Wadi Al-Disah, a Captivating Illustration of Saudi Arabian Nature

A view of Wadi al-Disah in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A view of Wadi al-Disah in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
TT

Wadi Al-Disah, a Captivating Illustration of Saudi Arabian Nature

A view of Wadi al-Disah in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A view of Wadi al-Disah in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Winter has its splendor in Saudi Arabia, especially in the north, and even in parts of the country that are characterized by moderate weather in the summer, like the south. Many tourists and visitors flock to the country at this time of every year.

This year is no different as the Kingdom succeeded in curbing the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Winter is around you” is a Saudi marketing slogan that highlights the importance of this season for the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia. Winter becomes more than just a season when one can enjoy a road trip in the desert, mountains, coasts and valleys.

Wadi Al-Disah, one of the most visited locations in Saudi Arabia this year, is a valley that is located in the heart of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Nature Reserve and extends into the city of Neom. Wadi Al-Disah boasts some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the Kingdom, with its crystal-clear streams, flowing springs, lush patches of green and towering palm trees. The valley’s Nabataean facade and rock-carved tombs only add to its beauty.

Asharq Al-Awsat met several tourists who came to enjoy Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty from across the globe. Through the lens of their cameras, they documented what they saw and posted the pictures on their social media.

Nataliya, a photographer from Ukraine, said that it was the first time that she visited the valley and that she and her husband couldn’t be more impressed with what they had seen. She added: “This valley is definitely the most beautiful place we have visited in our trip.”

A Brazilian tourist said that she decided to visit Wadi Al-Disah after she saw photos of the valley on Instagram. “I loved it ... Wadi Al-Disah is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen,” she said, adding that she was captivated by its mesmerizing nature and unique landscapes.

Saudi photographer Younis Al-Dohaiman also said that he first discovered the valley while scrolling through Instagram photos of travelers who had visited it during winter.

Tourists can visit Wadi Al-Disah in winter or summer. Temperatures in the area range from 12 degrees Celsius in winter to 31 degrees during the summer, while it rains for eight months a year on average.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund intends to invest in new development projects in Wadi Al-Disah that aim to preserve the environment and wildlife of the valley, while hoping to transform it into a major touristic attraction.



Dozens of Exotic Animals Seized at Turkish Border

A woman covers with an umbrella against the rain during a summer storm at Kadikoy ferry terminal in Istanbul, Türkiye, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
A woman covers with an umbrella against the rain during a summer storm at Kadikoy ferry terminal in Istanbul, Türkiye, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
TT

Dozens of Exotic Animals Seized at Turkish Border

A woman covers with an umbrella against the rain during a summer storm at Kadikoy ferry terminal in Istanbul, Türkiye, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
A woman covers with an umbrella against the rain during a summer storm at Kadikoy ferry terminal in Istanbul, Türkiye, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Turkish customs officials in the northwestern city of Edirne discovered dozens of exotic animals being smuggled into Türkiye from Greece, The Associated Press said.

State-run Anadolu Agency reported that the mid-sized sedan with Greek license plates was carrying three kangaroos, three alpacas and one Patagonian mara in the trunk, and 12 parrots and 23 flying squirrels inside the vehicle. Many of the animals are juveniles.

Photos from the scene show the larger animals bound and squeezed together in tight confinement, while the smaller ones were crowded in cages.

The private Demiroren News Agency identified the driver of the vehicle as Yuksel D., who was subsequently detained by authorities.

All the animals survived and will be delivered to the Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks.