World

Guide to Saudi Arabia summer travel destinations for travelers to beat the heat

From its picturesque mountain getaways to serene coastal retreats, Saudi Arabia boasts of a surprising array of cool spots that promise to beat the summer’s sweltering heat, making way for a refreshing and unforgettable vacation.

With uncertain global weather conditions raising concerns of a disruption in summer plans, the Kingdom offers domestic and international travelers a chance to explore cooler destinations.

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Managing Director of luxury destination management company ROAM, Stuart McNair, described the Kingdom as a “gem” and an “ideal location for holidays.”

In this photograph made on Thursday, May 10, 2012, foreign tourists visit a Nabataean tombs complex in the desert archaeological site of Madain Saleh, in Al Ula city, 1043 km (648 miles) northwest of the capital Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (File photo: AP)

In a statement to Al Arabiya English, McNair said, “We know that Saudi Arabia is a gem, offering unique and authentic experiences and climates that vary from one city to the other, making it the ideal location for holidays all year round.”

He also encouraged domestic tourists to explore destinations within Saudi Arabia this summer.

“There’s simply too much beauty to be explored right here,” he said.

Whether travelers choose to go on a historical adventure through Jeddah’s Al Balad or to discover more than 300 species of marine life on board a yacht in the Red Sea, the country has a variety of adventures fit for everyone’s travel needs.

Boost for tourism

In May, travel data firm ForwardKeys reported that Saudi Arabia would see an enormous spike in tourism between June and August this year compared to last year, especially given how much the country has invested in the sector over the last few years.

The Kingdom has been investing heavily in tourism – by providing travelers from within the country and abroad bespoke adventure activities, among other things, to attract regional and international markets.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) Fahd Hamidaddin had told the Arabian Travel Market earlier this year that tourism would be “the new oil” for the Kingdom.

“The world in the 1920s came to Saudi for oil. Now, in the 2020s, the world will come for tourism – the new oil,” he had commented.

Here’s a curated guide to Saudi Arabia’s perfect summer destinations:

Jeddah – Al Balad:

Travelers can go on a historical adventure through one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, exploring what life was like before the modern city evolved.

This UNESCO Heritage Site was founded in the early 7th century and served as Jeddah’s commercial center before the 1970s oil boom.

A view of the buildings in Jeddah's Albalad. (Supplied)

The old city was an ancient trading port and the primary gateway to Mecca for Hajj and Umrah. Today, the town is famous for its ancient architecture and traditional buildings that were constructed using coral stone and decorated with beautiful wooden lattice windows.

ROAM recommends visiting Al Balad as part of a ‘Summer in Saudi’ package.

Children and adults alike can explore their artistic side with a private visit to a craftsmen’s studio where visitors can enjoy a day painting and learn about Islamic wood design.

Taif

Adrenaline lovers looking to escape the heat can explore the mountainous city of Taif – a true hidden gem in Saudi Arabia.

A view of the mountains of Taif. (Supplied)

Taif is famous for producing citrus fruits and for its scented roses grown in more than 700 farms. The city is also full of historical monuments, markets, popular squares, unique gardens, and cultural sites. Families can visit local farms and learn the secrets of producing local ingredients, where the city grows its renowned citrus fruits such as grapes, berries, pomegranates, and figs.

Visitors can explore the area on a hike through the mountains and fields during the day and enjoy a stargazing experience at night.

Abha

Abha is known to be one of Saudi Arabia’s coolest cities, making it the ultimate destination for summer holidays.

Families can enjoy a private climbing experience in Tanomah – just under a two-hour drive from Abha – or explore the magical Soudah Mountain.

Tourists can also sharpen their knowledge of the south of Saudi Arabia by learning about the traditional art forms of al-Qatt al-Asiri.

Traditionally a form of interior wall decoration, al-Qatt al-Asiri is an ancient female art form considered a key element of the Asir region’s identity. The technique involves adoring the houses’ internal walls with al-Qatt, or wall paintings.

There are private tours with local women who explain the art form’s origins and teach guests about its historical significance.

The Red Sea

With more than 300 species of marine life – including mantas, turtles, fish, and dolphins – and shipwrecks, the Red Sea is the perfect place for curious travelers.

A view of divers exploring the Red Sea. (Supplied)

Saudi Arabia announces new instant e-visa options for UK, US, Schengen travelers

Saudi Arabia is world’s second fastest growing tourism destination: WTO

World

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi meets with CEOs of leading Norwegian companies

H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has met with a group of CEOs from leading Norwegian companies, as part of their participation in the UAE-Norway Investment Forum, held alongside his official visit to the Kingdom of Norway.

During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed underscored the UAE leadership’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with its international partners.

He highlighted that investment in innovation and knowledge is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development, noting that enhancing collaboration with Norwegian companies across key sectors will open new avenues for mutual economic growth between the two countries.

The UAE-Norway Investment Forum, taking place in Oslo, aimed to highlight available investment opportunities and strengthen trade relations between the UAE and Norway, fostering shared interests and supporting innovation and knowledge-based economic visions.

-wam

World

At the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS inaugurates 10th global office, releases four books

As part of its Asian research tour, partnership with Aletihad News Center, and
primary sponsorship of the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS
Research & Advisory inaugurated its office in Jakarta, marking its 10th location
worldwide. It also released four books in Indonesian.
The inauguration event was attended by ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, and
Jordan to Indonesia, chairpersons of the UAE and Indonesian Publishers’
Associations, the Director of TRENDS’ Jakarta office, and a group of researchers
and academics.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS
Research & Advisory, stated that TRENDS’ international offices—set to reach 15
by the end of 2024—aim to enhance the Center’s research efforts and deepen its
role in disseminating knowledge, thus serving as a global knowledge bridge.
He emphasized, “At TRENDS, we believe in the importance of cooperation
between think tanks and prioritize this endeavor. We believe the TRENDS office in
Jakarta will enhance the exchange of knowledge and ideas between think tanks in
Asia and the Middle East, opening new horizons for collaboration in various
fields.”

Four books in Indonesian
As part of the Jakarta office’s inaugural activities, four books were released in
Indonesian, including the 11th and 12th books of the Muslim Brotherhood
Encyclopedia and Global Trends in AI and Automation and the Future of
Competition between Man and Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision.

Hostility to Arab states
The 11th book of the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia, The Concept of the State
According to the Muslim Brotherhood, highlights its hostile stance toward Arab
states since its inception. The group views them as an obstacle to its ascent to
power. It opposed the modern principles upon which these states were built,
considering them incompatible with the group’s unique interpretation of Islam,
which it claimed to embody exclusively.

Exclusion of nonconformists
The 12th book, The Muslim Brotherhood: Rejection of Tolerance and Exclusion of
Nonconformists, examines the Muslim Brotherhood’s stance towards
nonconformists, individuals, and entities. The book reveals the group’s binary view
of the world, categorizing others as allies or adversaries. It ties these relationships
to the Brotherhood’s internal power struggles and self-serving interests.

Global Trends in AI
The third book, Global Trends in AI, explores significant developments in AI and
its impact on various aspects of life, including the economy, society, and
governance. It also offers a comprehensive analysis of technological advancements
in AI, its applications across sectors, the ethical and social challenges it presents,
and its future trajectory.

Automation

The fourth book, Automation and the Future of Competition between Man and
Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision, addresses the growing challenges
faced by the human workforce in the face of widespread automation and AI
applications. The book concludes that while automation presents a significant
challenge to the labor market, it simultaneously creates new opportunities. It
emphasizes the importance of preparing for this shift through skills development,
continuous education, and adopting economic and social policies that support the
workforce.

Prominent pavilion and active presence
The TRENDS’ pavilion at the Indonesia International Book Fair has attracted
numerous visitors, including academic researchers and officials, such as the
ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and Turkey. Additionally,
chairpersons of Arab and Indonesian publishers’ associations, authors, publishers,
and students visited the pavilion. All were impressed with and praised TRENDS’ diverse, valuable publications. They also commended TRENDS’ active
international presence and ability to address global developments with rigorous
analytical research.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali honored the esteemed guests, including
ambassadors of the UAE and Bahrain to Indonesia, Wedha Startesti Yudha,
Chairperson of the Indonesia International Book Fair Committee, Arys Hilman
Nugraha, Chairman of the Indonesian Publishers Association, and others,
presenting them with TRENDS’ publications and commemorative shields.
Additionally, he awarded TRENDS’ Research Medal to Ni Made Ayu Martini
Indonesian Deputy Minister of Marketing, Tourism and Creative Economy
It is worth noting that during its current Asian research tour, TRENDS announced
the launch of the TRENDS Research Medal, awarded to individuals who make
significant contributions to the development of scientific research and promote collaboration with TRENDS in strengthening a culture of research across various fields.

World

US determined to prevent full-scale war in Middle East, Joe Biden tells UNGA79

US President Joe Biden highlighted the US Administration’s determination to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire Middle East region, noting that a diplomatic solution “remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes on the border safely”.

In remarks he made today before the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), the US President said, “Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest,” adding that a diplomatic solution is still possible.

He also touched on “the rise of violence against innocent Palestinians on the West Bank”, and the need to “set the conditions for a better future”, which he said featured “a two-state solution, where the world — where Israel enjoys security and peace and full recognition and normalised relations with all its neighbours, where Palestinians live in security, dignity, and self-determination in a state of their own”.

President Biden underscored the ceasefire and hostage deal put forth by Qatar and Egypt, which the UN Security Council endorsed. He said, “Now is the time for the parties to finalise its terms, bring the hostages home,” adding that this would help ease the suffering in Gaza, and end the war.

-WAM