Unaizah Governorate in Saudi Arabia’s Qassim Region is highlighting its blend of cultural heritage, economic activity and tourism attractions as it continues to develop as a destination for residents and visitors.

Known for its historical significance and diverse cultural and economic assets, Unaizah combines traditional heritage with modern development, offering visitors a range of experiences.

Agriculture remains a key pillar of the local economy. According to statistics from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s office in Unaizah, the governorate has more than 1.05 million palm trees distributed across 2,850 date-producing farms. These farms collectively produce more than 90,000 tonnes of dates each year.

The governorate also offers a variety of tourism and recreational destinations, ranging from heritage locations to parks and public gardens.

Among its prominent attractions are Al-Ghadha Park and Al-Hajeb Parks, which provide recreational spaces for families and visitors. Other leisure facilities across the governorate further broaden the range of activities available.

These agricultural and tourism assets contribute to Unaizah’s local economy while supporting quality of life and strengthening its appeal as a destination within the Qassim Region.

Source: SPA

Saudi Arabia recorded growth across several key service sectors in 2025, including manufacturing, tourism and education, while passenger traffic across its airports reached approximately 141 million, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).

The authority’s Services Statistics 2025 report showed that the number of producing factories in the Kingdom’s 36 industrial cities rose 18.9 percent from 2024 to reach 4,938.

Tourism-related services also expanded. The number of hotels increased 31.6 percent to 2,847, while hotel room capacity exceeded 491,000, representing annual growth of 23.4 percent.

The Kingdom recorded 3,090 serviced apartments, comprising more than 105,000 units. Travel and tourism agencies increased 16.2 percent to 3,177.

Aviation and education

Saudi Arabia maintained 29 airports in 2025, unchanged from the previous year. Domestic and international flights exceeded 979,000, carrying approximately 141 million passengers.

The number of schools increased 1.9 percent to around 32,000. Girls’ schools accounted for 20,100, up 3.1 percent, while boys’ schools totalled 11,900, down 0.1 percent compared with 2024.

Public schools numbered 24,200, including 9,100 boys’ schools and 15,000 girls’ schools. Private schools totalled 7,800, comprising 2,700 boys’ schools and 5,100 girls’ schools.

Healthcare services

The Kingdom had 292 government hospitals affiliated with the Ministry of Health and another 63 government hospitals operated by other entities.

Primary healthcare centres numbered 2,177. Riyadh recorded the highest total at 406, followed by Makkah with 321 and Asir with 281.

Saudi Arabia also had 515 ambulance centres operated by the Saudi Red Crescent.

Banking and social services

The number of commercial bank branches increased 0.3 percent to 1,910 in 2025. Riyadh led with 585 branches, followed by Makkah with 385 and the Eastern Province with 349.

Automated teller machines (ATMs) exceeded 14,000 nationwide, although their number declined 2.7 percent from the previous year.

In social services, the number of social security offices and units fell 14.2 percent to 91. The number of social development centres remained stable at 39.

GASTAT said its annual Services Statistics publication draws on administrative records supplied by relevant government authorities. It provides data on service availability across the Kingdom’s administrative regions, governorates and centres.

Source: Saudi Gazette

Unaizah Governorate in Saudi Arabia’s Qassim Region is highlighting its blend of cultural heritage, economic activity and tourism attractions as it continues to develop as a destination for residents and visitors.

Known for its historical significance and diverse cultural and economic assets, Unaizah combines traditional heritage with modern development, offering visitors a range of experiences.

Agriculture remains a key pillar of the local economy. According to statistics from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s office in Unaizah, the governorate has more than 1.05 million palm trees distributed across 2,850 date-producing farms. These farms collectively produce more than 90,000 tonnes of dates each year.

The governorate also offers a variety of tourism and recreational destinations, ranging from heritage locations to parks and public gardens.

Among its prominent attractions are Al-Ghadha Park and Al-Hajeb Parks, which provide recreational spaces for families and visitors. Other leisure facilities across the governorate further broaden the range of activities available.

These agricultural and tourism assets contribute to Unaizah’s local economy while supporting quality of life and strengthening its appeal as a destination within the Qassim Region.

Source: SPA

Saudi Arabia’s tourist accommodation facility management sector recorded significant growth in commercial registrations, with the total rising 29 percent year-on-year by the end of the third quarter of 2026, the Ministry of Commerce reported.

The Kingdom had 20,560 active registrations in the sector at the end of September, an increase of 4,595 from the 15,965 recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

Makkah led the country’s regions with 8,075 active commercial registrations, followed by Riyadh with 7,110 and Madinah with 1,988.

The Eastern Province ranked fourth with 1,456 registrations, while Asir completed the list of the five regions with the highest number of active registrations.

Source: Saudi Gazette

Off the coast of Jeddah, Thuwal Private Retreat offers a secluded island getaway that sets itself apart from conventional luxury resorts. Described as Saudi Arabia’s only private island available for exclusive buyout, the retreat accommodates one group at a time, offering privacy and a personalised stay surrounded by the Red Sea.

The 40-minute boat journey from the mainland provides a gradual escape from everyday routines. As the island comes into view, the sense of separation from the outside world becomes increasingly apparent.

The arrival experience reflects the attention to detail that defines the retreat. Before guests reach the marina, the team gathers practical information, including shoe sizes, to ensure equipment such as snorkelling gear is ready upon arrival.

Privacy and Saudi Hospitality

Thuwal Private Retreat accommodates up to 12 adults and three children across six beachfront villas. With the entire island reserved for a single group, guests can enjoy a stay tailored to their preferences.

The experience is shaped by hafawah, a Saudi tradition associated with generous and heartfelt hospitality. Rather than feeling formal or scripted, the service is characterised by personal attention and a welcoming atmosphere.

During an introduction to the island, guests learn about its history and natural environment, including the Turquoise Hole, a distinctive natural water formation.

One of the retreat’s principal gathering places is the Overwater Diwaniya, a relaxed venue above the sea. It serves as a setting for breakfast, coffee, lunch and sunset gatherings, bringing guests together throughout the day.

Dining Above the Red Sea

Dining is another highlight, with menus featuring fresh seafood, barbecue dishes, colourful salads and daily grilled specialities. The combination of relaxed service and an exclusive waterfront setting gives meals an informal yet refined character.

Watching the Maldivian chef prepare food over charcoal adds a personal element to the experience, turning meals into part of the island’s wider appeal.

Across the stay, the hospitality team maintains a consistent focus on warmth, attentiveness and generosity. The service feels natural, with staff taking pride in making guests comfortable.

A Villa Designed Around Nature

Royal Villa One offers a private setting where natural materials and expansive views connect the interior with the surrounding landscape.

Bamboo ceilings, earthy textures and floor-to-ceiling glass walls bring the outdoors into the living spaces, with views of the sea visible from almost every corner.

The bedroom features a canopy bed and flowing fabric details, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury. Even smaller elements, including the slippers, reflect the attention given to comfort.

In the bathroom, a glass-walled shower overlooks a private garden. Toiletries and grooming essentials are carefully arranged to make the stay convenient.

Outside, a secluded garden leads to a private dining area overlooking the water, creating an intimate setting for meals and quiet moments.

Exploring the Island’s Marine Life

The Red Sea is central to the retreat’s appeal. Its changing shades of blue provide a backdrop for activities including snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Guided snorkelling excursions take guests to coral reefs and less-explored areas around the island. Underwater cameras provided by the guides allow visitors to capture the experience without having to manage their own equipment throughout the trip.

The excursions offer a closer look at the marine environment while allowing guests to remain immersed in the experience.

Wellness and Memorable Evenings

The island’s spa provides another opportunity to unwind. A floral foot ritual and citrus aromatherapy begin the treatment, followed by a massage designed to promote relaxation.

The spa experience combines professional treatment with a calm setting, complementing the retreat’s emphasis on slowing down and enjoying the surroundings.

Evenings bring a different atmosphere. Sunsets beside the pool transform the sky into shades of gold and blue, while seabirds occasionally add to the stillness of the scene.

The programme also includes hands-on and social activities. Guests can make manakish with the chef, take part in group pizza sessions, enjoy long lunches beside the sea or watch a film during a beach cinema evening.

These experiences provide variety without taking away from the island’s defining sense of tranquillity.

An Escape That Lingers

Leaving Thuwal Private Retreat can be an emotional experience, particularly after several days of personalised service and shared activities. The farewell from the team, with staff waving as the boat departs, reinforces the personal connections built during the stay.

The retreat’s appeal lies not only in its villas, marine activities or dining, but also in the opportunity to step away from everyday demands and experience the Red Sea at a slower pace.

For travellers seeking privacy, thoughtful hospitality and a close connection with nature, Thuwal Private Retreat offers a distinctive island escape along Saudi Arabia’s western coast.

Source: Arab News

Waterfront walkways developed by Jazan Municipality are creating new opportunities for coastal tourism and outdoor recreation along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea shoreline.

The pedestrian routes extend from the coast towards the sea, providing visitors with opportunities to enjoy marine views, observe aquatic life and watch sunsets.

Among the key attractions is the 600-metre Sunset Walkway, which includes 55 seating areas, illuminated pedestrian paths, children's play zones, public facilities and retail kiosks. The commercial spaces also provide opportunities for local families involved in cottage industries to sell their products.

The walkway offers panoramic views of the Red Sea while creating a space for leisure activities and family outings.

Jazan Municipality spokesperson Dr. Ibrahim Al-Khayyat said the projects make use of the region’s coastal landscape to develop accessible public spaces and encourage greater recreational activity.

He added that the developments are expected to stimulate commercial investment in cafés and retail outlets while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, particularly the Quality of Life programme.

Source: SPA