Latest news with #Taif
Arab News
3 days ago
- Science
- Arab News
What Saudi Arabia's ancient lava fields reveal about its volcanic past — and tourism potential
JEDDAH: Scattered across Saudi Arabia's vast deserts and mountains lie more than 2,500 volcanic craters — relics of a fiery geological past that continues to intrigue scientists and thrill adventurous travellers today. These ancient volcanoes have not erupted in centuries. Their silence, however, belies their significance. 'The Kingdom possesses one of the largest volcanic fields (locally known as Al-Harrat) in the world,' Turki Essam Al-Sehli, senior director of the Geohazard Center at the Saudi Geological Survey, told Arab News. 'These fields cover an area of approximately 90,000 square kilometers — around 4.6 percent of the Kingdom's total area.' The last known eruption was in 1256 AD, when lava from Al-Harrat Rahat flowed within 20 kilometers of Madinah. While dramatic in its time, such activity has long since ceased. 'The Kingdom has experienced relative volcanic stability for centuries,' Al-Sehli said. This dormancy, combined with the dramatic scenery of ancient lava fields, has opened the door to a growing trend: volcano tourism. From stark black cones to craters that plunge deep into the Earth, Saudi Arabia's volcanic landscape offers some of the most breathtaking geological sights in the region. Among the most striking is Al-Wahbah, a vast crater near Taif that is 250 meters deep and more than two kilometers across. In the Asir region, Jabal Farwa — the Kingdom's tallest volcanic peak — rises more than 3,000 m above sea level. Meanwhile, the Khaybar tract is home to Mount Al-Qadar, where lava once flowed for more than 50 km, and the otherworldly Mount Al-Abyad, known for its pale color and unusual formations. 'Fields like Rahat and Khaybar are characterized by hundreds of volcanic cones formed by mild explosive eruptions and vast lava flow areas reaching lava flow length over 50 km on some occasions, which grant them significant geological and scientific importance,' Al-Sehli said. 'Additionally, they are considered the largest in the Arab world and the Middle East.' • The last volcanic eruption in the Hijaz region occurred in 1256 AD, southeast of Madinah. • Its lava flow extended for 23 kilometers, stopping 8.2 km short of the Prophet's Mosque. • Saudi Arabia's volcanic landscape has the potential to become a global tourist destination. While some fields are still classified as 'potentially active,' experts agree there is no cause for alarm. 'Some volcanic fields are categorized as potentially active due to the geophysical indicators of eruptible magma in the mid-crust, which means there is a possibility — even if slight — of future volcanic activity,' Al-Sehli said. 'Currently, there are no signs of imminent danger.' Indeed, any future eruption, while highly unlikely in the short term, would be closely monitored. The Saudi Geological Survey operates a state-of-the-art seismic and volcanic surveillance network designed to detect even the slightest changes beneath the surface. Should a large eruption take place, however, the environmental impact and the effect on the local climate could be significant. 'In the event of a major volcanic eruption, the emission of fine volcanic ash and gases such as sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the upper layers of the atmosphere could lead to temporary cooling of the local or regional climate, as well as generating acid rainfall,' Al-Sehli said. With little risk posed by these sleeping giants and great natural beauty to explore and enjoy, Saudi Arabia is increasingly investing in geotourism — promoting its volcanic fields not as hazards, but as heritage. 'There is growing interest in developing geological tourism in the Kingdom,' Al-Sehli said. 'The ministry of tourism is collaborating with the Saudi Geological Survey to develop and preserve these geological sites.' The Saudi Geological Survey's role extends far beyond monitoring. It produces maps and reports, conducts scientific research, and works to raise public awareness through exhibitions and outreach programs. It also helps identify and conserve key geological sites, ensuring that Saudi Arabia's volcanic past is protected for future generations. From lava trails to towering cones, the Kingdom's volcanic fields offer a window into Earth's ancient forces — and a unique travel experience for those looking to explore a different side of Saudi Arabia. These volcanoes may be dormant, but their potential — for knowledge, for tourism, and for wonder — is anything but.
Arab News
3 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud meets citizens of Taif Governorate
TAIF: Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the citizens of Taif governorate. It came during his recent meeting with several citizens from the governorate, in the presence of Deputy Gov. of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz and Taif Gov. Prince Saud bin Nahar. Taif is fast becoming a major tourist hub in the Kingdom, with visitors arriving from around the world, including the Gulf, to enjoy its pristine environment and natural attractions during holiday celebrations. The region is home to spacious valleys and ample water courses.
Vogue Arabia
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
Inside Vogue Arabia's June Saudi 2025 Issue
Photo: Nora Alharthi by Fahad Al Shanbari near Jabal Cafe, Taif A new wave of Saudi creatives and entrepreneurs take centre stage in this month's issue. Photographed in the predominantly-male rose fields of Taif, Nora Alharthi personifies the kingdom's progressive path, having created a luxury e-commerce business stemming from the roses native to her hometown. In fashion, we speak to Ahmad and Razan Hassan, the founders of fashion label KML, which was a semi-finalist for the 2025 LVMH Prize. Ahmad Hassan, Photographed by Lesha Lich, Styled by Ahmed Zaher Hassan Photography by Lesha Lich, Styling by Ahmed Zaher Hassan In music, we catch up with Ramadan Alharatani, the CEO of MDLBEAST, which has organised massive, multi-genre music festivals in the Kingdom, and DJ Nooriyah, who is carving out a space for SWANA sounds in London, and will be performing at Glastonbury Festival 2025. Photographed by Stef Galea, Styled by Natalie Westernoff Photographed by Stef Galea, Styled by Natalie Westernoff Just in time to inspire your summer holiday itineraries, entrepreneurs with Saudi roots share their favourite spots in cities such as Milan and Los Angeles. Also worth incorporating into your travel plans are two events that just kicked off in Europe, and will be running throughout the summer: in Paris, we get a first look at The Mystery of Cleopatra exhibition opening this month at the Arab World Institute, and in Venice, we meet the visionaries behind the Arab pavilions at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025.
Asharq Al-Awsat
25-05-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Tourism Minister Launches ‘Saudi Summer' Program 2025
Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority Ahmed Al-Khateeb launched the 2025 edition of the 'Saudi Summer' program under the theme Color Your Summer at a workshop event organized Saturday by the authority. The event brought together over 120 partners from across the Kingdom's tourism ecosystem, including representatives from both public and private sectors. The workshop fostered collaboration in preparation for the upcoming summer season, aligning efforts to achieve the program's goals and maximize its economic and tourism impact. Running from May to September 2025, the Saudi Summer program will feature six distinct destinations - from the moderate-climate coastal escapes of Jeddah and the Red Sea to the cool, scenic highlands of Taif, Al-Baha, and Aseer. Key highlights include the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh from July to August, and the dynamic Jeddah and Aseer Seasons, offering diverse events, activities, and promotional campaigns. 'Bringing together our partners each year through this workshop is a testament to our shared commitment to shaping the future of the Saudi tourism industry,' said Al-Khateeb. 'This year, we are encouraged to see the private sector contributing over SAR300 million in preparation for what promises to be an incredible summer season. With its rich culture and breathtaking diversity, Saudi Arabia's destinations continue to inspire travelers from around the world while fueling a dynamic domestic tourism scene,' he added. Al-Khateeb noted that the summer season is more than a peak travel period - it is a vital opportunity for the tourism sector to reach new heights, embrace innovation, and make a lasting impact. 'This year, we aim to welcome over 41 million visitors from 18 countries and achieve SAR73 billion in total tourism spending. These numbers reflect Saudi Arabia's growing reputation as a world-class destination, offering unforgettable experiences year-round,' he said. Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Tourism Authority Fahd Hamidaddin stressed the transformational nature of the Kingdom's tourism offerings: 'Saudi is redefining how the world views summer travel. In partnership with over 120 stakeholders, this summer will introduce more than 600 unique tourism products and experiences, along with over 250 special offers.' 'From the pristine islands of Shebara and Umhat along the Red Sea, to iconic new luxury resorts such as St. Regis and Desert Rock, to five new beaches in Jeddah, and the cool retreats of Aseer, Taif, and Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia is turning every visit into a vibrant summer highlight reel,' he added. The program's theme Color Your Summer reflects the diversity of Saudi Arabia's tourism assets, designed to meet the expectations of various types of tourists and visitors. It includes coastal and mountain destinations, international events, exclusive offers, and a wide array of tourism products presented across the Kingdom.
Argaam
21-05-2025
- Business
- Argaam
Al Ashghal Al Moysra inks SAR 33M contract with National Guard Ministry
Al Ashghal Al Moysra Co. said it signed today, May 21, a three-year project with the Ministry of National Guard, valued at SAR 32.7 million. The project includes maintenance, cleaning, and operation of public buildings and residential units at King Khalid Residential City, Taif, according to a statement to Tadawul. The contract is expected to have a positive financial impact on the years 2025, 2026 ,2027, said the company. It added that there are no related parties. The company said, on March 9, it was awarded a project by the Ministry of National Guard, valued at SAR 32.7 million, according to data available to Argaam.
