logo
Jazan's stone castles draw travelers into the past

Jazan's stone castles draw travelers into the past

Arab News08-07-2025
RIYADH: The stone castles and ancient homes scattered across Jazan stand as silent witnesses to a rich history and architectural legacy spanning generations.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the structures play a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism and form an integral part of Jazan's tourism and cultural heritage.
For generations, Jazan's castles and houses served as vibrant hubs of social and cultural activity. (SPA)
The designs of these castles and stone houses vary widely and visitors are invited to gain insight into the traditional building methods and local materials used.
Residents ingeniously utilized available resources to create functional homes tailored to the needs and lifestyles of their communities.
For generations, Jazan's castles and houses served as vibrant hubs of social and cultural activity. (SPA)
Far from being mere dwellings, these castles and houses served as vibrant hubs of social and cultural activity. They hosted countless family gatherings, celebrations and social events, highlighting the strong cohesion of the local community.
They remain emblematic of regional identity. Today, the castles and stone houses of Jazan draw history buffs and eco-tourists alike, offering a glimpse of the Kingdom's cultural tapestry and efforts to preserve Jazan's legacy.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Where We Are Going today: Fro-Yo in Jeddah
Where We Are Going today: Fro-Yo in Jeddah

Arab News

time21 hours ago

  • Arab News

Where We Are Going today: Fro-Yo in Jeddah

While visiting The Village Mall in Jeddah — one of the city's newest and most sophisticated spots for shopping, dining, and groceries — I noticed a pop-up stand for a new frozen Greek yoghurt brand that instantly caught my attention. Curious and in need of something refreshing on a hot summer's day, I walked over and saw a crowd gathered around the stand. I figured, why not give it a try? Although I was in a bit of a rush, I was overwhelmed by the variety of flavors and toppings. I asked the friendly staff member for recommendations and ended up choosing two scoops: strawberry mango and a mix of blackberry and plain yoghurt. She also suggested adding homemade organic blackberry sauce, and I topped it off with some fresh strawberry slices. I gave it a try in the car and, wow, the mix was delicious: creamy, light, and bursting with flavor. Despite being made with only organic frozen Greek yoghurt, it had a rich, satisfying texture. The homemade berry sauce was a standout: tangy, fresh, and perfectly balanced. The experience was joyful, and I devoured it quickly. At SR24 for two scoops it felt a bit pricey, but worth it for the quality and freshness. Next time I will go for the strawberry mango flavor again, paired with just the blackberry sauce. It was the perfect combo. For reference, a smaller portion (one scoop) costs SR20, and other options go up to SR28. Fro-Yo also offers customizable sundaes, part of its 'Make Your Own Fro-Yo' concept, where you can choose the size, base, and toppings. I would give it eight out of 10. It is a bit pricey, but refreshing and genuinely delicious.

Mumbai emerges as popular holiday destination for Saudi travelers
Mumbai emerges as popular holiday destination for Saudi travelers

Arab News

timea day ago

  • Arab News

Mumbai emerges as popular holiday destination for Saudi travelers

NEW DELHI: Mumbai is emerging as one of the most popular vacation spots for Saudi Arabia tourists, travel agents say, as visitors from the Kingdom are drawn by its proximity, culture and business opportunities. Mumbai is considered one of India's must-visit cities and hosts the largest film industry in the world, Bollywood. Many Indian megastars live there, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. The metropolis known for its vibrant street life has lately emerged as one of the country's major tourist hubs, along with cities including Bengaluru and Hyderabad, said Jyoti Mayal, president of the Travel Agents Association of India. 'The Indian travel industry is experiencing a significant surge, driven by the growing popularity of cities like Mumbai among international travelers, particularly from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,' she told Arab News. 'These cities are witnessing significant investment in infrastructure, including transportation and real estate, making them attractive for business and tourism. 'The growth of these cities is also driven by their ability to offer a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences, making them appealing to international travelers.' India, which welcomed more than 9.6 million foreign tourists in 2024, has a rich heritage that 'resonates with the cultural preferences' of travelers from the Middle East. 'India's appeal lies in its unique blend of culture, entertainment, and business opportunities,' Mayal said. 'Indians and the industry understand the importance of catering to the needs and requirements of Middle Eastern tourists, providing halal-friendly tourism options, including halal-certified food and prayer facilities, as well as accommodations that cater to Islamic requirements.' Data from travel search engine Skyscanner showed that Mumbai, along with Muscat and Kuwait, 'have become popular travel destinations for travelers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia due to their close proximity,' the company said earlier this week, as flights from Riyadh take only about four-and-a-half hours to reach the western Indian city. 'Mumbai is accessible easily from Saudi Arabia,' Tabassum Shaikh, co-founder of the Mumbai-based Business in Saudi consultancy firm, told Arab News. 'India offers their kind of food, good location, good people and easy mobility.' Arabs have often visited the city's tourist hotspots such as Colaba — a historic and vibrant neighborhood, known for its colonial architecture and iconic landmarks including the Gateway of India monument and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. 'Mumbai has always been a favorite destination for Saudis,' Shaikh said. 'They usually come during the summer vacation when it's really hot in Saudi Arabia.'

Taif's Countryside: A Thriving Hub for Tourism and Entertainment
Taif's Countryside: A Thriving Hub for Tourism and Entertainment

Asharq Al-Awsat

timea day ago

  • Asharq Al-Awsat

Taif's Countryside: A Thriving Hub for Tourism and Entertainment

The Taif countryside has emerged as a vibrant destination for tourism and entertainment, offering visitors a unique blend of comfort and authenticity amid picturesque villages and elevated mountain landscapes. Tourist guide Khaled Al-Gharibi told the Saudi Press Agency that the region's countryside is home to a growing number of resorts and rural inns that capitalize on their scenic surroundings, nestled among orchards and farms. He emphasized that this development is creating job opportunities for local youth, promoting the sale of fresh agricultural products, and providing a platform for artisans to display traditional crafts such as pottery, sadu weaving, and textile making. Literary and cultural writer Abdullah Al-Abah stated that the countryside serves as an important hub for cultural and social exchange, where visitors can explore local customs and traditions through a welcoming atmosphere defined by authentic rural hospitality. These establishments not only promote domestic tourism but also support environmental values by adopting sustainable practices focused on nature and conservation.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store