Where to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day for an authentic experience

Al-Balad also known as Historic Jeddah is one of the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is an ideal spot for families and tourists looking to shop at the Al-Balad Bazaar, held in a special location in the heart of Historic Jeddah. (Supplied)
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Updated 21 February 2024
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Where to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day for an authentic experience

  • From the historic avenues of Diriyah to the fare of Riyadh’s Najd Villages, visitors can celebrate local heritage
  • Discover Saudi Arabia’s hidden gems, showcasing the history and traditions of the Kingdom’s cities and regions

RIYADH: Every year on Feb. 22, Saudi Arabia celebrates the historical and cultural roots of the Kingdom through Founding Day, commemorating the establishment of the First Saudi State. What better way to celebrate Founding Day than by exploring the hidden gems that showcase the history and traditions of each city.

Bujairi Terrace and At-Turaif in Diriyah

Known as “The Jewel of the Kingdom,” Diriyah, the capital of the First Saudi State, dates back to the mid-ninth century.

Situated in Diriyah, Bujairi Terrace provides exceptional views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif.

Inspired by Najdi architecture to evoke images of the past, Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah is the ideal spot for celebrations, offering visitors a curated Michelin-star gastronomic experience and a variety of interactive activities and events.

Surrounded by mud-brick Najdi architecture, guests are treated to over 20 fine-dining restaurants featuring Saudi and international cuisine.




The prominent citadel of Salwa Palace, made from handmade mud bricks three centuries in the historic At-Turaif district, the first capital of the Saudi dynasty, was illuminated on Dec. 4 with a spectacular light display in celebration of its opening to the public. (Supplied)

Layali Diriyah

Returning for its second year and running until March 10, Layali Diriyah is an open-air heritage farm bridging local and contemporary dining experiences, making it an ideal location for celebrating Founding Day.

Surrounded by palm trees and twinkling lights, Layali Diriyah takes a modern twist on a traditional Najdi farm, transforming it into an entertainment hub featuring live musical performances and poetry shows.

Guests can also enjoy the beauty of the palm trees surrounding the farm while dining and experiencing a range of contemporary art by local and global artists.




Azeema, one of the restaurants at Layali Diriyah, offers traditional Saudi cuisine. (Supplied)

Najd Village, Riyadh

For those craving the authentic Saudi flavor in honor of Founding Day, Najd Village specializes in regional cuisine, with each dish highlighting the heritage of a specific region.

There are two Najd Villages operating in Riyadh: one is situated on Takhassoussi Road, and the other is on Abu Bakr Road. The restaurant serves a family-style menu of traditional dishes like jareesh or kasbah, accompanied by fish, chicken, lamb, and camel meat.

For those with a sweet tooth, the restaurant offers a range of traditional desserts and snacks, including hininy, mrahif, and kleija.




Najd Village specializes in regional cuisine, with each dish highlighting the heritage of a specific region. (Supplied)

 

Ithra, Dhahran

A celebration of history through musical performances, educational exhibitions, and hands-on labs, Ithra, known as the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran, offers a range of festivities to celebrate Founding Day.

The Ithra Museum is home to five galleries, featuring artworks and installations by local and international artists covering Middle Eastern Art, Saudi culture, Islamic art, the natural history of the Arabian Peninsula, and the Archive gallery.

Ithra also offers interactive classes and workshops in the Children’s Museum.

The state-of-the-art building includes a library, theater, cinema, ideas lab, and a variety of restaurants for dining.




The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Also known as Ithra) is a symbol of change and diversity in modern Saudi Arabia.  (Supplied) 

Al-Balad, Jeddah

Al-Balad, also known as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jeddah, is an ideal spot for families and tourists looking to explore the customs of the historical city.

Located in the heart of Historic Jeddah, Al-Balad Bazaar celebrates the traditions and culture of Jeddah by showcasing homemade products, traditional clothing, and handicrafts in over 30 commercial outlets.

The Bazaar is part of significant efforts made by the Historic Jeddah Program to revive Saudi cultural heritage and promote the city’s status as a premier tourist destination.

The year-long Al-Balad Bazaar supports the community by providing them with retail pop-up outlets to showcase their products to visitors.

Another not-to-be-missed event taking place in Jeddah is the “Balad Al-Fann” initiative, launched by the Historic Jeddah Program.

Running until March 9, the initiative includes four art exhibitions, music programs, theatrical performances, and many interactive events for children.




Al-Balad also known as Historic Jeddah is one of the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is an ideal spot for families and tourists looking to shop at the Al-Balad Bazaar, held in a special location in the heart of Historic Jeddah. (Supplied)

Tayebat Museum, Jeddah

Al-Tayebat International City of Science and Knowledge, located in Jeddah’s Al-Faisaliyah district, offers visitors a curated representation of Jeddah’s 2,500-year-old history through detailed walking tours showcasing the city’s architecture, Islamic heritage, and culture.

Highlighting an extraordinary range of exhibits, including museums and houses, Al-Tayebat is billed as a must-see location in Jeddah.

Bringing pre-Islamic and Islamic history to life across 300 rooms in 12 buildings, the museum includes the House of Saudi Arabian Heritage, the House of Islamic Heritage, the House of International Heritage, and the public heritage exhibition.


Kingdom extends aid to global communities

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Kingdom extends aid to global communities

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief continues to make a significant global impact, providing critical assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

In Somalia, KSrelief distributed 1,155 food baskets to displaced and needy families in Baidoa district, Bay region, benefiting 6,930 people.

KSrelief also signed an agreement with the International Wars and Disaster Victims’ Protection Association to operate the third phase of the dialysis center at Banadir Hospital in Mogadishu, benefiting 665 individuals.

In Yemen, the agency distributed 3,471 food packages to the neediest groups in Al-Madinah district, Marib governorate, benefiting 24,297 people.

KSrelief signed an agreement with a civil society organization to distribute 800 tonnes of dates in Chad. The $2 million initiative aims to support vulnerable families across several regions and is expected to benefit about 500,000 people.

The agency implemented the two-week Saudi Noor program in Burkina Faso to combat blindness and related diseases. KSrelief’s medical team examined 8,000 individuals, distributed 2,000 eyeglasses, provided medication to 3,886 patients, and performed 800 surgeries as part of the initiative.

Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,438 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 107 countries, in partnership with more than 318 organizations.


Kingdom arrests 12,129 illegals in one week

Updated 31 May 2025
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Kingdom arrests 12,129 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 12,129 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 7,127 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,441 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,561 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,197 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 63 percent were Ethiopian, 34 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 90 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 18 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Saudi FM heads high-level economic delegation on visit to Damascus

Updated 31 May 2025
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Saudi FM heads high-level economic delegation on visit to Damascus

  • Prince Faisal is scheduled to meet with President of the Syrian Republic Ahmad Al-Sharaa
  • The high-level economic delegation includes Saudi officials from the ministries of finance and investment

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has arrived in Damascus on Saturday as he embarked on an official visit to the Syrian capital. 

Prince Faisal heads a high-level economic delegation from the Kingdom and is scheduled to meet with President of the Syrian Republic Ahmad Al-Sharaa, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The high-level economic delegation, which includes Saudi officials from the ministries of finance and investment, will also hold a consultation session with their counterparts from the Syrian side.

Syria and Saudi Arabia had previously discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations in the financial sectors. 


Saudi Arabia elected vice-chair of WHO executive board

Updated 31 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia elected vice-chair of WHO executive board

  • Elected chairman of the Executive Board was Australia
  • The board's new officials will hold office until mid-2028

GENEVA: Saudi Arabia was elected on Friday as vice chair of the World Health Organization’s executive board for the 2025–2028 term.

The election was held during the board’s first meeting of its 57th session in Geneva following the conclusion of the 78th session of the World Health Assembly.

Saudi Arabia’s delegation to the session was led by Rakan Khalid Bin Dohaish, Ministry of Health undersecretary for international cooperation, who stood on behalf of Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel, SPA reported.

Composed of 34 members representing various member states, the WHO executive board is responsible for implementing the resolutions and recommendations of the World Health Assembly — the supreme decision-making body of WHO. The executive board oversees priority health programs and policies at both regional and international levels.

Elected chairman of the executive board was Australia, represented by Blair Comley, secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. 

Also elected to the board’s three other vice chair positions were Norway, Togo and Thailand.

A statement by the Saudi delegation, quoted by SPA, said that the Kingdom’s election to the WHO executive board underscores “the growing international confidence in the Kingdom’s leadership and its significant role in advancing global public health.”

Saudi Arabia has previously reaffirmed its commitment to support WHO in addressing health challenges.

According to WHO, Saudi Arabia has since 2018 consistently supported the organization, contributing more than $385 million to global health initiatives and emergency-related operations in various countries including the occupied Palestinian territory, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Iraq, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.


What Saudi Arabia’s ancient lava fields reveal about its volcanic past — and tourism potential

Updated 31 May 2025
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What Saudi Arabia’s ancient lava fields reveal about its volcanic past — and tourism potential

  • Saudi Arabia aims to turn its lava landscapes into tourist destinations, blending science, history, and outdoor adventure
  • The Kingdom’s last major eruption occurred near Madinah in 1256, leaving a 20 km lava trail that is still visible today

JEDDAH: Scattered across Saudi Arabia’s vast deserts and mountains lie more than 2,500 volcanic craters — relics of a fiery geological past that continues to intrigue scientists and thrill adventurous travellers today.

These ancient volcanoes have not erupted in centuries. Their silence, however, belies their significance.

“The Kingdom possesses one of the largest volcanic fields (locally known as Al-Harrat) in the world,” Turki Essam Al-Sehli, senior director of the Geohazard Center at the Saudi Geological Survey, told Arab News.

“These fields cover an area of approximately 90,000 square kilometers — around 4.6 percent of the Kingdom’s total area.”

The last known eruption was in 1256 AD, when lava from Al-Harrat Rahat flowed within 20 kilometers of Madinah. While dramatic in its time, such activity has long since ceased. “The Kingdom has experienced relative volcanic stability for centuries,” Al-Sehli said.

One of Saudi Arabia's largest lava fields is Harrat Rahat, which stretches from northern Makkah to Madinah.  (SPA photo)

This dormancy, combined with the dramatic scenery of ancient lava fields, has opened the door to a growing trend: volcano tourism.

From stark black cones to craters that plunge deep into the Earth, Saudi Arabia’s volcanic landscape offers some of the most breathtaking geological sights in the region.

Among the most striking is Al-Wahbah, a vast crater near Taif that is 250 meters deep and more than two kilometers across. In the Asir region, Jabal Farwa — the Kingdom’s tallest volcanic peak — rises more than 3,000 m above sea level.

A view of Al-Wahbah crater near Taif. From stark black cones to craters that plunge deep into the Earth, Saudi Arabia’s volcanic landscape offers some of the most breathtaking geological sights in the region. (SPA photo)

Meanwhile, the Khaybar tract is home to Mount Al-Qadar, where lava once flowed for more than 50 km, and the otherworldly Mount Al-Abyad, known for its pale color and unusual formations.

“Fields like Rahat and Khaybar are characterized by hundreds of volcanic cones formed by mild explosive eruptions and vast lava flow areas reaching lava flow length over 50 km on some occasions, which grant them significant geological and scientific importance,” Al-Sehli said.

“Additionally, they are considered the largest in the Arab world and the Middle East.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• The last volcanic eruption in the Hijaz region occurred in 1256 AD, southeast of Madinah.

• Its lava flow extended for 23 kilometers, stopping 8.2 km short of the Prophet’s Mosque.

• Saudi Arabia’s volcanic landscape has the potential to become a global tourist destination.

While some fields are still classified as “potentially active,” experts agree there is no cause for alarm.

“Some volcanic fields are categorized as potentially active due to the geophysical indicators of eruptible magma in the mid-crust, which means there is a possibility — even if slight — of future volcanic activity,” Al-Sehli said.

“Currently, there are no signs of imminent danger.”

Combo image from the Saudi Geological Survey showing a remote seismic station, which are equipped with satellite telemetry, sensors to convert seismic wave velocities into digital signals, and device to convert the analog electrical signals into digital signals. (SGS photos)

Indeed, any future eruption, while highly unlikely in the short term, would be closely monitored. The Saudi Geological Survey operates a state-of-the-art seismic and volcanic surveillance network designed to detect even the slightest changes beneath the surface.

Should a large eruption take place, however, the environmental impact and the effect on the local climate could be significant.

“In the event of a major volcanic eruption, the emission of fine volcanic ash and gases such as sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the upper layers of the atmosphere could lead to temporary cooling of the local or regional climate, as well as generating acid rainfall,” Al-Sehli said.

With little risk posed by these sleeping giants and great natural beauty to explore and enjoy, Saudi Arabia is increasingly investing in geotourism — promoting its volcanic fields not as hazards, but as heritage.

“There is growing interest in developing geological tourism in the Kingdom,” Al-Sehli said. “The ministry of tourism is collaborating with the Saudi Geological Survey to develop and preserve these geological sites.”

The Saudi Geological Survey’s role extends far beyond monitoring. It produces maps and reports, conducts scientific research, and works to raise public awareness through exhibitions and outreach programs.

Among the SGS other functions include the identification of potential hazards such as landslides, earthquakes and desertification. (SGS)

It also helps identify and conserve key geological sites, ensuring that Saudi Arabia’s volcanic past is protected for future generations.

From lava trails to towering cones, the Kingdom’s volcanic fields offer a window into Earth’s ancient forces — and a unique travel experience for those looking to explore a different side of Saudi Arabia.

These volcanoes may be dormant, but their potential — for knowledge, for tourism, and for wonder — is anything but.