From romantic getaways to last-minute gifts, Saudi Arabia has Valentine’s Day covered

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Heritage Village on Farasan Island in Saudi Arabia's southwestern province of Jazan. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 11 March 2022
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From romantic getaways to last-minute gifts, Saudi Arabia has Valentine’s Day covered

  • Could Saudi Arabia’s secluded Farasan Islands or mysterious AlUla sweep you off your feet this Valentine’s Day?
  • For those who left it too late to book a romantic retreat, there are plenty of Saudi apps offering last-minute gift ideas

JEDDAH: Valentine’s Day, the annual celebration of romance and love, is upon us once more, bringing with it the usual flurry of greetings cards, dinner reservations, whopping great boxes of chocolates and lavish bouquets of roses.

Once firmly off-limits in Saudi Arabia and regarded as out of sync with Gulf Arab values, the holiday is nowadays celebrated in the Kingdom with romantic gestures, an abundance of gift options, and commercial travel offerings designed to make the occasion memorable.

From fine-dining experiences at world-class restaurants to staycations and scenic getaways in the Arabian wilderness, the Kingdom now offers courting couples a huge selection of romantic adventures, right on their doorstep.




Farasan Island in Saudi Arabia's southwestern province of Jazan. (Shutterstock)

While many might consider Paris, the original “city of love,” to be the obvious destination for a last-minute Valentine’s excursion, Saudi Arabia offers its own romantic retreats, where couples can escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities and focus entirely on one another.

Take the Farasan Islands for instance. With more than 170 islands spread across the southwestern Red Sea, it is a playground for nature lovers looking for a long weekend away without having to leave the region.




An ancient mosque stands in an old village in Farasan islands. (Shutterstock)

The bright blue waters are complemented by pristine, virgin beaches, mangrove forests, spectacular coral reefs, and an abundance of wildlife. Described as “habitat hot spots,” the islands were the first place in the Kingdom to be listed as a protected biosphere reserve.

Visitors who take advantage of the opportunity to go diving in the crystal-clear waters can find dolphins playing in the surf, spot flocks of pink flamingos paddling in sparkling shallows, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of giant yet serene dugongs drifting between the mangroves.

The islands are not entirely untouched by humans. The ruins of an old Ottoman fortress, stone remnants resembling Roman columns, and old, white-washed houses built in the unique local style have, like all good relationships, stood the test of time.

However, the islands remain largely unscathed by modern development and so hotel options are limited. But what better way to truly enjoy the natural beauty of the region, and the company of your loved one, than by camping out on an unspoiled beach under a blanket of stars.

If a cooler climate is more your thing, then heading north to the majestic valley and mountains of AlUla might hold greater appeal. Indeed, this is the land of the timeless tale of the forbidden love of Jamil and Buthainah.




Extraordinary sandstone landscapes host extraordinary cultural and natural heritage, surrounded with beautiful unique rock formation where you can find only in AlUla. (Shutterstock)

Since the region opened up to the world in 2018, accommodation options have been springing up throughout AlUla, sensitively designed to blend into the natural surroundings.

From the Harrat Viewpoint, visitors can survey the wide vistas of the region’s old farming communities and watch a gorgeous sunset over the old town of AlUla. For more active and adventurous travelers, the attractions include zip-lining, scenic walks on the desert sand, and a chance to explore the ancient landmarks of the Dedan and Lihyan civilizations.

Caravan sites and designated camping grounds offer visitors the chance to experience an atmospheric night under the stars. If you prefer your home comforts, AlUla also has luxury hotel options and exceptional culinary experiences at Annabel’s, Al-Mahkar, Circolo and Myazu.

For those who have left it too late to book a weekend trip, there are plenty of Saudi gift services available at the click of a button. Flowers, chocolates and balloons, for example, are available for delivery using smartphone apps such as Floward, Joi Gifts, Little Flora, Arabian Flora, and Ferns N Petals. Meanwhile, custom-made gifts can be ordered through courier apps such as The Chefs, Marsool, and To You.




Inside Annabel's Restaurant in AlUla. (Supplied)

Then of course there is the traditional option of a romantic meal for two. One top recommendation is the Greek fare on offer at Opa, the newest restaurant to open at Riyadh Oasis in the heart of the Nafud Desert.

Meanwhile, serving locations from London to Jeddah, Novikov offers some of the region’s best Asian cuisine, prepared in an open kitchen that allows diners to watch the team of talented chefs create exquisite dishes before their very eyes.

With so many Valentine’s Day options available for smitten Saudis to make that grand romantic gesture, Cupid’s arrow surely cannot fail to hit the mark.


Saudi FM receives his Iranian counterpart in Jeddah

Updated 10 May 2025
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Saudi FM receives his Iranian counterpart in Jeddah

  • Araqchi traveled to Jeddah to meet with senior Saudi officials
  • The visit comes ahead of possible indirect US-Iran talks in Oman on Sunday

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Saturday received his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah, Al Arabiya News Channel reported.

Araghchi traveled to Jeddah to meet with senior Saudi officials and discuss bilateral issues and regional and international developments.

He is expected to later travel to Qatar to participate in the Iran-Arab World Dialogue summit in Doha, an Iranian ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

The visit also comes ahead of scheduled indirect US-Iran talks in Oman on Sunday and an expected trip to the region by US President Donald Trump.

 


Little Explorer event in Jeddah connects young minds with archeology, heritage

Updated 10 May 2025
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Little Explorer event in Jeddah connects young minds with archeology, heritage

  • Initiative offered interactive, engaging educational experience

Jeddah: The Little Explorer event, which was organized by the Heritage Commission in Jeddah and ran from May 6-10, offered an interactive and engaging educational experience for children.

The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of archeological excavation and strengthen the connection between younger generations and the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Blending entertainment with education, the event sought to foster a generation that values antiquities and their role in strengthening national identity.

Held in Bab Jadeed, the event was part of the commission’s efforts to engage young people in heritage preservation through educational and hands-on activities, which introduced archeological principles and promoted the protection of historic sites.

The event featured five main pavilions, each designed as an educational and interactive station, according to the SPA.

The Little Explorer’s Tale took place in an interactive cinema screening an educational animation that simulated an exploratory journey to the Al-Faw archeological site, offering an engaging introduction to cultural heritage.

Children at the Explorer’s Academy viewed authentic artifacts from various civilizations and learned about excavation tools and archeological processes.

The Excavation Simulation offered a hands-on experience, allowing participants to search for artifacts using real tools in a realistic sand-filled setting.

The Archeological Workshop provided a space for creative drawing with children learning about historic monuments with the help of iPads.

The Play and Learn area combined recreational games with archeological themes, making heritage exploration both fun and educational for children.


Olympiad delegates explore Saudi heritage, hospitality

Updated 10 May 2025
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Olympiad delegates explore Saudi heritage, hospitality

Dhahran: International delegations taking part in the Asian Physics Olympiad, hosted by Saudi Arabia in Dhahran from May 4 to 12, enjoyed a dynamic schedule of scientific competitions, cultural activities, educational events and entertainment.

The enriching experience brought together 240 students from 30 countries and 110 international physics specialists, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Beyond the competitions, the program included educational and cultural visits highlighting Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and scientific progress, while promoting global youth engagement and cultural exchange.

Wearing traditional Saudi attire as a sign of respect, participants experienced the Kingdom’s hospitality, sampled Saudi cuisine and took part in interactive events that fostered cultural connection.

This year’s Olympiad holds special significance as it marks the 25th anniversary of the competition. For more than two decades, it has united talented youth from across the globe, encouraging scientific excellence and cross-cultural understanding.

The final results — organized by the Ministry of Education, the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals — will be announced during the closing ceremony on May 11 at King Fahd University in Dhahran.


Kingdom arrests 15,928 illegals in one week

Updated 10 May 2025
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Kingdom arrests 15,928 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 15,928 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 10,179 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,912 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,837 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,248 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 63 percent were Ethiopian, 35 percent Yemeni, and 2 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 45 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 26 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.


New Hajj plan backs moderate, guided pilgrimage

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais emphasized the importance of strengthening on-the-ground efforts to deliver improved enrichment ser
Updated 10 May 2025
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New Hajj plan backs moderate, guided pilgrimage

MAKKAH: The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched the “Enriching the Field Path” initiative as part of the Kingdom’s operational plan for this year’s Hajj season.

The initiative aims to enhance the pilgrimage experience through scientific guidance and awareness programs that promote a message of moderate Hajj in multiple languages, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

It includes more than 20 digital, technical, educational, devotional and faith-based awareness initiatives delivered in various languages.

Its goal is to enrich pilgrims’ spiritual journey with impactful religious content and high-quality services, enabling them to perform rituals with understanding in a devotional atmosphere.

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, emphasized the importance of strengthening on-the-ground efforts to deliver improved enrichment services for all pilgrims.

He urged a focus on promoting the message of a moderate, faith-based Hajj to the global community through multilingual platforms.

Al-Sudais also called for easing ritual performance with gentleness, wisdom and compassionate guidance, while using digital tools and AI to overcome time and geographic barriers in spreading the message of a humane and moderate Hajj.