Top destinations to enjoy during the long Ramadan nights

Top destinations to enjoy during the long Ramadan nights
A Ramadan market in Al-Ahsa where locals and visitors can explore and enjoy Saudi products and food during the holy month. (SPA)
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Updated 23 March 2023

Top destinations to enjoy during the long Ramadan nights

Top destinations to enjoy during the long Ramadan nights

JEDDAH: Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is a different experience to the rest of the year, as the days are slow and calm while the post-iftar evenings are abuzz with life and activity until sahoor.

There is no shortage of Ramadan-related activities, events and bazaars to enjoy across the Kingdom, filled with joyful experiences and a chance to enter into the spirit of the season. Visitors.

Here is a handy list of some of the best places and events throughout the country where locals and visitors can gather to savor the spiritual, lively atmosphere in the Kingdom during the long evenings of the holy month.

Riyadh

Qasr Al-Hukm is a favorite destination for many people during Ramadan, as it includes several traditional souqs, including Al-Maigliah, Al-Taamer and Al-Zel markets, which offer a fun shopping experience.




Qasr Al-Hukm is a favorite destination for many people during Ramadan in Riyadh. (Saudi Tourism photo)

Al-Safarat, or the Diplomatic Quarter, is a great area to visit to enjoy food, as it is filled with fantastic cafes and restaurants, many of which will have special Ramadan offers.

The Gulf Spring Cafe in Diriyah, located in the heart of the mesmerizing historical city, is considered by many one of the best places to visit in Riyadh during the holy month.

Jeddah

Al-Balad, or Historical Jeddah, is a top destination in the city where past and present collide to offer a wide selection of art, culture, food stalls, workshops, seminars, galleries, museums and more.

Bisat Al-Reeh is an exhibition and marketplace at Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center. It offers a range of merchandise, some of which is free or sold at very reasonable prices.




Historical buildings in Jeddah’s Al-Balad area, one of the UNESCO-listed heritage sites in Saudi Arabia. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Jeddah Waterfront is the place to go for some entertaining light shows this year, featuring drones and fireworks.

The Tofareya Tent Restaurant, beside Lake Arbaeen, serves traditional Saudi cuisine in a modern style, with stunning views over the lake.

AlUla

The Old Town is adorned with Ramadan decorations and ready to welcome visitors who can wander through its historical alleys where they can stop and shop, eat, and learn about the area’s incredible history, or simply stroll around and savor the moment.




AlUla the Old Town. (Saudi Tourism photo)

Alkhobar 

Villaggio Restaurant Village is a traditional Saudi village-themed venue that contains more than 30 restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, a dancing fountain and green space, making it a perfect destination to enjoy food in a modern urban atmosphere with more than a hint of the past.

Dammam

At Coral Island, visitors can enjoy the cool sea breeze while riding a boat, swimming, strolling, or enjoying the food at a restaurants, among other options.

Dammam Waterfront offers a wide variety of attractions and experiences in one place, whether you want to keep fit, go shopping or simply meet up with friends and family.

The Heritage Village, consisting of five floors, each of which represents the traditions and culture of a particular region of the Kingdom, has been specially decorated for Ramadan.

Visitors to Dammam Traditional Market can learn about the history of the city as they shop for local merchandise.

Dhahran

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, also known as Ithra, is hosting many Ramadan festivities, shows, workshops, exhibitions, labs, cafes, restaurants, and other events during the holy month.

Taybeen Museum takes visitors on a tour of the past, with its displays that showcase the objects and products previous generations of Saudis used in their daily lives.




The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, also known as Ithra. (Saudi Tourism photo)

Yanbu

Flowers Park, one of Yanbu’s most beautiful public parks, has five specialist zones: the garden, a playground, a butterfly garden, the Rio Team Birds Garden, and a food area with restaurants.

Al-Shafa Market is a delicious destination that offers a memorable Saudi food experience, featuring dishes from every region.

Yanbu Historic Area is the place to go for cultural and traditional celebrations hosted in the heart of the old city. In this historic area, performers and vendors keep the festive spirit alive through their performances, food options, games and more.

Abha 

Shamsan Historical Castle is an amazing historical sites in the south of the Kingdom. Built on a mountain during the days of the Ottoman Empire, the structure helped to defend the city. After learning about the history of the site, visitors can explore the surrounding area, which includes many restaurants.




Shamsan Historical Castle. (Saudi Tourism photo)

Al-Habala, or the “Hanging Village” is a historical mountain settlement that has been turned into a park and is reached via cable car. In addition to exploring traditional homes and other buildings, visitors can enjoy toboggan rides, go camping, and get closer to nature.

A visit to Jabla Sawda, or Sawda Mountain, one of Saudi Arabia’s highest summits, could be the height of adventure during Ramadan.

Jazan 

The seven Jazan Museums — Dr. Ali Mohammed Awaji Museum, Ibrahim Montag Museum, Al-Aliyah Museum, Bi’ir Museum, Zayla’I Maritime Museum, Mount Texan Museum, and Jazan Museum of Archaeology and Heritage — reveal a different side of Jazan, its culture and heritage.

Visitors to the Jazan Heritage Village can learn about how the people of the area lived in olden times, including their clothes, accessories and architecture.

At the Fifa Mountains, you can ride a cable car, enjoy on a safari trip into the heart of the forest, or simply relax and meditate in nature.

Qassim

Jidiyah Heritage Castle, a prominent historical site in the region, is well worth a visit.

Take a trip to Garden Talents, a nature reserve in Buraidah, and see hundreds of colorful birds of various species.


Saudi Music Commission to attend New York’s A2IM Indie Week 

Saudi Music Commission to attend New York’s A2IM Indie Week 
Updated 16 sec ago

Saudi Music Commission to attend New York’s A2IM Indie Week 

Saudi Music Commission to attend New York’s A2IM Indie Week 
  • Conference will gather over 1,200 people across the US independent music community

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Music Commission announced on Monday that it will attend the annual A2IM Indie Week conference in New York with a group of Saudi artists, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. 

The conference, which will run from June 12-15, will gather over 1,200 people across the US independent music community and host over 60 panels and workshops. It will feature a range of performances by musicians and producers from around the world. 

Through its participation, the Music Commission aims to boost the international presence and visibility of Saudi musicians while shedding light on the Kingdom’s growing music industry. It also aims to exchange knowledge, foster communication with the international music community, and strengthen cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and other countries. 
 


Masam project clears 849 Houthi mines in Yemen

Masam saw 849 devices planted by the Iran-backed Houthis dismantled in the last week of May. (@MasamProject)
Masam saw 849 devices planted by the Iran-backed Houthis dismantled in the last week of May. (@MasamProject)
Updated 18 min 32 sec ago

Masam project clears 849 Houthi mines in Yemen

Masam saw 849 devices planted by the Iran-backed Houthis dismantled in the last week of May. (@MasamProject)

RIYADH: Masam, an ongoing Saudi project to clear landmines in Yemen, saw 849 devices planted by the Iran-backed Houthis dismantled in the last week of May.

Overseen by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, the project’s special teams destroyed 16 anti-personnel mines, 124 anti-tank mines, 708 unexploded ordnance, and one explosive device.

Masam is one of several initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia on the orders of King Salman to help the Yemeni people.

It clears routes for much-needed humanitarian aid aimed at supporting the country’s citizens.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale, and Saada.

A total of 400,919 mines have been cleared since the start of the project.

More than 1.2 million mines have been planted by the Houthis, claiming the lives of hundreds of civilians.

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Meanwhile, KSrelief delivered 3,000 cartons of dates to the neediest families in Yemen's Taiz governorate. The distribution benefited 18,000 individuals.


UK’s Beech Hall School opens in Riyadh

The UK’s Beech Hall School, one of the oldest learning institutions in England, has opened a branch in Riyadh. (SPA)
The UK’s Beech Hall School, one of the oldest learning institutions in England, has opened a branch in Riyadh. (SPA)
Updated 05 June 2023

UK’s Beech Hall School opens in Riyadh

The UK’s Beech Hall School, one of the oldest learning institutions in England, has opened a branch in Riyadh. (SPA)
  • Beech Hall School is an independent institution, located in Cheshire, North West England
  • Riyadh branch has been furnished and designed by Blenheim Schools and Space Zero

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for Riyadh City announced on Monday the opening of the local branch of the UK’s Beech Hall School, one of the oldest learning institutions in England, established in 1926.

This is part of an initiative to attract major international schools to the Saudi capital, in partnership with the Kingdom’s education and investment ministries.

The program has already attracted several other prestigious international schools, including Reigate Grammar School, King’s College School, SEK International School, Aldenham School, Downe House School, and One World International School.

Beech Hall School is an independent institution, located in Cheshire, North West England.

Beech Hall School Riyadh has been furnished and designed by Blenheim Schools and Space Zero — two world-class designers of learning institutions. 

Hala Halawani, acting director-general of education sector development at the commission, said the international schools being brought to Riyadh would contribute to world-class learning and opportunities.

Beech Hall School considers itself to be a forward-thinking, innovative and ground-breaking institution.

Halawani added that Beech Hall School Riyadh would introduce a new learning philosophy and comprehensive curricula to the capital city.

Beech Hall includes 14 schools and nurseries belonging to the UK-based Chatsworth Group of Schools.

The founder and CEO of Chatsworth Schools, Anita Gleave, stated that the aim of the partnership is to reshape the stereotypical image of education and prepare young people for the job market. 

Located in the Al-Khuzama district, Beech Hall welcomes applications from male and female students, from early childhood, or kindergarten one, to middle school, or grade eight.


First Hajj flight from Pakistan arrives in Saudi Arabia under Makkah Route initiative

The first Hajj flight that is part of the Makkah Route initiative arrived in Jeddah on Monday from Pakistan. (SPA)
The first Hajj flight that is part of the Makkah Route initiative arrived in Jeddah on Monday from Pakistan. (SPA)
Updated 05 June 2023

First Hajj flight from Pakistan arrives in Saudi Arabia under Makkah Route initiative

The first Hajj flight that is part of the Makkah Route initiative arrived in Jeddah on Monday from Pakistan. (SPA)
  • This year, Saudi Arabia reinstated Pakistan’s pre-pandemic Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims and scrapped the upper age limit of 65 in January

ISLAMABAD: The first Hajj flight part of the Makkah Route initiative arrived in Jeddah on Monday from Pakistan, taking off from Islamabad International Airport with 340 Pakistani pilgrims aboard.

This year, Saudi Arabia reinstated Pakistan’s pre-pandemic Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims and scrapped the upper age limit of 65 in January.

About 80,000 Pakistani pilgrims are expected to perform the pilgrimage under the government scheme this year, and the rest will be facilitated by private tour operators.

The Makkah Route initiative allows pilgrims to go through immigration facilities at the airports of their respective countries.

“Pakistani Hajj pilgrims were warmly welcomed upon arrival at the Jeddah airport,” a spokesperson for the Pakistani Religious Affairs Ministry said.

“The pilgrims coming from Islamabad under the Makkah Route initiative were sent to Makkah via eight buses.”

Two more flights will leave for Saudi Arabia from Islamabad and Multan, the spokesperson said, adding that 1,050 Pakistani pilgrims will arrive in the Kingdom on Monday.

On Tuesday, 3,387 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims will arrive in the Kingdom via 11 flights, according to the ministry.

More than 40,000 Pakistanis have so far arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform the annual pilgrimage since the government initiated a special flight operation on May 21.

Pakistan last week also started direct Hajj flights from the southwestern city of Quetta, the Pakistani Civil Aviation Authority said, in a first for residents of the country’s Balochistan province.

Pakistan’s pre-Hajj flight operation will continue until June 21.


Turkiye’s tourism sector pins hopes on Saudi tourist surge

Ankara’s ambassador to Riyadh, Fatih Ulusoy, speaks to Arab News. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
Ankara’s ambassador to Riyadh, Fatih Ulusoy, speaks to Arab News. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
Updated 05 June 2023

Turkiye’s tourism sector pins hopes on Saudi tourist surge

Ankara’s ambassador to Riyadh, Fatih Ulusoy, speaks to Arab News. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
  • “Turkiye is the home of our Saudi brothers and sisters. We are looking forward to enhancing tourism, trade and economic ties”: Ankara’s ambassador to Riyadh

RIYADH: Turkiye is expecting a surge in Saudi tourists following high-level diplomatic visits between the two countries, Ankara’s ambassador to Riyadh has told Arab News.

The diplomatic steps Ankara took last last year as part of the normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia means Turkiye is forecasting more than 1 million Saudi visitors this year, said Fatih Ulusoy.

He added: “We are focusing very much on tourism. Last year after the high-level visits between Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the Kingdom in April and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited Ankara in June, we had around 500,000 Saudi tourists visiting Turkiye in the second half, until the end of the year.

“And this year, our target for Saudi tourists visiting Turkiye is at least 1 million. We are hoping to see Turkiye become the number one destination for Saudi tourists.”

The Turkish Embassy in Riyadh celebrated World Breakfast Day on Sunday.

“We are promoting Turkish delicacies and the Turkish breakfast. At the same time, we are focusing on tourism,” Ulusoy told Arab News.

“Turkiye is the home of our Saudi brothers and sisters. We are looking forward to enhancing tourism, trade and economic ties, and we have a lot of delegations coming in and out,” he added.

“A number of Saudi delegations are visiting Turkiye. We are very happy to boost our relations. Hopefully we will reach our targets together with Saudi brothers.”

The ambassador said: “On June 3 after the recent elections, President Erdogan started office in a big ceremony, which was attended by leaders from all around the world. We had high-level dignitaries attending it.”

Ulusoy noted that Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan was in the Turkish capital, Ankara, to attend the ceremony.

“We are very happy to see this participation,” the ambassador said, adding: “We look forward to reaching new heights in our relations with Saudi Arabia.”

Saudi tourists are traveling to a variety of locations across Turkiye, with Istanbul proving the most popular destination, Ulusoy said.

Turkiye’s Black Sea region is also popular among Saudi tourists, offering mild climates across mountains and forests. In the south, beach resorts lining the Mediterranean Sea are also a Saudi favorite.

Bursa, close to Istanbul and rich in history, offers Saudi visitors access to a range of thermal baths, said Ulusoy.

The six hot spring baths on the west side of the city and in the village of Cekirge are famed across the region for their health benefits.

“This year we are also promoting Cappadocia, a region in central Turkiye. This is a very high attraction destination for tourists from around the world. It has a very unique nature. We have boutique hotels inside the caves,” said Ulusoy.

“We hope to see our Saudi brothers and sisters in the Cappadocia region as well. We hope to see our Saudi brothers and sisters in all these destinations.”