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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
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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.

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London Zoo's Residents Are Counted in their Annual Stocktake

A zoo keeper counts Squirrel Monkeys during the annual stocktake at London Zoo in London, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
A zoo keeper counts Squirrel Monkeys during the annual stocktake at London Zoo in London, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
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London Zoo's Residents Are Counted in their Annual Stocktake

A zoo keeper counts Squirrel Monkeys during the annual stocktake at London Zoo in London, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
A zoo keeper counts Squirrel Monkeys during the annual stocktake at London Zoo in London, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

From alpacas to zebras — and lots of birds, reptiles and invertebrates in between — London Zoo on Friday is taking stock of what it possesses.
The annual census of the zoo's 10,000-plus occupants is a requirement of its license, and the information gleaned will be shared with zoos around the world to help manage breeding programs of endangered species.
Glynn Hennessy, the zoo's lead primate keeper, said that zoos are “really good now” at sharing information.
“We can sort of see the genetic pathway of every individual,” The Associated Press quoted him as saying. “We can see who their grandparents were, how they're overrepresented, if they are underrepresented, so it gives us so much information to make sure that we're breeding responsibly.”
Hennessy said that 2024 was a “massive” year for the zoo with two baby gorillas — Juno and Venus — and three Asiatic lion cubs — Mali, Syanii and Shanti — born. There were also 11 penguin chicks, always a fan favorite.
And for those who like their frogs, there are 53 new ones to admire. And not just any frog. The new residents are named after Charles Darwin, no less, and arrived in the fall from Chile as part of an effort to save the species from a deadly fungus.
While recording large mammals is relatively simple, it's not so easy to identify the diverse array of invertebrates, which now includes a new thriving hive of honeybees, which luckily for the number crunchers will only be counted as one.