Latest news with #Sakaka
Arab News
20-07-2025
- Arab News
Saudi citizen turns farm into rural attraction in Jouf
RIYADH: The agricultural areas of Jouf are a popular summer evening destination during the school break. The region's mild evening weather in July makes its farms, resorts, and parks especially appealing. Evening temperatures in Sakaka average around 27 degrees Celsius, providing a pleasant setting for family outings, according to the Saudi Press Agency. West of Sakaka, Yousef Al-Haizan has turned his farm into a summer family destination, combining leisure and hospitality with agricultural heritage. Driven by his interest in agriculture and attachment to his land, Al-Haizan has added modern amenities while preserving the farm's local character. The site offers open-air seating under trees, areas for activities like horseback riding and motorbiking, and traditional spaces serving Saudi coffee and dates. The effort is part of a wider initiative to promote rural tourism and engage residents in regional development, the SPA reported. Covering about 70,000 sq. meters, the farm also includes an equestrian area boasting lessons for all ages; rural-style settings reflecting Jouf's heritage; a Bedouin tent; and other basic visitor amenities.
Arab News
24-06-2025
- Arab News
Jouf's historic wells tell timeless stories
RIYADH: In the heart of the Jouf region, the timeless craft of stone building and the use of palm trunks and fronds have revitalized its ancient wells. These historical water sources, once vital for survival, were built using natural, locally sourced materials at no financial cost, a Saudi Press Agency report said recently. Among them, Salma's Well in Sakaka stands out as an educational site for young people. It showcases traditional extraction methods and how locals secured drinking water and irrigated their farms. Heritage expert Ahmed Al-Arfaj said that the wells are made of sandstone, palm trunks, and fronds. Each features key elements: a water distribution channel, a collection basin, and a circular stone to control water flow. Essential tools at the wellhead include a rope and pulley, once used to raise and lower a water bucket. Historically, locals used livestock — such as camels and cows — to extract water, with animals pulling the rope. This practice changed in the 1980s with the introduction of generators, which made the process more efficient, the SPA reported. Today, Salma's Well stands as a vibrant symbol of Jouf's heritage, drawing visitors eager to explore the stories of these ancient wells and experience the region's rich history.
