‘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.



Heavy Snow Brings Widespread Disruption across the UK

People walk in the snow at Sefton Park in Liverpool, Britain, 05 January 2025. (EPA)
People walk in the snow at Sefton Park in Liverpool, Britain, 05 January 2025. (EPA)
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Heavy Snow Brings Widespread Disruption across the UK

People walk in the snow at Sefton Park in Liverpool, Britain, 05 January 2025. (EPA)
People walk in the snow at Sefton Park in Liverpool, Britain, 05 January 2025. (EPA)

Heavy snow and freezing rain has brought widespread disruption across the UK, with several major airports forced to suspend flights and many key roads in the north of England unnavigable.

With the weather set to stay inclement on Sunday, there are concerns that many rural communities could be cut off with up to 40 centimeters (15 inches) of snow on ground above 300 meters (985 feet).

The National Grid, which oversees the country's electricity network, said it had been working to restore power after outages across the country. The company’s live map shows power cuts in Birmingham in central England, Bristol in the west and Cardiff in Wales.

Many sporting events have already been postponed, but the heavyweight Premier League fixture between Liverpool and Manchester United is still on, though there will be another inspection later.

Liverpool's John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport had to close runways and divert flights, Birmingham Airport also suspended operations for several hours overnight but said it was on schedule for “business as usual” on Sunday.

The road network was heavily impacted too, on what would have been a very busy day with many families returning home from the Christmas and New Year break and students heading back to universities.

On the railways, many services were canceled with National Rail warning of disruption continuing into the working week.

Britain's main weather forecaster, the Met Office, has forecast the sleet and snow will continue to push north on Sunday and be heaviest in northern England and into southern Scotland. After experiencing freezing rain for a time, the south will turn milder.

Frost and icy patches will continue through the early part of the week, but Monday and Tuesday will become drier with sunny spells and scattered wintry showers.