Najran: Saudi Arabia’s Southern Tourist and Cultural Gem

Najran is an exceptional tourist destination, where stunning landscapes meet a rich historical heritage. (SPA)
Najran is an exceptional tourist destination, where stunning landscapes meet a rich historical heritage. (SPA)
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Najran: Saudi Arabia’s Southern Tourist and Cultural Gem

Najran is an exceptional tourist destination, where stunning landscapes meet a rich historical heritage. (SPA)
Najran is an exceptional tourist destination, where stunning landscapes meet a rich historical heritage. (SPA)

Najran is an exceptional tourist destination, where stunning landscapes meet a rich historical heritage. Visitors can experience towering mountains, vast plains, and enchanting deserts that leave a lasting impression.

The region has undergone significant development to enhance its urban landscape and quality of life. Approximately 25 projects, valued at over SAR711 million, have been completed or are underway, including stormwater drainage improvements and upgraded infrastructure, said the Saudi Press Agency.

These initiatives are part of a broader plan to strengthen road networks and improve the city’s readiness to meet environmental and service challenges, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Najran is home to numerous archaeological sites that reflect its storied past. The historic city of Al-Ukhdood, dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries AD, serves today as a living, open-air museum attracting visitors from across the Kingdom and abroad.

The Hima Cultural Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features over 5,500 rock carvings spanning different historical periods, offering valuable insights into the wildlife and culture of the Arabian Peninsula.

Najran also stands out as one of Saudi Arabia’s most important agricultural areas, with its unique climate allowing year-round cultivation of high-quality fruits and vegetables across more than 5,000 farms covering 27,000 hectares.

Its strategic location, natural resources, and advanced infrastructure make it a prime investment destination in southern Saudi Arabia. The region hosts around 90 factories and is rich in mineral resources, including gold, copper, iron, and copper-zinc reserves spanning over 70 square kilometers.

Foreign tourists have praised Najran for its seamless blend of history and natural beauty, noting that every corner tells the story of this ancient land and reflects a rich cultural heritage, making it a destination truly worth exploring.



Red Sea Fund Launches Second Round to Support Film Projects in Production Stage

File photo of the fifth day of the Red Sea International Film Festival - SPA
File photo of the fifth day of the Red Sea International Film Festival - SPA
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Red Sea Fund Launches Second Round to Support Film Projects in Production Stage

File photo of the fifth day of the Red Sea International Film Festival - SPA
File photo of the fifth day of the Red Sea International Film Festival - SPA

The Red Sea Fund, affiliated with the Red Sea Film Foundation, announced the opening of applications to support film projects in the production stage within the second round of this year’s support program, which will continue until March 21, as part of its efforts to enhance the cinema industry and empower innovators in the region, SPA reported.

The round aims to support promising cinematic voices from the Kingdom and the Arab world, as well as filmmakers from Africa and Asia, through financial grants that help complete film projects and present their creative narratives globally, with a special focus on projects ready to enter production and begin filming.


Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Historic Al-Jami' Mosque in Tabuk Region

The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity - SPA
The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity - SPA
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Historic Al-Jami' Mosque in Tabuk Region

The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity - SPA
The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity - SPA

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques has completed the restoration of Al-Jami' Mosque in Duba, Tabuk Region, as part of its mission to preserve the Kingdom's architectural heritage under Vision 2030.

As one of Duba’s oldest landmarks, the mosque is deeply intertwined with the city’s maritime history, traditionally serving as a central meeting point for sailors. Throughout its history, the mosque underwent several construction phases, including significant contributions by King Abdulaziz and King Fahd, before its selection for the current national development project, SPA reported.

The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity, increasing its area to 972.23 square meters and its capacity to 779 worshippers. The architectural style is inspired by traditional Red Sea heritage, incorporating natural materials like stone, mud, and wood for intricate mashrabiyas.

Executed by specialized Saudi firms, the project balances traditional standards with sustainability to rehabilitate the site for worship while highlighting its cultural significance. By restoring such landmarks, the project ensures the preservation of the Kingdom’s diverse architectural and social memory for future generations.


Leading Portraiture Competition Celebrates Saudi Heritage Through Art

Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA
Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA
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Leading Portraiture Competition Celebrates Saudi Heritage Through Art

Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA
Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA

The Dia Aziz Dia Award for Portrait, hosted by the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in Jeddah, is a leading platform for portraiture and the only competition of its kind in the Middle East. It fosters national identity through contemporary art, connecting veteran and emerging artists.

Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives, including Saudi women, the Arabian horse, the Saudi Green Initiative, and King Abdulaziz.

These themes highlight art's role in reflecting social transformations and contributing to the cultural goals of Saudi Vision 2030, SPA reported.

The current ninth edition, with a theme focused on King Salman, invited artists to depict the leadership and humanity of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. This edition attracted significant participation, with 787 submissions from 42 cities, including international entries.

Of these, 61 works were shortlisted for the final competition, with prizes totaling SAR170,000 awarded to three main winners and seven incentive recipients.