination of green landscapes, mountain scenery and mild weather.

Located about 70 kilometers west of Najran city in the mountainous highlands of Badr Al-Janoub Governorate, the valley is surrounded by towering peaks and covered with seasonal grasses and native vegetation.

Acacia and jujube trees are scattered across the valley, providing shaded areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the surrounding landscape.

The area’s varied terrain and natural environment have made Wadi Haras increasingly attractive to hikers, campers and photography enthusiasts seeking outdoor experiences away from urban areas.

Seasonal rainfall contributes to the expansion of the valley’s green spaces, enhancing its appeal during the summer months and highlighting the ecological diversity of Najran’s mountainous governorates.

Wadi Haras also reflects the region’s growing potential for eco-tourism, offering a natural setting for recreation, leisure and exploration while showcasing the distinctive landscapes of southwestern Saudi Arabia.

Source: SPA

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