Strike Closes Eiffel Tower Down on 100th Anniversary of Creator Death

This photograph taken on December 27, 2023 in Paris shows the reflection of tourists and the Eiffel Tower in a board informing visitors that the site is closed after staff went on strike. (AFP)
This photograph taken on December 27, 2023 in Paris shows the reflection of tourists and the Eiffel Tower in a board informing visitors that the site is closed after staff went on strike. (AFP)
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Strike Closes Eiffel Tower Down on 100th Anniversary of Creator Death

This photograph taken on December 27, 2023 in Paris shows the reflection of tourists and the Eiffel Tower in a board informing visitors that the site is closed after staff went on strike. (AFP)
This photograph taken on December 27, 2023 in Paris shows the reflection of tourists and the Eiffel Tower in a board informing visitors that the site is closed after staff went on strike. (AFP)

The Eiffel Tower was closed on Wednesday, the 100th anniversary of its creator's death, due to a strike, the company that oversees the tower, Societe d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), said on the website of Paris' most famous landmark.

"A symbolic action on a symbolic date," said the CGT union in a statement, adding that staff members wanted to call out the current financial management of SETE.

They said they feared poor decisions could lead to a cash shortage, due in part to a lack of visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to expensive repairs needed on the historical building.

The statement added that if the city did not revise its management, the tower could be closed during Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The wrought-iron 324-meter (1,063 ft) high tower, built by Gustave Eiffel in the late 19th century, is among the most visited tourist sites in the world, welcoming about six million visitors each year.



Hasma Desert is Increasingly Popular among Explorers

Hasma Desert is increasingly popular among explorers. (SPA)
Hasma Desert is increasingly popular among explorers. (SPA)
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Hasma Desert is Increasingly Popular among Explorers

Hasma Desert is increasingly popular among explorers. (SPA)
Hasma Desert is increasingly popular among explorers. (SPA)

The Hasma Desert, nestled in the northwest of the Kingdom, is rapidly becoming a hidden gem for adventure seekers. Renowned for its striking landscapes, the desert is a vast expanse of dramatic rock formations, deep valleys, and mysterious caves. Among its most captivating features are the caves, which maintain a naturally cool, comfortable temperature—making them the perfect retreat, especially during the colder months.

Visitors can also discover the Gharameel, delicate rock formations that resemble towering columns, adding to the desert’s unique charm. Along with these, the desert’s rugged mountain ranges offer ample opportunities for exploration and adventure.

With its stunning vistas, rich natural features, and distinctive climate, the Hasma Desert is a must-visit destination for those in search of an unforgettable outdoor experience.