DAWMAT AL-JANDAL: With snow blanketing its already beautiful landscape, parks and wild areas, the Northern Borders Region has turned into a perfect getaway.

Citizens and visitors, especially from Gulf countries, are turning up in hordes to mingle with nature and indulge in fun.

The neighboring Al-Jouf town, the olive oil resort of the Kingdom, too witnessed a wave of hail and sleet during the past 24 hours, making it more attractive for visitors.

The snowfall in the region started on Wednesday and continued until Thursday night, local media reported on Friday.

The weather department has forecast very cold nights in the region with snowfall in the next 48 hours. Hence, those looking for a Switzerland within the Kingdom have to just head north with their winter gear.

Enlivened with greenery everywhere following the rain, besides the snowy treat, the region has turned into a beehive of activity. Citizens and visitors are expressing their joy with folk dances and snow sports, while some are simply lost in nature.

Meanwhile, the authorities concerned are not letting their guard down and following the instructions issued by Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah bin Musaed to take the necessary safety measures for citizens and guests.

Many areas like Wa’d in the North of Tareef governorate, Hazm Al-Jalamid, Hijrat ibn Baker, Um Waa’ and Waela mountains recorded snowfall.

The general directorate of education has suspended schools as a precautionary measure due to the cold wave, Sattam Al-Sultani, spokesman for education department, was quoted as saying.

Schools were also suspended in Hail because of heavy rain and snowfall in areas that included Rurba, Wajba, Niqbin, Al-Qaed and Um Al-Qalaban.