Jeddah Al-Balad... The Pleasure of Strolling Through History During Saudi Winter

A glimpse of the architectural beauty of Jeddah Al Balad.
A glimpse of the architectural beauty of Jeddah Al Balad.
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Jeddah Al-Balad... The Pleasure of Strolling Through History During Saudi Winter

A glimpse of the architectural beauty of Jeddah Al Balad.
A glimpse of the architectural beauty of Jeddah Al Balad.

In any discussion about Saudi Arabia’s most prominent tourist sites, Jeddah is inevitably at the forefront.

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage made sure that its campaign, Saudi Winter, which runs until the end of March, strived to do the city justice.

The Commission marked out more than 17 winter tourism destinations. With its enchanting atmosphere in the winter and its various sites and monuments, Jeddah is mentioned as an excellent destination.

When speaking of Jeddah as a touristic destination, one cannot but start with Al-Balad (also known as its Historic District), which UNESCO has labeled a World Heritage Site.

Strolling through Jeddah’s historic streets is a unique experience, akin to wandering around in an open-air architecture museum. Its buildings have their own unique style, as do its old shops and streets. The smell of incense and spices that many of the country’s markets are renowned for give a visit to the city a special aroma and a distinctive feel.

The historic district is home to several heritage sites and buildings, like the Old Wall and the Gate of Makkah. It boasts Beit Nassif, the most renowned of Jeddah’s architectural landmarks, where Saudi Arabia’s founder King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud lived. It is home to the Matbouli House Museum, with its Hijazi architecture and intricately decorated wood-clad entrances.

Perhaps a visit to the Historic District in Jeddah is worthwhile as part of Saudi Winter, which offers more than 300 experiences and various packages provided by over 200 private companies.



Rare Pallid Bat Spotted in Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders Region

Bats are found on every continent except Antarctica - SPA
Bats are found on every continent except Antarctica - SPA
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Rare Pallid Bat Spotted in Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders Region

Bats are found on every continent except Antarctica - SPA
Bats are found on every continent except Antarctica - SPA

The Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus), a rare species in the region, was recently spotted in the Saudi Arabia's northern borders.

The region have fostered a rich array of ecosystems, supporting a unique biodiversity that relies heavily on natural resources, according to SPA.

Typically native to the western coast of the Americas, this bat is seldom seen outside its usual range. Its presence in the region highlights the area's pristine nature and hints at the existence of other undiscovered rare and unique species.

Bats, the only mammals capable of flight, are found on every continent except Antarctica.
Biologists have confirmed that the Pallid bat, not native to the Middle East, thrives in arid environments. These bats roost in rock crevices during the day and emerge at night to feed on insects and worms. They hibernate during the winter and give birth to one or two pups in the spring, which they wean after about 40 days.
The primary benefit of bats lies in their role as natural pest controllers. Consuming up to 40% of their body weight in insects daily, including mosquitoes.
Additionally, bats play a critical role in pollinating plants and dispersing seeds, making them invaluable to wildlife restoration efforts in the Kingdom.