Tourists Explore Al-Ahsa's Rich Heritage During Eid Celebrations
During Eid al-Fitr, the archaeological and historical landmarks of Al-Ahsa Governorate emerge as popular destinations for citizens, residents, and visitors seeking enjoyable exploration of the region's rich heritage.
Dr. Sattam Al-Wahb, a faculty member at the King Faisal University, highlighted the diverse tourist, heritage, and historical assets of Al-Ahsa Governorate, including its historic palaces and abundant natural resources, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The UNESCO-listed Al-Ahsa Oasis, with its blend of natural, historical, and archaeological landmarks, has become a popular destination during Eid al-Fitr, attracting visitors from across the Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Prophet's Mosque prepares prayer areas, courtyards to receive post-Hajj worshippers in Madinah
Madinah: The Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, located in the Hijaz region of Saudi Arabia, has improved and updated its crowd management in preparation to receive worshippers during the post-Hajj period. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, which oversees the mosques in Makkah and Madinah, announced on Tuesday that the Prophet's Mosque and its courtyards and praying areas had been prepared to offer a safe and organized environment for worshippers. The entry and exit points of the mosque were assessed to minimize congestion and overcrowding, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Signs were placed to direct worshippers to the prayer areas and to prohibit sitting or praying in the mosque's corridors and courtyards, ensuring smooth foot traffic. The authority said its goal is to allow worshippers to perform their rituals in a calm, orderly, and reverent atmosphere, according to the SPA. Over 1.4 million pilgrims concluded this week the Hajj, a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage that able Muslims must undertake, and they visited various holy sites in Makkah and Madinah, including the Prophet's Mosque.
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
Historic village and beaches throng with Eid holiday tourists
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Heritage Commission welcomed many visitors to Thee Ain Historical Village, located in the Al-Makhwah governorate of the Baha region, during the Eid Al-Adha holiday. Launched in partnership with the principality of the Baha region, the initiative featured a hospitality corner where visitors received gifts and detailed information about the area, with a focus on the historical village. The village is one of the most significant tourist destinations in the region, situated 2,000 meters above sea level, a Saudi Press Agency report said. It has a rich history spanning centuries, with stone structures topped by roofs made from juniper wood sourced from nearby forests. The balconies are decorated with quartz stones arranged in contiguous triangles. The village includes defensive fortresses built for protection and surveillance. Thee Ain benefits from an ideal agricultural environment, especially for cultivating pandanus and bananas, enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination. During Eid, Haql governorate also had a significant rise in visitors drawn to its scenic beaches, parks, and mild weather. Families favor Haql's natural beach pools and key tourist attractions, according to the SPA. These pools offer a perfect setting for enjoying nature, fishing, and swimming. Nearby parks provide a peaceful retreat for visitors to relax amid natural beauty, the SPA added. Umluj beaches also attracted many visitors and picnickers during the holiday. Coastal spots including Duqm Beach and the Southern Corniche had a notable influx of families and tourists seeking serene natural settings and sea views. Umluj governorate, on the Red Sea coast in Tabuk region, is a major tourist destination known for its diverse landscapes — sea, mountains and plains — and mild summer weather. The Umluj municipality prepared extensively for the influx by upgrading beaches and parks, enhancing facilities, and increasing cleaning and health inspections to ensure a safe and comfortable environment.
Arab News
10 hours ago
- Arab News
Strategic reforms and cultural depth are driving Uzbekistan's tourism boom, says official
TASHKENT: As Uzbekistan undergoes an economic transformation, tourism has emerged as both a cultural ambassador and a powerful growth engine. At the forefront is Umid Rustamovich Shadiyev, chairman of the Tourism Committee under the Ministry of Ecology. Formerly Uzbekistan's Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Shadiyev brings both diplomatic experience and a deep understanding of the nation's rich heritage. Arab News spoke with Shadiyev during the Tashkent International Investment Forum 2025, a flagship platform bringing together global investors, policymakers, and innovators to explore Uzbekistan's investment landscape. Now in its fourth edition, the forum has become a cornerstone of the country's reform agenda, highlighting strategic sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism. This year's event welcomed over 2,500 delegates from 70 countries, with tourism receiving special focus as a driver of inclusive and sustainable development. Saudi-Uzbek tourism ties deepen The conversation turned to Saudi Arabia, where tourism is undergoing a historic transformation under Vision 2030. Shadiyev praised the Kingdom's diversification efforts, calling it 'a new center of global tourism.' Uzbekistan sees an opportunity for synergy, and a memorandum of cooperation in tourism was signed in 2022, followed by joint forums and high-level meetings in 2023 and 2024. 'Our relationship with Saudi Arabia is growing stronger each year,' said the official. The results are visible. Saudi tourist arrivals in Uzbekistan rose from 1,731 in 2022 to over 4,100 in 2024, reflecting growing interest in cultural, gastronomic, and mountain tourism. 'There's huge potential in developing family-oriented tours, heritage trails, and collaborative media campaigns,' Shadiyev noted. Tourism university exchanges, journalist visits, and influencer collaborations are also being explored. In 2025, Uzbekistan is emphasizing sustainable tourism and aims to increase the average stay of foreign visitors to 10 to 12 days. Strategic partnerships — such as with Saudi Arabia — are seen as central to achieving this goal. Tourism emerges as economic pillar 'Tourism is currently one of the key sectors of Uzbekistan's economy,' Shadiyev noted. 'In 2024, we saw a significant leap forward: the export of tourism services increased by 1.6 times, reaching $3.5 billion.' This performance is backed by a rise in entrepreneurship, with more than 2,000 new tourism businesses launched in the past year alone. From boutique hotels to eco-lodges and cultural tour operators, a new generation of investors is responding to supportive government policies and the sector's strong profitability. The transformation is evident across the country. Over the past eight years, Uzbekistan has attracted $6.5 billion in tourism-related investments and added 130,000 new hotel beds. 'These achievements reflect our commitment to building a world-class tourism ecosystem,' Shadiyev said. A major milestone came in April, when over 1 million foreign tourists visited Uzbekistan in a single month — a national record. Shadiyev attributes this growth to visa policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and active global engagement. 'We're not only opening our doors wider; we're creating lasting experiences for visitors,' he said. Looking ahead, Uzbekistan aims to further increase both international arrivals and tourism export volumes in 2025. The government is systematically working toward these goals by investing in digital transformation, human capital, and diversified tourism offerings. Four seasons, one destination Positioned at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, Uzbekistan has long served as a bridge between East and West. Shadiyev highlighted the country's unique geographic and cultural positioning: 'We're the heart of Central Asia — no regional tour is complete without including Uzbekistan.' What makes Uzbekistan truly special, he said, is its year-round appeal. In spring, visitors celebrate Navruz, the festival of renewal, and explore blooming gardens, vibrant bazaars, and the historic cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Summer brings tourists to mountain resorts and natural lakes, rich fruit harvests, and traditional crafts festivals. Winter offers skiing and tranquil nature retreats, while autumn is ideal for cultural immersion and warm Uzbek hospitality. 'Every season offers a new story, a new flavor,' Shadiyev said. The country's legacy is underscored by its many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Uzbekistan is also witnessing a boom in niche tourism markets, including ziyarat, or pilgrimage tourism, ecotourism, domestic travel, and culinary tours. Uzbekistan's rise on the global travel radar is also backed by international accolades. The country was named the Most Desirable Emerging Destination by Wanderlust, UK; won the tourism in the CIS award from Russian Traveler; and was featured among the Top 25 Destinations of 2025 by both BBC Travel and The New York Times. Gulf travelers drawn to shared culture When asked about Uzbekistan's appeal to Arab travelers, particularly from the Gulf region, Shadiyev emphasized deep-rooted cultural and spiritual ties. 'Our shared Islamic heritage and atmosphere of religious respect make Uzbekistan especially attractive to Gulf visitors,' he said. Khiva's designation as the 2024 Tourism Capital of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation reflects this connection. Other key events include the Economic Cooperation Organization's tourism forum in Shakhrisabz, which spotlighted opportunities in religious and cultural travel. Uzbekistan is enhancing its appeal through substance and strategy. A 30-day visa-free regime now applies to citizens of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, as well as those of Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Direct flights from Gulf capitals are expanding, and tour operators are curating experiences tailored to Arab travelers. The country offers a rich mix of gastronomy — including signature dishes like plov, manti, and shurpa — as well as ethno-tourism experiences in traditional villages, and a vibrant calendar of music, art, and food festivals. Uzbekistan is also rolling out a UN tourism platform and a unified tourist card integrating visa services, tickets, and discounts. 'We're not just promoting Uzbekistan; we're building a seamless visitor experience,' Shadiyev added. Vision rooted in heritage and openness As the interview concluded, Shadiyev returned to a theme central to Uzbekistan's tourism push: openness. 'We are a country that welcomes the world — with history in our stones and hospitality in our hearts,' he said. The Tashkent International Investment Forum served as the perfect setting for this conversation, reflecting Uzbekistan's economic momentum and its growing network of global partnerships — none more vibrant than those flourishing through tourism. As Shadiyev put it, quoting an old proverb: 'It's better to see something once than hear about it a hundred times.'
