Unwind and reconnect with nature at these Saudi reserves and resorts

Set against the dramatic backdrop of desert plains and the Hijaz Mountains, Six Senses Southern Dunes pays homage to Nabataean architectural heritage and majestic desert surroundings. (Supplied)
Set against the dramatic backdrop of desert plains and the Hijaz Mountains, Six Senses Southern Dunes pays homage to Nabataean architectural heritage and majestic desert surroundings. (Supplied)
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Updated 19 June 2024
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Unwind and reconnect with nature at these Saudi reserves and resorts

Unwind and reconnect with nature at these Saudi reserves and resorts
  • Model and actress Maria Eduarda spoke to Arab News about her stay: “Everything was great! The food, the room service, and in-villa dining were amazing … The structure inside the villa is amazing … I loved it — one of the best stops ever”

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia boasts a plethora of novel natural reserves and resorts that champion the nourishment of the mind, body, and soul.

From lush mountain ranges to glistening blue waters, the well-preserved environments have become must-visit spots for those looking to discover the Kingdom’s hidden gems and reconnect with nature.




Situated on a pristine private island, the newly opened Nujuma, Ritz-Carlton Reserve marks the brand's debut in the Middle East, featuring coral reefs beneath the water’s surface and a clear view of the night stars, which inspired the name ‘Nujuma’. (Supplied)

Nujuma, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The Red Sea

Situated on a private island, the newly opened Nujuma, Ritz-Carlton Reserve marks the brand’s debut in the Middle East, featuring coral reefs beneath the water’s surface and a clear view of the night stars, inspiring its name.

Model and actress Maria Eduarda spoke to Arab News about her stay: “Everything was great! The food, the room service, and in-villa dining were amazing … The structure inside the villa is amazing … I loved it — one of the best stops ever.”




Aseel Resort is a one-of-a-kind family experience that merges nature, heritage and luxury. (Supplied)

The resort features 63 one-to-four-bedroom water and beach villas, designed to blend in with the unspoiled natural environment. Guests can indulge in a lavish spa, swimming pools, a range of restaurants, and a retail area.

The Neyrah Spa offers relaxation with a touch of regional ingredients like oud and moringa peregrina tree oil. The wellness services include guided breathing techniques, meditation, yoga, and sound healing therapy.




The relaxing Nofa Riyadh features luxury villas complete with private gardens and swimming pools, surrounded by green lawns, sand dunes and mountains. (Supplied)

The on-site Conservation House is an ode to nomadic exploration, providing a space for guests to get creative, expand their knowledge, and foster a sense of community through resident sustainability, environmental, and cultural experts.

Al-Ahsa Oasis, Al-Ahsa

Boasting natural springs and lush greenery, Al-Ahsa Oasis is the perfect spot for a family getaway. Home to one of the biggest oases in the world and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the limestone hills of Al-Qarah and Al-Ahsa National Park are just a few of the attractions.




For those looking to discover Saudi’s regional flora and fauna, Shada mountain is just an hour and a half drive fromAl-Baha city in the Jabal Shada Nature Reserve. (SPA)

The historical region in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia is filled with potential recreational activities, including water fountain light shows, a football stadium, mazes, and a theater at King Abdullah Environment Park.

Asfar Lake, or Yellow Lake, is an unforgettable site from over the sand dunes, while Souq Al-Qaisariya is one of the oldest markets in the Kingdom for memorable souvenirs.




The Sharaan Nature Reserve spans 1,500 square kilometers, showcasing stunning red-rock canyons, valleys, and desert landscapes. (AN photo by Zaid Khashogji)

Jabal Shada, Baha

For those looking to discover Saudi Arabia’s regional flora and fauna, Jabal Shada is just an hour-and-a-half drive from Baha in the Jabal Shada Nature Reserve. Marked with unusual rock formations, the area is home to unique geological cave formations, reportedly dating back 763 million years and engraved with Thamudic writings and drawings that date back 3,000 years.

Tours are available to book through Akam Aljazerah’s website, and modern stays nearby are equipped with kitchens, balconies, and breathtaking views.




Guests can also immerse themselves in the gastronomic arts by enrolling in a cooking school to master healthy recipes and techniques. (Supplied)

Sharaan Nature Reserve, AlUla

Sharaan Nature Reserve spans 1,500 sq. km, showcasing stunning red-rock canyons, valleys, and desert landscapes.

Safari Sharaan’s guided 4x4 adventures allow guests to explore wildlife like red-necked ostriches and Arabian ibex, and discover ancient rock carvings.




Saudi Arabia has played a crucial role by establishing specialized breeding centers and veterinary facilities for the Arabian oryx. (SPA)

Guests can relax at Habitas AlUla, featuring Thuraya Wellness’ yoga, fitness, and personalized treatment offerings with local oils and teas, or stay in wellness-focused villas like Celestial and Alcove at Habitas.

The Banyan Tree’s tented villas and spa blend Asian and Saudi traditions for unique wellness experiences. Enjoy a secluded rock pool amid mountains, ideal for a refreshing swim and memorable moments.

Nofa Riyadh, Riyadh

The relaxing Nofa Riyadh features luxury villas complete with private gardens and swimming pools, surrounded by green lawns, sand dunes and mountains.

Dareen Al-Rajeh, a senior project associate, said about her stay there: “I liked how it was clean and comfortable with a generous welcome from the staff. The villa has a unique style with your own swimming pool … Walking around the resort, you will pass by a lot of animals, which makes you feel connected to nature … The resort has a spa, a children’s playground, multiple restaurants, and a small lake and boats.”

Guests are encouraged to experience nature on a whole new level at the resort’s incredible Wildlife Park where Asian elephants, Grevy’s zebras, Arabian oryx, and giraffes can be spotted.

Nofa’s on-site 39-seat theater is the place to unwind in style and enjoy daily movie screenings at your leisure or have a family competition at the Nofa Bowling Alley. Younger children can enjoy the Kids’ Adventure Park, an exciting indoor park with action-packed games and a playground.

Aseel Resort, Diriyah

Aseel Resort is a family experience that merges nature, heritage, and luxury. Nestled in the birthplace of the Kingdom, Diriyah, the resort was created as an ode to Saudi history and Najd’s beautiful artistry.

The resort allows anywhere from six to 75 guests, with six farms to choose from. Each one is decorated with ornate art by local creatives. Whether you take a dip in the farm’s private pool or enjoy game nights with your family at the indoor majlis, it’s a space to create lifetime memories.

Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea

Set against the dramatic backdrop of desert plains and the Hijaz Mountains, Six Senses Southern Dunes pays homage to Nabataean architectural heritage and its majestic desert surroundings.

The resort offers 36 guest rooms and 40 pool villas, while the spa offers a traditional hammam experience, meditative yoga sessions, and other tailored wellness treatments and.  

From Al-Sarab to Merkaz, Bariya, and beyond, the flavors of Saudi culinary heritage are endless, crafted with ingredients sourced from the chef’s garden or local suppliers.

Guests can also immerse themselves in the gastronomic arts by enrolling in a cooking school to master healthy recipes and techniques.

 


KSA signs defense deal with Spain for new corvette ships

KSA signs defense deal with Spain for new corvette ships
Updated 7 sec ago
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KSA signs defense deal with Spain for new corvette ships

KSA signs defense deal with Spain for new corvette ships
  • Agreement enhances naval readiness, security through expanded training and technical support

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Defense signed an executive agreement with the Spanish Ministry of Defense in Madrid on Tuesday to support the construction of three multi-mission Avante 2200 corvette ships.

The deal aims to enhance training, experience exchange, and technical and logistical support for the Royal Saudi Navy as part of the Sarawat project’s expansion contract, the first phase of which was completed with the construction and delivery of five combat ships.

The agreement was signed by Lt. Gen. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Gharibi, chief of staff of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, and Antonio Pineiro Sanchez, chief of staff of the Spanish Navy.

This agreement seeks to strengthen cooperation between the defense ministries to benefit the Royal Saudi Navy’s Sarawat project by constructing and supplying three additional Avante 2200 corvettes.

These capabilities will enhance the naval forces’ readiness to defend the Kingdom, protect vital interests, improve maritime security in the region, and support the national defense strategy under Vision 2030.

The agreement includes technical support from the Spanish Navy during the ships’ construction, system inspection and testing, and cooperation in academic and practical training for the crews of the second group of Avante 2200 ships.

It also covers operational and tactical training after delivery and commissioning for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces.

The three additional ships will have technical and combat specifications similar to those of the five previously delivered under the Sarawat project and will be equipped to handle air, surface, and subsurface threats with the latest combat and engineering systems.

At the conclusion of the signing ceremony, Al-Gharibi recorded a message in the VIP register, and both parties exchanged commemorative gifts and took group photos.


Saudi AI chief highlights ethical innovations at Riyadh CSR forum

Saudi AI chief highlights ethical innovations at Riyadh CSR forum
Updated 7 min 41 sec ago
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Saudi AI chief highlights ethical innovations at Riyadh CSR forum

Saudi AI chief highlights ethical innovations at Riyadh CSR forum

RIYADH: Combining the use of artificial intelligence with social responsibility has huge potential to create a better world, the president of the Saudi Data and AI Authority has said.

Speaking at the two-day Global Corporate Social Responsibility Forum in Riyadh, Abdullah Al-Ghamdi said that by harnessing the power of AI, fundamental changes could be seen in education, health, humanitarian efforts and environmental sustainability.

At the event, themed “From Commitment to Impact” and which ended on Tuesday, he highlighted several of the authority’s initiatives. These included the Elevate program, to train 25,000 women; the International AI Olympiad, with participants from 25 countries; and ALLaM, the first Saudi AI system to answer questions in Arabic.

In the health arena, he talked about “Eyenai,” an AI tool developed for early diagnosis of eye diseases, which helped 846 patients last year.

He also discussed efforts to empower individuals with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, by providing digital access to their Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development cards through the Tawakkalna app.

Al-Ghamdi mentioned the Ehsan platform which helps in the charity and volunteering sector by using AI to manage donations. This has benefited 4.8 million people, with over SR8.3 billion ($2.2 billion) raised.

Collaborating with environmental and energy ministries, the authority also applies AI to projects such as the Saudi Green Initiative’s urban afforestation, he said.

Al-Ghamdi added that by establishing the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics in Riyadh, in partnership with UNESCO, the Kingdom was demonstrating its commitment to AI ethics.

He stressed that realizing AI’s potential required collaboration among governments, companies and individuals, with a priority on ethics and human values.


Thousands treated under KSrelief volunteer medical program

Thousands treated under KSrelief volunteer medical program
Updated 29 October 2024
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Thousands treated under KSrelief volunteer medical program

Thousands treated under KSrelief volunteer medical program
  • Nursing, infectious diseases, emergency clinics provide care
  • Services provided for vulnerable people in Yemen, Mauritania

RIYADH: Thousands have recently benefitted from the volunteer medical services provided by the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief in Yemen and Mauritania, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

In September, mobile clinics in the Haradh district of Yemen’s Hajjah governorate provided medical services more than 2,000 people.

Among those treated were 732 patients who received preventive care for epidemic diseases.

The emergency clinic treated 391 patients, while 314 individuals received treatment in the internal medicine clinic.

Medical staffers in the Al-Gharza area treated 884, 631, 532 and 35 people in the emergency, internal medicine, infectious diseases, and surgery and dressing clinics and departments, respectively.

Additionally, the nursing services department treated 588 patients, medicines were dispensed to 2,047 individuals, and the awareness and education clinic assisted eight individuals.

Eight waste-disposal activities were also carried out.

Also, 19 patients benefited from reproductive health services, and eight individuals participated in awareness and education sessions.

In terms of ancillary services, 712 people received nursing care, 1,399 individuals were provided with medication, 72 patients received care in the surgery and dressing clinic, and eight waste-disposal activities were completed.

In addition, 321 specialized operations were carried out in Nema, Mauritania from Oct. 9 to 16.

The medical team members, who are a part of the Saudi Noor volunteer program to combat vision-related conditions, screened 3,150 individuals and provided spectacles for 825 during the period.


Saudi aid agency distributes thousands of food parcels globally

Saudi aid agency distributes thousands of food parcels globally
Updated 29 October 2024
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Saudi aid agency distributes thousands of food parcels globally

Saudi aid agency distributes thousands of food parcels globally

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has continued to distribute food aid to thousands of vulnerable people across the globe, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The agency recently distributed 916 food aid parcels and 916 hygiene kits in the Idlib region of Syria, benefiting 5,496 individuals.

And in Syria’s Aleppo a further 517 food parcels and 517 health kits were delivered, benefitting 3,102 people.

In South Sudan 2,000 displaced families in the Equatorial region received food aid.

And a further 2,387 food aid packages were distributed in the Batken region of Kyrgyzstan, reaching 113,935 people as a part of the 2024 food aid initiative for vulnerable families in the country.


World must do more to ensure Middle East security, Saudi minister tells Mediterranean Union

World must do more to ensure Middle East security, Saudi minister tells Mediterranean Union
Updated 29 October 2024
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World must do more to ensure Middle East security, Saudi minister tells Mediterranean Union

World must do more to ensure Middle East security, Saudi minister tells Mediterranean Union
  • Waleed Elkhereiji tells organization’s 9th Regional Forum in Barcelona the region is at a critical crossroads as a result of Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon
  • He says international community has 2 options: act in support of international law and a 2-state solution, or risk further escalation and suffering that will undermine its credibility

BARCELONA: The Saudi deputy foreign minister, Waleed Elkhereiji, spoke at the Union for the Mediterranean’s ninth Regional Forum in Barcelona on Monday about the importance of efforts to enhance regional security, at a time when decisive and practical international action is required to halt a continuous cycle of violence and destruction.

He said the region is at a critical crossroads as a result of Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon, which presents the international community with two options: to act effectively in support of international law and to reinforce the need for a two-state solution to the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict, or to risk further escalations and deeper suffering that undermines the credibility of international efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.

Elkhereiji highlighted the severe nature of the humanitarian crises in Palestine and Lebanon, which he said were unbearable. He condemned Israel’s systematic targeting and forced displacement of innocent civilians, and the deliberate destruction of buildings and infrastructure, as blatant violations of international humanitarian law that continue to take place without any accountability or punishment.

He reiterated the strong condemnation by authorities in the Kingdom of attacks by Israeli forces against civilians and employees of the UN and other organizations, including the UN Relief and Works Agency and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.

He said Saudi Arabia rejects any expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank, or actions by Israel that affect the legal and historical status of Jerusalem, and calls for an end to such activity to avoid prolonging the cycle of violence and destruction.

The minister said verbal condemnation is no longer sufficient in efforts to deter further violence, as he called for bolder and more decisive action from the international community. To that end, he said the Kingdom looks forward to hosting the first high-level meeting of the Global Coalition for the Two-State Solution in Riyadh on Oct. 30.

Elkhereiji said securing the implementation of a two-state solution is a collective international responsibility and offers the only viable path to a lasting peace, through recognition of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and an independent state.

This, he added, is a fundamental condition for ensuring stability in the region. He said the Kingdom remains committed to working with its partners to ensure such a solution does not remain a distant aspiration but becomes a tangible reality in the near future.