Why Yanbu on the Red Sea is fast becoming one of Saudi Arabia’s must-visit destinations

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Besides magnificent annual flower, bird and butterfly shows, the western Saudi town of Yanbu is attracting tourists with its rich biodiversity. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 13 May 2022
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Why Yanbu on the Red Sea is fast becoming one of Saudi Arabia’s must-visit destinations

  • Beyond its scenic charm, favorable climate and natural beauty, Yanbu has a particular appeal for history buffs
  • own’s historic architecture, including a house where T. E. Lawrence once lived, have been faithfully restored

DUBAI: Just a few hours’ drive west of Madinah is the historic port town of Yanbu, the second largest settlement on Saudi Arabia’s western Red Sea coast. With its curious heritage and growing wealth of attractions, this unassuming coastal gem is fast becoming a must-visit destination in its own right.

Visitors to Yanbu can traipse along the town’s historic harbor, enjoy Red Sea-caught fish prepared in the local style, and explore the recently restored Souq Al-Lail, or night market, where they can buy local dates, green mulukhiyah leaves, as well as other sweets and delicacies.

At night, the old harbor area comes alive with locals flocking to outdoor eateries overlooking the tranquil waters, protected from the waves by unspoilt coral reefs that have long lured divers to the coastline.




Yanbu's iconic lighthouse overlooking the town's coastal area by the Red Sea. (Shutterstock)

As one of the oldest ports on the Red Sea, Yanbu has a history reaching back at least 2,500 years, when it served as a crucial staging post on the ancient spice and incense route from Yemen to Egypt and onward to the wider Mediterranean.

Its strategic importance in the world of commerce continues to this day. Further south along the coast from the idyllic old town is an important petroleum shipping terminal that is home to three oil refineries, a plastics factory, and several other petrochemical plants.

While Yanbu has long enjoyed a reputation as a place of commerce, it is now developing into something of a tourism hotspot.




The market in the heritage village of Yanbu Al-Nakhl. (Shutterstock)

“In the past, most tourists were from Saudi Arabia, but now we are getting more foreigners, from France, Germany, and the UK,” Ghazi Al-Enezi, who runs the Riyadh-based operator Ghazi Tours, told Arab News.

“Yanbu has been receiving many visitors via cruises from Jeddah, cities in Egypt and Jordan.”

In 2014, Al-Enezi was named the Best Tour Guide in the Kingdom by the Saudi government. Since then, his fledgling operation has grown into a successful enterprise, with 12 members of staff operating tours across the country and a wealth of local and international clients.

The Kingdom’s growing tourism market has offered a boost to Yanbu’s hospitality industry, with the recent opening of a Novotel, a Holiday Inn, and the Al-Ahlam Tourism Resort. This in turn has drummed up new business for local cafes and restaurants.




Yanbu's nice weather make the coastal town a favorite escape during the summer months. (Shutterstock)

“Many hotels and restaurants are opening now, and local people are also trying to serve visitors their own local dishes,” said Al-Enezi. “The weather is nice as well. It doesn’t get too hot in the summer, which means during the hot months people can escape to Yanbu.”

Beyond its scenic charm, favorable climate and natural beauty, Yanbu also has a particular appeal for history buffs. The British army intelligence officer T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, lived in Yanbu for a time between 1915 and 1916 in a typical Hijazi building.

The British archaeologist, diplomat and writer became famous for his role in the Arab Revolt and the Sinai and Palestine Campaign against the Ottoman Empire during the First World War.

Lawrence was deployed to the region to help the Arabs overthrow their Ottoman rulers, who had sided with Germany against Britain and France.




Lawrence of Arabia, left, and the renovated house in Yanbu where he lived between 1915 and 1916. (Getty Images)

On Dec. 1, 1916, the Ottoman forces of Fakhri Pasha launched a daring offensive against Yanbu with the aim of reestablishing control over the strategically vital port.

After some initial Ottoman successes, the Arabs counterattacked with the support of five British Royal Navy warships anchored off the coast. By Jan. 18, 1917, the Ottomans were in full retreat.

Yanbu served as a supply and operations base for Arab and British forces for the remainder of the war.




Yanbu industrial harbor. (Shutterstock)

In 1975, the Saudi government decided to transform Yanbu into one of the country’s two new industrial centers, the other being Jubail on the Arabian Gulf.

Since then, state and private development projects in Yanbu have boosted its economic value and prestige, attracting huge petrochemical and logistics infrastructure.

Today, as the Kingdom undergoes a fresh transformation, heralded by the Vision 2030 economic and social reform agenda, Yanbu’s fortunes are once again shifting — this time toward tourism, heritage and culture.

In 2020, the Ministry of Tourism launched a project to restore T.E. Lawrence’s Hejazi house, renovating its white stone walls and ornate wooden screens in what would become the first of the ministry’s efforts to revive the old town of Yanbu.




Heritage houses being restored in Yanbu. (Shutterstock)

Soon, other traditional Arabian homes followed, with sensitive restoration work launched to restore their coral-stone walls and wooden latticed windows to their former glory. The rebirth of Yanbu’s authentic architecture has made the city a highly desirable place to visit.

Since then, a host of tour operators have sprung up across Yanbu to cater for this recent influx of visitors.

Al-Enezi, who has run tours in Yanbu since 2008, offers a choice of two main tours — one along the coast that features a visit to Oyster Island, known for its pristine beaches and clear waters, and another into the urban heart of Yanbu that acquaints visitors with local heritage and crafts.




Ghazi Al-Enezi was named the Best Tour Guide in the Kingdom in 2014. (Supplied)

He also takes visitors to Umluj, which is situated 150 km north of Yanbu. Often referred to as the “Maldives of Saudi Arabia,” the coastal town is made up of more than 100 small islands where hotels and other attractions are now under construction.

Also outside the town, thrill-seeking visitors are drawn to Radwa Mount, with its red-hued jagged peaks towering some 2,282 meters above sea level, making it the highest point in the Al-Nakhil range.

Known for its rich biodiversity, including lynx, tigers, ibex and wolves, visitors can enjoy a safari tour along the rugged highland landscape and stop at high-altitude villages to sample the local honey.




Yanbu also boasts of attractive highland landscapes. (Shutterstock)

For Al-Enezi, the tourism industry in Yanbu is unrecognizable today from what passed for it when he began organizing tours there 14 years ago.

“It was hard for the few of us working in the business in the beginning because at that time the Saudi government wasn’t focused on tourism and not many people were coming to visit the Kingdom,” he told Arab News.

“But this is now a growing and changing business.”


Jazan’s Black Mountain rises to new tourism heights

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Jazan’s Black Mountain rises to new tourism heights

  • Named for its dark, volcanic rock formations, the mountain offers more than just dramatic colors. It is a place of raw natural beauty and ecological significance

RIYADH: Black Mountain, located in Al-Raith governorate of the Jazan region, is one of Saudi Arabia’s most striking natural landmarks, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

Named for its dark, volcanic rock formations, the mountain offers more than just dramatic colors. It is a place of raw natural beauty and ecological significance.

Rising more than 2,000 meters above sea level, it ranks among the highest peaks in Jazan. Its rugged surroundings include sloping plains and winding valleys that attract hikers, nature photographers, and those seeking solitude in nature.

For much of the year, especially in winter and spring, the mountain’s peaks are cloaked in fog.

Its slopes are lined with native trees and traditional agricultural terraces that have supported generations of local farmers cultivating corn, millet, and coffee.

Several villages sit nearby, where locals maintain a deep connection with the land, the SPA reported.

Folklore passed down through generations speaks of the mountain as a refuge for shepherds and travelers in earlier times.

With the rise of ecotourism and outdoor exploration across the Kingdom, interest in Black Mountain has grown.

Young hikers, campers, and photography enthusiasts are increasingly drawn to its scenic terrain.

To support this, authorities are developing the site with walking trails, observation points, and informational signage that highlights local culture and biodiversity.


Saudi virtual YouTuber Pika Loli reaches 1 million subscribers, spotlighting Kingdom’s creative edge

Updated 6 min 4 sec ago
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Saudi virtual YouTuber Pika Loli reaches 1 million subscribers, spotlighting Kingdom’s creative edge

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia continues to grow its presence in the global gaming and content creation industries, young talents are making their mark in unexpected ways.

One such creator is Pika Loli, a virtual YouTuber from Jeddah believed to be the first Arab VTuber to reach 1 million subscribers.

VTubers, or virtual YouTubers, use computer-generated avatars animated via real-time motion capture. The format, originally popularized in Japan, has steadily gained traction in other regions, including the Arab world.

Pika, whose animated persona debuted on YouTube in April 2021, first began experimenting with virtual content on Twitch in 2019.

She told Arab News that her growing audience encouraged her to take the leap to YouTube, where she now produces videos that blend Japanese gaming culture with Arab influences.

“I didn’t choose to be a VTuber to hide my identity. I see this creative format as a deeper way to express myself beyond my physical appearance,” she said. “My love for anime and video games inspired me to create a virtual character that allows me to engage with the world I adore.”

She describes her entry into the field as a response to what she saw as a gap in the regional content scene.

“I realized that Arab content lacked this kind of creativity and asked myself, ‘Why can’t I be the first?’” she said.

On her channel, Pika specializes in video games, particularly Japanese titles and virtual reality experiences, blending these interests with elements of Arab culture. This distinctive combination appeals to followers in the Arab world. 

In the first year of creating content on YouTube, she reached a significant milestone when she hit 100,000 subscribers and received YouTube’s Silver Play Button.

Now, with more than 1 million followers, her growing popularity over the years has inspired many, particularly those who may be hesitant to appear on camera.

“Don’t be afraid to try new things,” she said. “Whether it’s drawing, gaming, anime, or storytelling, you can start with just a small step. Success doesn’t require showing your face; what matters is your passion and determination.” 

Pika works independently and said she has turned down several “unserious” offers that did not align with her goals.

“My family supports me immensely, but I believe that maintaining privacy is crucial, especially in our communities. Being a YouTuber doesn’t diminish my pride; it’s part of my identity and expression,” she added.

Creating each video is a multi-day process, she said, and involves concept development, recording, identity, design, and publishing.

“I sometimes spend long hours on edits until I’m completely satisfied with the result,” she said, adding that she maintains a content creation schedule that balances her work and personal life.

“Consistency comes not from fleeting enthusiasm but from genuine love for what I do,” Pika said. “Knowing that someone is waiting for my content motivates me to keep going, and I’ve established a schedule that nurtures my mental well-being.” 

Part of her appeal comes from her distinct voice, which has been described by fans as “instantly recognizable” and reminiscent of anime characters. 

One personal moment she recalls fondly is receiving a voice message from an old school friend who said that her child was a fan of Pika’s videos.

“I was overjoyed and teary-eyed — not only because my video was on their TV, but because it reminded me of a past friendship,” she said. 

Pika sees her success as part of a broader movement in Saudi Arabia’s creative industries.

“This trend is something to be proud of. The Kingdom has not only kept pace with the world but has also become a leader in certain areas, with vast support, global competitions, and real investment in this field,” she said.

She acknowledged the effort of local institutions in supporting the next generation of content creators: “Organizations like the General Entertainment Authority and the Saudi Esports Federation are making clear efforts to support talent and provide training programs for global participation.”

While her journey as a VTuber has been defined by experimentation and persistence, Pika’s success underscores the rising influence of Saudi creatives on platforms once dominated by other regions.


Jeddah show exhibits vibrant art from waste

Updated 12 min 27 sec ago
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Jeddah show exhibits vibrant art from waste

  • The exhibition demonstrates how damaged and discarded industrial materials can be turned into vibrant artworks, as commentary on the importance of protecting the environment

JEDDAH: The Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in Jeddah is holding an exhibition, at its Abdulhalim Radwi Hall, of art created from waste.

Hussein Al-Buheiri, general director of technical and vocational training in the Makkah region, opened the Al-Muhmal exhibition by Saudi visual artist Mishal Al-Omari. 

Running until July 23, the exhibition demonstrates how damaged and discarded industrial materials can be turned into vibrant artworks, as commentary on the importance of protecting the environment.

The exhibition, which attracted several culture and art enthusiasts, highlights the power of art to create beauty, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It features collages, embroidery, paintings and sculptures made from recycled plastic, paper, iron and pipes.

The exhibition’s aim is to raise awareness about recycling, inspire environmental protection, promote visual arts, and encourage young people to create from everyday materials.


Saudi FM discusses Israeli attacks on Syria with Turkish counterpart

Syrians wave flags during a demonstration against Israeli intervention in Syria, in Damascus on July 16, 2025. (AFP)
Updated 16 min 36 sec ago
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Saudi FM discusses Israeli attacks on Syria with Turkish counterpart

  • The two ministers held the call after Israel launched powerful airstrikes in Damascus on Wednesday

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed Israeli attacks on Syria with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two ministers held the call after Israel launched powerful airstrikes in Damascus on Wednesday, blowing up part of the defense ministry and hitting near the presidential palace.

The attacks marked a significant Israeli escalation against President Ahmed Al-Sharaa’s government and came despite his warming ties with the US and his administration’s evolving security contacts with Israel.

Scores of people have been killed this week in violence in and around the predominantly Druze city of Sweida, pitting fighters from the Druze minority against government security forces and members of Bedouin tribes.


Madinah mayor to present SDG progress at UN

Updated 17 min 6 sec ago
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Madinah mayor to present SDG progress at UN

MADINAH: Madinah Region Development Authority is participating in the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York under the theme “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs.”

The forum, running until July 23, brings together UN member states to review progress on the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The authority’s participation is part of the Kingdom’s delegation, led by Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim.

This year’s participation reflects the Kingdom’s alignment of Vision 2030 principles with the global SDGs framework and highlights Madinah’s role in localizing the SDGs and adopting the Quality of Life Index initiative.

Fahad Albulihshi, Madinah mayor and CEO of the authority, will deliver the Kingdom’s address at the Local and Regional Governments Forum during the UN event.

His speech will focus on Madinah’s role in localizing SDGs and the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing SDG efforts at the local level, aligned with Vision 2030 goals.

On the sidelines, the mayor will hold bilateral meetings with representatives of local and regional governments to discuss cooperation on the UN 2030 Agenda.

Discussions will also address governance, inclusive services, and local investment in supporting SDG progress regionally.