Tourists enjoy stunning views of Luxor on hot air balloon rides
Tourists were delighted to see the monuments and temples on the western mainland after being ferried by small boats across the Nile
Updated 09 October 2023
Gobran Mohamed
CAIRO: More than 1,700 tourists from around the world enjoyed recreational trips in Egypt by taking part in 73 hot air balloon flights over Luxor on Monday.
The activity is popular as tourists get a panoramic view of ancient Egyptian temples, tombs, the Nile River and green agricultural fields.
Ahmed Aboud, head of the Egyptian Federation of Hot Air Ballooning Companies in Luxor, said that pilots launched weather test balloons before takeoff.
He added that Luxor is the third-largest city operator of hot air balloons globally, and is renowned for its warm atmosphere.
Tourists were delighted to see the monuments and temples on the western mainland after being ferried by small boats across the Nile.
After breakfast, tourists are transported to the hot air balloon airport by bus.
This destination is popular among celebrities and attracts many flights.
Demand for trips increases in the winter, with tourists enjoying the magic of warm weather over the historical sites in the morning.
The balloons are comprehensively examined before each flight, with safety and personal security procedures being top priorities for tourists.
On Friday, 55 hot air balloons flew over western Luxor with 1,450 tourists of various nationalities. Last Tuesday, 72 hot air balloons flew over Upper Egypt carrying 1,613 tourists from different countries.
The event features a carefully selected lineup of vendors, chefs and food stalls representing countries such as Pakistan, Turkey, Morocco and Indonesia, among others.
Event director Waleed Jahangir spoke to Arab News, noting the growing demand for halal-certified products as the global Muslim population continues to expand.
“The growing interest in ethical, sustainable and high-quality food sources has attracted not just Muslim consumers, but people from all backgrounds to halal food,” Jahangir said.
A new addition this year is the Celebrity Chef Cookery Theatre, hosted by Shelina Permalloo, known for her appearances on ITV’s “Cooking with the Stars.” She will be joined by other top chefs in leading interactive cooking demonstrations. Celebrities such as Nadiya Hussain and Big Zuu, as well as actors from Netflix, are expected to attend the event.
The festival has expanded its family-friendly offerings with an enlarged childrens’ zone and bazaar. It has also partnered with Our Future Health to provide a mobile health clinic on-site, giving attendees the opportunity to participate in health research and have checkups.
“We also encourage discussions and conversations at the festival through interactive panels, giving people from all walks of life a space to connect over shared values of food, culture and community,” Jahangir added.
Organizers emphasized their commitment to supporting a diverse range of businesses, offering smaller, local vendors prime spaces at the festival to ensure they have high visibility.
The “Local Flavours” will focus on artisanal food producers, giving them a platform to show their products to thousands of festival visitors eager to explore new tastes.
JAZAN: The Higher Institute for Tourism and Hospitality, in cooperation with UN Tourism’s regional office in Riyadh, recently organized a workshop called “Innovative Approaches for Sustainable Tourism Practices” at the institute’s headquarters in Jazan.
The workshop featured an introduction to sustainable tourism, under the supervision of Luis Nicolas Barrios, regional manager for innovation, education and investments at the UN Tourism Regional Office.
Brainstorming sessions were conducted to promote critical thinking and idea generation during the event. (SPA)
Those participating in the event undertook brainstorming sessions aimed at promoting critical thinking and the generation of ideas.
Ali bin Saeed bin Jaber, director of the institute, explained that the initiative was part of the body’s ambitious plans for providing job opportunities for Saudi youngsters while helping them toward meeting the needs of the international hotel and tourism industry through the institute’s programs. These had been designed in cooperation with international academic institutes and the local private sector.
The island-based Red Sea resort offers the chance for both relaxation and adventure
Updated 19 September 2024
Shyama Krishna Kumar
RED SEA: The latest offering from Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global Project — Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — is situated off the Kingdom’s west coast in the relatively untouched Ummahat Islands. It offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in Saudi Arabia’s nature, culture and cuisine.
Red Sea International Airport — situated where the expansive desert meets the cerulean coast — is fairly small. It took around five minutes from the plane stopping to being ushered out of the airport, luggage in hand, which has to be some kind of record.
The deck of an overwater villa. (Supplied)
It's a further 15-to-20-minute drive to the Red Sea arrival center, from which you take a boat transfer — or, if the weather is suitable, a seaplane — to Nujuma.
We found ourselves there on an extremely windy day, so the 40-minute boat ride was a bit of an adventure, featuring a white-knuckled woman fighting for her life to stay put in her seat (yours truly) and a captain who kept looking back, big smiles and all, to flash a reassuring thumbs up every now and then, all while ever-increasing waves crashed against the boat. It could have all been a bit much, but the sight of the captain's assistant nonchalantly watching YouTube videos in the seat in front of me put my hyperbolic fears to rest.
The bumpy ride proved well worth it when I arrived at Nujuma (Arabic for stars), and was promptly whisked to my over-water villa, offering unobstructed views of endless blue waters and the approaching sunset. There are 63 villas in total, both over-water and on the beach, and each shell-inspired domed structure comes with a private pool and offers complete privacy while simultaneously giving full access to the views with floor-to-ceiling windows in all rooms, as well as a telescope to stargaze at the light-pollution-free night sky.
The first thing that will strike you about Nujuma is a true feeling of otherworldliness. Courting a high-end clientele, Nujuma seems like the perfect getaway for a celebrity looking for a discreet holiday or a honeymooning couple wanting some privacy.
Each villa also has a personal host to handle all guest requests. The service of Jeddah-born Omar, who was assigned to my room, was exceptional and he was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about both the Kingdom and the Red Sea.
When it comes to dining, Nujuma provides four excellent options. Sita, the all-day restaurant, was my favorite, combining the delicacies of a French patisserie with a Levantine eatery. The shakshuka and the chocolate pain perdu with a side of fresh berries remain standouts. If the weather is fine, I’d recommend enjoying your meal outdoors under the arched woven-wood ceiling.
A shot of Sita. (Supplied)
The seafood outpost Tabrah (Arabic for “luckiest catch”) is a charming villa-style restaurant where you can sample everything from the catch of the day to lobster to a seafood paella that will have you asking for a second helping.
The alfresco Jamaa is the beach-side lounge offering light eats and incomparable sunset views, as you sit close to the outdoor pool and cabanas.
Just indoors is Maia, a cozy “bar” with a roof dotted with twinkling constellations, and bartenders ready to whip up any mocktail you can think of.
But for those looking for more than just food, drink and great views, Nujuma offers an array of activities, especially for those who’d like to learn more about the Kingdom. The Conservation House, for example, is dedicated to the culture and history of Saudi Arabia, and the resident historian is available for a chat with anyone who so desires.
There’s also Sean Laughlin, a naturalist who gives talks on the ecology and marine life of the Red Sea, and who accompanied me on my very first snorkeling trip. The clearer-than-crystal waters give breathtaking views of the area’s coral reef system, the fourth largest in the world.
Guests can also enjoy other outdoor activities like sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding and guided tours of the mangroves.
On my last night at Nujuma, I also had the pleasure of talking to the charming house stargazer, Saudi astrophysicist Habib Bafeil, who, wielding his laser pen with the panache of Indiana Jones handling his whip, pointed out the constellations in the sky as he told stories of the pre-Islamic Arabs who navigated the deserts using the stars alone. Families travelling with children especially will love this particular activity, which will spark their curiosity in science and the world around us.
All in all, Nujuma offers a getaway like no other.
Asir is home to a wide range of avian life, including endemic species such as the Asir magpie, a rare bird found only in this region of Saudi Arabia
Updated 14 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Asir, a region renowned for its natural beauty, is also a sanctuary for a range of migratory birds.
These feathered visitors, some of which have inhabited the region for millennia, contribute significantly to the area’s rich biodiversity. The region’s diverse habitats, from highlands to plains, provide ideal conditions for a variety of bird species to thrive, the Saudi Press Agency reports.
The acacia, juniper and natural flowers provide suitable habitats for different bird species. (SPA)
In the spring, the forests of Asir come alive with the vibrant colors and songs of these avian guests. The region’s blend of climate and topography attracts birds from around the world, including species from Africa, Europe and Asia.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Asir’s blend of climate and topography attracts birds from around the world, including species from Africa, Europe and Asia.
• The endemic species such as the Asir magpie is a rare bird found only in this region of the Kingdom.
• European species such as the European bee-eater also visit the region during the spring and summer.
The SPA team, accompanied by bird enthusiast Ahmed Niazi, recently embarked on a journey to witness the natural spectacle of gathered birds.
Asir region’s diverse habitats, from highlands to plains, provide ideal conditions for a variety of bird species to thrive. (SPA)
According to Niazi in an interview with SPA, Asir appeals to migratory birds through its diverse tree species and varying temperatures. The acacia, juniper and natural flowers provide suitable habitats for different bird species.
Asir is home to a wide range of avian life, including endemic species such as the Asir magpie, a rare bird found only in this region of the Kingdom.
The acacia, juniper and natural flowers provide suitable habitats for different bird species. (SPA)
The fall and spring seasons are peak migration periods in Saudi Arabia, as birds traverse the region on their journeys between the northern and southern hemispheres.
Migratory birds from Africa, such as the African paradise flycatcher, pied cuckoo and gray-headed kingfisher, find suitable breeding grounds in Asir’s humid southwestern highlands. European species such as the European bee-eater also visit the region during the spring and summer.
The book, “Birds of Saudi Arabia,” published by Aramco in 2020, highlights the Kingdom’s rich avian diversity; 499 species are recorded, including 401 resident or migratory birds and 11 rare species.
Flamboyant flamingos, sand dunes attract visitors to Al-Asfar Lake
"The lake is known for its population of flamingos, which create a beautiful and charming vibe that visitors can enjoy at sunset"
Updated 09 September 2024
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s Al-Asfar Lake, a vast landscape teeming with bird and wildlife, is an important site on the route of many migratory birds.
Owing to its beauty and natural landscape, the lake is frequented by hikers, tourists and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
The lake is known for its population of flamingos, which create a beautiful and charming vibe that visitors can enjoy at sunset. (SPA)
A tourist guide in the region, Deif Ahmed, told Arab News that Al-Asfar is one of the most important destinations for tourism in Al-Ahsa Governorate.
The lake dates back hundreds of years and has about 162 springs, he added. Al-Haql Spring, for example, produces about 80,000 liters of water per minute. Together with the Al-Khodoud Spring and others, fresh water moves into the Thmahlab River on its way to the lake.
Rolling sand dunes around Al-Asfar lake offer visitors an ideal vantage point to watch the sunset and wildlife. (SPA)
Ahmed said that the spring water was known to be sweet and fresh, and was once collected and used by locals.
Bedouins used to set up tents around the lake, he added. The green flats around the lake could be used to feed sheep and camels.
The lake dates back hundreds of years and has about 162 springs. (SPA)
In 1970, King Faisal ordered the establishment of a project to collect spring water pouring into the lake, to be used for palm irrigation in Al-Ahsa, Ahmed said.
The governorate had 11 million palm trees at the time.
The drainage and irrigation project guides water from the springs to palm trees and farmers in Al-Ahsa. The remaining water runs through agricultural drainage channels to Al-Asfar Lake.
Ahmed said that migratory birds stay around the lake because of the abundance of fish.
The lake is known for its population of flamingos, which create a beautiful and charming vibe that visitors can enjoy at sunset, he added.
Nearby, rolling sand dunes offer visitors an ideal vantage point to watch the sunset, Ahmed said.
