Desert of Hisma, A Haven of Natural Beauty and Geological Wonder in Tabuk Region

The Hisma Desert covers the northwest part of the Tabuk Region creating a captivating landscape and geologically intriguing location. (SPA)
The Hisma Desert covers the northwest part of the Tabuk Region creating a captivating landscape and geologically intriguing location. (SPA)
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Desert of Hisma, A Haven of Natural Beauty and Geological Wonder in Tabuk Region

The Hisma Desert covers the northwest part of the Tabuk Region creating a captivating landscape and geologically intriguing location. (SPA)
The Hisma Desert covers the northwest part of the Tabuk Region creating a captivating landscape and geologically intriguing location. (SPA)

The Hisma Desert, a desert of crimson sands and vibrant red sand mountains, covers the northwest part of the Tabuk Region, creating a captivating landscape and geologically intriguing location, SPA said on Monday.
Over the course of time, these mountains have been sculpted by nature into captivating forms, preserving a historical narrative that beckons tourists to explore this open-air museum. The erosion of these mountains has crafted a surreal and magnificent landscape found nowhere else in the world.
The Hisma Desert has served as a vital stop along an ancient trade route to and from the Arabian Peninsula, witnessing the passage of caravans and travelers across various civilizations. This historical significance is reflected in the multitude of archaeological inscriptions found on the towering mountains, showcasing the rich diversity of human history etched into the rocks.



Heavy Rains Damage Historic Buildings, Forts in Yemen

Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
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Heavy Rains Damage Historic Buildings, Forts in Yemen

Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)

Recent heavy rains have caused significant damage in cities and villages controlled by the Houthi group in Yemen.

Historic forts and ancient buildings have been affected, with homes collapsing in Sanaa, its outskirts, and in the governorates of Raymah, Amran, Al-Bayda, and Hodeidah.

Flooding has particularly impacted the Bustan al-Sultan and Harqan neighborhoods in the UNESCO-listed city of Sanaa.

Sources have accused the Iran-backed Houthis of neglecting the disaster and ignoring residents’ calls for help, while they instead focused on their annual sectarian celebrations.

The Houthi-controlled “Historical Cities Preservation Authority” issued urgent warnings about historic buildings at risk of collapse in the old city in Sanaa and elsewhere. They reported that an ancient palace in an old neighborhood is near collapse.

In rural Sanaa, local sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the historic Haraz fort has partially collapsed due to the rains. The fort is one of Yemen’s oldest.

The Raymah governorate has also suffered, with recent floods causing around eight deaths and destroying over 400 homes, including ancient buildings. Parts of the historic Zalamlam Mountain Castle have collapsed from the rain.

The Yemen Meteorological and Early Warning Center predicted that heavy thunderstorms, including hail and strong winds, will continue for the next 72 hours.

This weather is expected to impact highlands, slopes, and western coastal areas from Saada in the north to Taiz, Al-Daleh, and Lahj in the south.

The weather forecast predicted continued rainfall, including thunderstorms and strong winds, over parts of Al-Mahra, Hadramawt, Shabwa, Abyan, Marib, and Al-Jawf.

The center also expected strong winds to stir up dust and sand in the Socotra Archipelago, southern coasts, and areas affected by thunderstorms.

It advised people to stay away from valleys, flood-prone areas, and muddy roads. It warned to avoid electrical poles, billboards, and trees, and to turn off mobile phones during storms.