Far from the madding malls

The Hidden Valley is a favorite weekend destination for expatriates residing in Riyadh. Tired of visiting local parks or the sprawling malls, they drive out of the city when the weather is fine and head toward the valley some 80 km to the west of the capital.
To those who have heard the name but have not yet visited the place, the Hidden Valley evokes something mysterious — as if it has something to be discovered.
“For those who love nature and adventure, the Hidden Valley is a place to visit. It doesn’t have much in terms of breathtaking scenery but the vast and immense space evokes an indescribable happiness in the heart,” said Nonie “Cenon” Sagadal Jr., a Filipino community leader.
He said that he joins friends or members of his group for a pleasant and relaxing day in the valley.
Arman Cruz Mariano, president of the Beta Sigma Fraternity in Riyadh, said that he and his family also visit the place.
“Aside from being a welcome change to our weekly routine, visiting the Hidden Valley is also a good family bonding time,” he said.
He added that visiting with members of his group encourages cooperation and strengthens friendship ties.
“Our group has projects to help others and to accomplish these, we depend on ourselves for funding. Each one of us contributes a certain amount for the matriculation fee of a scholar we send to college. We have four at present,” he said.
Noor Nobi, a Bangladeshi who works for a local company, said that he and his friends have also visited the Hidden Valley.
“We’re inside the city throughout the year, and going out of the capital is one way of breaking the monotony of daily life. Being there reminds me of home — wide spaces, trees in the distance, chirping birds and time spent in nature,” he said.
The only problem, he said, is that “After the day is over and we make a move to come back to the city, I feel a keen sense of longing for home.”
Muhammad Haider Baksh, a Pakistani who works for a local firm, added that he and his family have also visited the place to pass time and “to get in touch with nature.”
“We like the place, which is also visited by other expatriates. You feel relaxed as you drive back to the city,” he added.
Benny M. Quiambao, a Filipino community leader, said that the nature of his work requires him to drive in and outside the city. “Once in a while, I pass near the Hidden Valley. I like the place; it’s quiet, as it has been frozen in time. It allows for introspection,” he said.
He added that when his family was still with him in the Kingdom, they used to visit the place on weekends. “We used to hike the trails in the area as well as the sand dunes.”
Many have visited the Hidden Valley. The graffiti on the rocks serve as a testament to visitors' presence, albeit one that saddens many as they view it as vandalism.
“It makes my heart sink to see the graffiti on the rocks in the area. Visitors have taken the freedom to touch something which they don’t own,” said Quiambao.