‘Edge of the World’, Dhaka Mountain among Saudi Arabia’s Top Hiking Spots

‘Edge of the World’, Dhaka Mountain among Saudi Arabia’s Top Hiking Spots
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‘Edge of the World’, Dhaka Mountain among Saudi Arabia’s Top Hiking Spots

‘Edge of the World’, Dhaka Mountain among Saudi Arabia’s Top Hiking Spots

Hiking enriches people’s lives by allowing them to experience natural beauty and giving them an opportunity to let off some steam and improve their health. It is among the enjoyable physical activities that Saudi Arabia has worked on developing and supporting.

The “Edge of the World”, or The Stretch, as locals call it, is among the most beautiful and unique sites in the world. It is among the 17 sites dedicated to hiking tourism and listed by the Tourism Authority as part of the Saudi Winter initiative, which runs from December 10 to the end of March.

Ninety kilometers from Riyadh, it is a prime destination for hikers during the fall and winter seasons because of its moderate climate and interesting and exciting landscape. Its camping, tanning, horseback and camelback riding, dune skiing and quad-bike facilities make it an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the sun and sand.

Al Sharaf Park in Tanomah Governorate in the Asir region is among the new tourist sites that were opened by the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation.

Inaugurated in March, the path is 30 meters wide and has 41 lanes for beginners and professionals. The weather is pleasant during the winter at this breathtaking location, where Sawda Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the Kingdom, allows hiking enthusiasts to enjoy stunning views.

Dhaka Mountain in Taif is another favorite. An extension of the Hijaz Mountain Range around 2,500 meters above sea level, its natural beauty draws visitors to explore to embark on adventures there.



Shark Attack in Egypt's Marsa Alam Resort Kills Tourist

Tourists snorkel near a beach of the Red Sea resort of Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Egypt January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh/File Photo
Tourists snorkel near a beach of the Red Sea resort of Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Egypt January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh/File Photo
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Shark Attack in Egypt's Marsa Alam Resort Kills Tourist

Tourists snorkel near a beach of the Red Sea resort of Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Egypt January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh/File Photo
Tourists snorkel near a beach of the Red Sea resort of Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Egypt January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh/File Photo

One tourist was killed and another was injured in a shark attack in Egypt's Marsa Alam resort, the environment ministry said in a statement on Sunday without giving the nationalities of those involved.

There are sharks in the Red Sea but encounters with them are relatively rare.

The ministry said the attack occurred in deep water outside the designated swimming zone near the jetties in northern Marsa Alam, adding that swimming out from the jetties was prohibited and the jetties would be closed for two days from Monday, Reuters reported.

Marsa Alam is an Egyptian coastal town known for its coral reefs, marine life and beaches.

The last similar incident was in June 2023 when a tiger shark killed a Russian national in Hurghada, another coastal city on the Red Sea north of Marsa Alam.

Last month a tourist boat capsized in the same area, leaving four dead and seven missing.