Latest news with #ALULA
Saudi Gazette
29-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Hadiyah Castle served pilgrims as a key stop and water source
Saudi Gazette report ALULA — Overlooking the northern part of Madinah, Hadiya Castle stands from a high vantage point between Wadi al-Tabaq and Wadi Khaybar. It embodies a rich historical legacy that tells the story of centuries of pilgrims and traders traveling from the Levant to Makkah. The archaeological site of Hadiyah Castle is one of the most prominent strategic points on the Levantine Hajj Route. It is likely that it was used as a station for pilgrims beginning in the pre-Islamic era, given its direct role in securing the route and providing comfort and supplies to caravans heading to Makkah. This made it a major transit point on this historic route. The castle was built in a strategic area overlooking a pond designated for collecting rainwater, making it an important source of water for pilgrims and a center for supplying them with provisions. The castle includes four defensive towers at its corners, three of which still stand, while the fourth has been affected by the effects of time. The traveler Ibn Battuta referred to this site in his documented journey in the year 726 AH, describing the location of the castle by saying: 'It is a well of water in a valley where they dig, and water comes out, and on the third day they descend into the holy, noble, and honorable city,' referring to the castle's proximity to Madinah and its pivotal position on the road. Historian and Islamic history researcher Dr. Fouad Al-Maghamsi explained that "Hadiya," located in Wadi Al-Tabaq, enjoys a strategic location between Madinah and Al-Ula, approximately 169 kilometers north of the city. It was a major stop for pilgrims and trade caravans in ancient times, thanks to its convenient location on one of the historical stated that the site gained additional importance at the beginning of the twentieth century with the launch of the railway line, when an official station called "Hadiyah" was established as part of a series of major stations along this vital stretch.
Arab News
17-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
AlUla to host Instagram Creators Summit
ALULA: AlUla is poised to host the first Instagram Creators Summit in the Middle East and North Africa. The event will take place from April 20 to 22, organized by Meta, the technology company, in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla, and in collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority and Riyadh Air. This groundbreaking summit is the first of its kind in the region and will bring together leading content creators from around the world. The agenda includes interactive panel discussions, keynote speeches, and conversations about the future of content creation, covering topics such as social media, artificial intelligence, and the evolving digital landscape. These creators collectively reach more than 231 million followers worldwide, highlighting the growing importance of influencer marketing in today's travel destinations. The summit will also feature sessions on how to best utilize platform tools, explore the latest technical updates, and identify new opportunities in the creator economy. Interactive dialogues will allow participants to engage directly with Meta's product managers, while open forums will encourage the sharing of expertise and the building of strong collaborations among creators. This summit presents an opportunity to gain insights, connect with industry leaders and stay at the forefront of the ever-changing digital scene.
Saudi Gazette
16-03-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Rich agricultural produce enhances Ramadan meals in AlUla
Saudi Gazette report ALULA — AlUla is renowned for its diverse agricultural crops, which play a significant role in enriching iftar and suhoor meals during the holy month of Ramadan. The region's unique natural environment provides fresh, high-quality produce that graces the tables of residents and visitors, reflecting a deep-rooted connection to the land across generations. Dates are among AlUla's most prominent crops, distinguished by their high quality and diverse varieties, including barni, halwa, and ajwa. The region also produces a variety of seasonal fruits such as citrus (oranges of various types and sizes, and lemons), as well as pomegranates, figs, and grapes. These fruits not only add a refreshing touch to suhoor meals but also provide essential vitamins and nutrients for those fasting. Additionally, they support local markets and meet community needs during Ramadan. Fresh vegetables, including cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers, are cultivated using sustainable agricultural methods. These ingredients are essential in Ramadan dishes and salads, contributing to a balanced diet for those observing the fast. Many farms in AlUla rely on modern irrigation techniques to ensure year-round sustainable production of high-quality crops. Agriculture in AlUla is deeply intertwined with the region's heritage, with farmers leveraging fertile soil and a favorable climate to grow crops that sustain both residents and visitors. During Ramadan, the demand for fresh, nutritious produce significantly increases. According to statistics from the Agricultural Sector of the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate, the governorate's annual fruit production is estimated at 127,000 tons, covering an area exceeding 18,000 hectares. Grain production is estimated at more than 800 tons across 200 hectares, while fodder production spans over 2,000 hectares, yielding more than 40,000 tons annually. The cultivation of open-field winter vegetables exceeds 60 hectares, with an annual yield of over 1,565 tons, while open-field summer vegetable production surpasses 2,150 tons across 101 hectares. Additionally, protected vegetable farms cover approximately 25 hectares, producing more than 1,500 tons annually.
Saudi Gazette
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
AlUla Arts Festival 2025 wraps up with a vibrant closing weekend
ALULA — As the fourth edition of the AlUla Arts Festival reaches its grand finale, visitors are invited to experience an extraordinary closing weekend filled with world-class exhibitions, interactive workshops, film screenings, and cultural engagements. Since its launch, the festival has attracted over 40,000 visitors, cementing its reputation as a premier global platform for artistic and cultural exchange. While the festival officially concludes on February 22, select exhibitions, including Wadi AlFann presents James Turrell, will remain open until April, offering extended hours during Ramadan to allow visitors further opportunities to explore the transformative power of art in AlUla's breathtaking landscape. The closing weekend promises a rich and immersive program, welcoming guests to engage with diverse artistic expressions across multiple disciplines. The AlUla Artist Residency Open Studio at Mabiti Hotel will provide a unique insight into the creative processes of international artists, showcasing their explorations in photography, installation, performance, and material studies. Visitors can also explore Raw to Revival at Design Space AlUla, an exhibition aligned with Saudi Arabia's Year of Handicrafts initiative, which highlights the influence of traditional craftsmanship on contemporary design. Music and cinema lovers will find an array of engaging experiences, with Cinema AlJadidah hosting curated screenings, including Nosferatu, Gonjiam Haunted Asylum, and Born a King, offering audiences a mix of classic and contemporary storytelling. Meanwhile, the AlUla Music Hub Vocational Students Showcase Concert will celebrate emerging talent, providing a stage for young artists to share their creativity. Beyond the festival's closing events, several acclaimed exhibitions will continue to captivate audiences until April. Wadi AlFann presents James Turrell offers a retrospective on the pioneering Light and Space artist, connecting his legacy with his ambitious land art commission in AlUla. Maha Malluh: Reminiscence presents a compelling exploration of memory and representation through contemporary art, while Tarek Atoui: Bayt Al Hams (The Whispering House) invites visitors into an interactive sound experience, encouraging participation and experimentation. Additional exhibitions, such as Raw to Revival, Alamaat, and Thikra: Night of Remembering, further enrich AlUla's artistic landscape. Thikra, a site-specific performance created by renowned choreographer Akram Khan and artist Manal AlDowayan, will embark on a world tour in 2025, showcasing AlUla's cultural narrative to international audiences. — SG
Arab News
09-02-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Saudi equestrian wins Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in AlUla
ALULA: Saudi equestrian Muhannad Alsalmi topped the 120-kilometer Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in AlUla on Saturday, beating 200 riders from 64 countries around the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Alsalmi completed the race in 13 hours, 8 minutes, and 15 seconds, for an average speed of 23.6 kilometers per hour, according to the report. Taking the second spot was Emirati rider Abdullah Al-Amri, who clocked 13 hours, 8 minutes, and 43 seconds. Another Emirati rider, Saif Al Mazrouei, claimed third place with a time of 13 hours, 9 minutes, and 29 seconds. The winners received their prizes from Prince Abdullah bin Fahd bin Abdullah, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation and head of the Sports Sector at the Royal Commission for AlUla, during the award ceremonies. Held at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla, the event took place amid a fiercely competitive atmosphere. Recognized as one of the premier endurance races globally, the competition boasted a total prize pool of SAR15 million, the largest of its kind in this category. The championship continues on Sunday, with 100 riders competing in the 160-kilometer Al-Mutadil Endurance race for a SAR5 million prize pool. Last month, the picturesque ancient city located in Saudi Arabia's western region of Madinah hosted the AlUla Trail Race, with some 1,450 athletes from around the world competing.
