Salma Geopark in Saudi Arabia’s Hail Region is showcasing a rich combination of geological formations, volcanic landscapes and historical sites, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the region’s natural heritage and its links to human settlement.

The site was officially designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark in April 2025. Covering more than 3,145 square kilometres, the geopark contains rock formations shaped during successive periods of geological history.

Abdullah Al-Buraiki, Director General of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) branch in Hail Region, said the geopark is notable for its wide range of geological features, including volcanic formations, craters and volcanic cones.

The area’s significance also extends beyond its geological landscape. Surrounding historical and archaeological sites include Faid Historic City and the historic Darb Zubaydah, also known as Zubaydah’s Trail, adding a strong cultural dimension to the destination.

The inclusion of Salma Geopark in the UNESCO Global Geoparks network is expected to raise its international profile and support the development of geological and cultural tourism.

The designation also provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the region’s natural and human heritage while encouraging efforts to protect and preserve its geological, archaeological and cultural assets.

Source: SPA

The mountain valleys of Saudi Arabia’s Jazan Region offer visitors a mix of rugged terrain, natural forests, rock formations and agricultural landscapes. Among these destinations, Wadi Qura in Baish Governorate stands out for its green farmland, scenic mountain views and rural atmosphere.

Agriculture remains central to the valley’s landscape and local heritage. Fertile soil has supported farming communities for generations, with cultivated fields stretching along the valley’s banks. Following rainfall, the surrounding land becomes greener, highlighting the area's natural beauty and its longstanding connection to agriculture.

The valley is particularly appealing to outdoor enthusiasts during the rainy season and periods of mild weather. Its open spaces and natural surroundings provide opportunities to explore the landscape, enjoy time outdoors and experience a quieter alternative to crowded urban destinations.

With its combination of agricultural heritage and mountain scenery, Wadi Qura offers visitors an opportunity to discover the rural character and natural attractions of the Jazan Region.

Source: SPA

The governorate features agricultural plains, valleys, traditional villages, coastal areas, heritage sites and local markets. These attractions, alongside ongoing development initiatives, offer a variety of recreational opportunities and contribute to Samtah’s growing prominence as a tourism destination within Jazan Region.

Jazan Municipality, through Samtah Municipality and the municipalities of Al-Suhay and Al-Qafal, has undertaken 156 completed and ongoing projects valued at a combined SAR1.628 billion. The initiatives aim to modernise infrastructure, improve urban aesthetics and raise the quality of municipal services.

Of the total, 89 projects have been completed at a cost of SAR822 million, while 67 projects worth SAR806 million remain underway.

The projects cover road construction and paving, sidewalk development, street lighting, rainwater and floodwater drainage systems, and improvements to gardens, parks and municipal facilities. Additional development and service initiatives are also included in the programme.

The investments are expected to improve the capacity of Samtah and the centres of Al-Suhay and Al-Qafal to accommodate tourists and holidaymakers. By upgrading public infrastructure and services, the projects also aim to create a more supportive environment for tourism and investment.

The initiative seeks to make better use of the governorate’s natural scenery, coastal locations and cultural heritage, further reinforcing its role in Jazan Region’s tourism development.

Source: SPA

Located about 80 kilometers from Jizan city, Wadi Dhahaya in the Balghazi Mountains of Al-Aydabi Governorate is emerging as a notable destination for rural tourism, known for its agricultural terraces, seasonal waterfalls and rich plant life.

The valley stretches through rugged mountain terrain, surrounded by green terraces, traditional stone-built settlements and streams that flow seasonally. During periods of rainfall, water cascading down the slopes combines with mist-covered peaks and terraced hills to create striking landscapes that attract eco-tourists and photographers.

The centuries-old agricultural terraces also reflect the traditional farming practices of local mountain communities. Farmers carved productive plots into steep slopes, creating cultivable land across otherwise challenging terrain.

Wadi Dhahaya is also an important habitat for wild Dhahyan trees, which support the production of the region’s prized Dhahyan honey. Sidr, acacia and juniper trees are also found throughout the area.

The combination of natural scenery, access to local beekeeping activities and the region’s agricultural heritage is helping strengthen Wadi Dhahaya’s potential as an agrotourism destination while supporting the wider development of rural tourism in the area.

Source: SPA

Saudi Arabia and Nicaragua have signed a bilateral air transport services agreement to strengthen cooperation and expand ties in the civil aviation sector.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday at the headquarters of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Riyadh by GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej.

The agreement provides a legal and regulatory framework for air transport services between the two countries, with the aim of supporting safe, orderly and efficient operations while enhancing cooperation in civil aviation.

The accord forms part of GACA’s broader efforts to expand international aviation partnerships and develop regulatory frameworks governing air transport.

It also supports the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Program, which seeks to strengthen international air connectivity and improve the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s aviation sector in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Source: SPA

The Jeddah Corniche and ROSHN Waterfront have attracted visitors attending the 27th edition of the Gulf Cup, known as Khaleeji 27, providing fans with opportunities to unwind between matches while experiencing Jeddah’s Red Sea coastline.

ROSHN Waterfront has welcomed visitors from across the Gulf, offering a coastal promenade, open seating areas and dedicated routes for walking, jogging and cycling. Its sandy beaches and landscaped green spaces also provide areas for families and individuals to relax throughout the day.

Stretching for more than 4.5 kilometers along the Red Sea, the waterfront is among Jeddah’s prominent leisure and tourism destinations. It features seven entertainment zones, various public services and facilities, children’s areas, and spaces for sports and recreational activities.

The destination can accommodate more than 120,000 visitors at a time and includes extensive beaches and green areas designed for leisure and relaxation.

ROSHN Waterfront also holds a Guinness World Records title for the longest pavement painting. Covering 16,000 square meters, the artwork was produced by Saudi artists and volunteers through a joint initiative involving ROSHN Group, the Volunteering and Community Partnership Program “Lenobadir” and the Social Responsibility Association in Jeddah.

Visitors attending the tournament have highlighted the waterfront’s combination of modern facilities, entertainment and natural surroundings. Its views of the Red Sea and art installations along the promenade have also made it a popular location for photography and experiencing Jeddah’s coastal atmosphere.

Source: SPA