Najran’s archaeological and historic sites ready for visitors

JEDDAH: Najran, a city in southwestern Saudi Arabia near the border with Yemen, is hosting a number of cultural and social events during the next few weeks.
The region has experienced attacks from Houthi militias across the border but now, however, it is once again business as usual.
The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) has prepared archaeological and historic sites to receive visitors during the mid-semester break of the current academic year.
Several cultural and social activities will be taking place in the city, but the sites are expected to take the lion’s share of attention.
SCTNH General Director in Najran, Saleh Bin Mohammed Al-Moreeh, has confirmed that the area’s archaeological and historic sites will receive visitors, both local and foreign, during this year’s mid-semester break.
The most famous archaeological site is Al-Ukhdud and the most popular markets are in the historic district of Aba Al-Saud. There are, according to Al-Moreeh, other interesting archaeological and historic sites outside the city. He said that SCTNH staff was assigned to receive visitors and give them information about the sites.
“Working hours will be in two shifts: Mornings starting at 9 a.m. and evenings starting at 4 p.m.,” Al-Moreeh said.
As part of the celebrations in Najran, the Ministry of Culture and Information’s Najran branch is sponsoring the “Family and Community” festival at Rihana Mall.
The festival includes both cultural and social activities in addition to special areas dedicated to “productive families” and social development projects. There is also a theater for families and children.
In a separate event, the Najran Culture and Arts Association recently held a three-day workshop for women entitled, “How to Design and Implement Training Programs.” The aim of the workshop was to acquaint women with the concept and elements of designing training programs and choosing appropriate methods of training. In addition, the participants were shown what was needed for preparing and implementing such training programs.
At the same time, the Office for Call and Guidance in Al-Mishaliah district of Najran has just concluded an intensive practical course for 50 students at the Prince Mishaal bin Saud Mosque.