Saudi Businessman Purchases 12 Camels Worth $32 Million

Saudi men stand next to camels as they participate in King Abdulaziz Camel Festival in Rimah Governorate, north-east of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia January 19, 2018. Picture taken January 19, 2018. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser
Saudi men stand next to camels as they participate in King Abdulaziz Camel Festival in Rimah Governorate, north-east of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia January 19, 2018. Picture taken January 19, 2018. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser
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Saudi Businessman Purchases 12 Camels Worth $32 Million

Saudi men stand next to camels as they participate in King Abdulaziz Camel Festival in Rimah Governorate, north-east of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia January 19, 2018. Picture taken January 19, 2018. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser
Saudi men stand next to camels as they participate in King Abdulaziz Camel Festival in Rimah Governorate, north-east of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia January 19, 2018. Picture taken January 19, 2018. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser

A Saudi businessman signed a 120 million riyal ($32 million) deal in Riyadh to purchase 12 camels, marking one of the biggest camels' purchase deals in the Gulf.

The event coincided with Cristiano Ronaldo joining of Saudi Al-Nassr team.

The deal was signed in Dahana Desert, which is hosting the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival.

The businessman, Abdullah Al-Nahdi, who is an investor in the pharmacies sector, purchased 12 camels that came first in the festival from their owner, businessman Mohammed bin Jakhdab Al-Qahtani.

Organized by the Camel Club, King Abdulaziz Camel Festival kicked off in December and concludes in mid-January.

More than 40,000 camels compete for prizes worth more than $80 million.

The Camel Club is part of a whole sports system launched by the Saudi Crown Prince in 2017.



Saudi Arabia’s Thuwal: Private Island Resort in the Red Sea

Thuwal resort offers absolute privacy and simple luxury (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Thuwal resort offers absolute privacy and simple luxury (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia’s Thuwal: Private Island Resort in the Red Sea

Thuwal resort offers absolute privacy and simple luxury (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Thuwal resort offers absolute privacy and simple luxury (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Thuwal Private Resort has officially opened as the first island of its kind in Saudi Arabia, located off the coast of Jeddah. The resort offers a unique experience of complete privacy and luxury, perfect for escaping the everyday hustle.

The resort is set on a beautiful island in the Red Sea, accessible by a 40-minute private yacht ride from the KAUST marina, north of Jeddah.

The resort allows guests to book the entire island for total privacy and comfort, with only one group staying at a time. Whether for a peaceful family retreat, a luxurious celebration with friends, or an exclusive escape with loved ones, the resort offers a perfect setting. It accommodates up to 12 adults and 3 children.

The main villa includes three spacious bedrooms, a large living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a 395-square-meter garden with a private pool and sunbathing terrace.

The three beachfront suites offer more privacy, each with a bedroom, outdoor terrace, private pool, and beautiful decor that blends with the natural surroundings.

The resort’s dining experience is overseen by a team of top chefs who use fresh, local ingredients to craft menus that cater to all tastes and satisfy every culinary preference. The offerings include Mediterranean-inspired seafood dishes and healthy meal options.

Moreover, the resort offers a variety of activities for all ages and interests. Adventure seekers can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving to explore coral reefs and shipwrecks, with professional instructors and equipment for beginners.

For relaxation, the spa provides soothing massages and wellness treatments.

Guests can also enjoy beach soccer, volleyball, island walks, or unwind in the library, which has books and games.

The resort features an outdoor cinema where guests can watch movies under the stars, with snacks and refreshing drinks adding to the experience.

Additionally, the resort offers cultural programs inspired by Saudi heritage, including folk music, traditional performances, and crafts, enriching the overall stay.