Saudi Arabia’s Reptile Land shows scary crawlers and creepers are no monsters

Reptile Land was part of the Jeddah Season and is located in the Jeddah Jungle zone. (Supplied)
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Updated 22 September 2022
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Saudi Arabia’s Reptile Land shows scary crawlers and creepers are no monsters

JEDDAH: Lizards, crocodiles and snakes may not be everyone’s idea of cuddly animals, but according to the two partners behind Reptile Land — Saudi Arabia’s first reptile zoo — the cold-blooded creatures get a bad rap.

“They are not the fearsome monsters that a lot of people seem to think they are,” Kane Tison told Arab News.

Tison, a British national, and Saudi national Faisal Malaikah channeled their love of animals, especially reptiles, into a business partnership behind Reptile Land. 

“I am just so proud of what we have done. It was a huge achievement for us to see people admiring and complimenting us because of the zoo we built,” Tison said.

Reptile Land was part of the Jeddah Season and is located in the Jeddah Jungle zone. The zoo is divided into two parts: One for animals that cannot survive the city’s brutal heat and need to be kept in controlled temperatures, and the other for those more suited to the desert climate. 

Tison said that the zoo was built to a tight deadline, and the team had to work day and night to make it come to life.  




Among the zoo’s inhabitants is a rare albino crocodile, one of a white-and-pink species that was hunted almost to the point of extinction before authorities intervened. (Supplied)

Now the Kingdom’s first reptile zoo is out to offer visitors “something new,” he said.

“Our goal is just to educate people and show them that reptiles are not the fearsome monsters that a lot of people think they are.”

All animals in the zoo are used to human interaction and pose no threat to visitors, Tison added. 

Visitors entering the site can see various species of lizards, snakes and crocodiles held in separate enclosures that offer the animals a miniature version of their natural habitat. 

Teams are present at each enclosure to answer visitors’ queries, with researchers also available to offer further information. 

Among the zoo’s inhabitants is a rare albino crocodile, one of a white-and-pink species that was hunted almost to the point of extinction before authorities intervened. There are now fewer than 200 albino crocodiles surviving around the world, conservation experts believe.

The zoo is also home to big lizards and tortoises, which are kept outdoors in natural surroundings, including ponds and edible plants. 

The size and specifications of each enclosure have been thoroughly researched and are based on European animal welfare standards.

“When we came up with the concept, we had to explain to people that it is something unique, and you can create beautiful enclosures and be creative. It isn’t just a snake in the box. It is a proper zoo, where animals are interacting and are present in their natural environment,” Tison said.

As Tison gave the Arab News team a tour of the zoo, he kept a close eye on the animals, at one point instructing staff carry two young tortoises to another enclosure because older animals were not allowing them to eat.

Staff were also told to reduce the amount of food offered to one lizard, which was showing early signs of obesity.

“For each species that we work with, there is a lot of reading and background information that takes forever, but is absolutely necessary,” Tison said. 

“Every single animal that we have here requires hours of research to learn about the temperature, humidity and environment that is required for each species.”

The zoo is also hoping to protect reptiles that are unique to Saudi Arabia, such as the Arabian Uromastyx, or spiny-tailed lizard, and desert monitor lizards.


Saudi FM receives his Iranian counterpart in Jeddah

Updated 17 sec ago
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Saudi FM receives his Iranian counterpart in Jeddah

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan receives his Iranian counterpart in Jeddah 


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

Updated 3 min 17 sec ago
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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 8 min 42 sec ago
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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 12 min 10 sec ago
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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.