‘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
TT

‘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.



Three Migrants Die Trying to Cross Channel in Boat from France to UK

Tunisian coast guards try to stop migrants at sea during their attempt to cross to Italy, off the coast off Sfax, Tunisia April 27, 2023. REUTERS/Jihed Abidellaoui /File Photo
Tunisian coast guards try to stop migrants at sea during their attempt to cross to Italy, off the coast off Sfax, Tunisia April 27, 2023. REUTERS/Jihed Abidellaoui /File Photo
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Three Migrants Die Trying to Cross Channel in Boat from France to UK

Tunisian coast guards try to stop migrants at sea during their attempt to cross to Italy, off the coast off Sfax, Tunisia April 27, 2023. REUTERS/Jihed Abidellaoui /File Photo
Tunisian coast guards try to stop migrants at sea during their attempt to cross to Italy, off the coast off Sfax, Tunisia April 27, 2023. REUTERS/Jihed Abidellaoui /File Photo

At least three migrants died in the Channel off northern France on Sunday as a group of around 50 people tried to set off in a small boat heading for Britain, authorities said.

The incident occurred at Sangatte at around 6 a.m. (0500 GMT) during a series of attempted crossings by migrants aiming for the southern coast of England, the French maritime prefecture for the Channel said in a statement.

Three migrants were confirmed dead after being found unconscious, while another 45 people were rescued and treated mostly for hypothermia, the authority said.

A search operation continued for other possible victims, it added, Reuters reported.

Several dozen migrants have died this year attempting to cross the Channel, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, in crowded makeshift vessels to reach Britain.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose Labour Party swept to office after an election in July, has prioritised cracking down on illegal migration by tackling the gangs who smuggle people across the Channel.

"This morning, lives have been lost at sea because ruthless criminals running the small boat trade are overloading people into unseaworthy vessels," Angela Eagle, British minister for border security and asylum, said in a statement on Sunday.

The British government is supporting the French authorities who are leading on the response to the incident, which took place in French waters, she added.

Nearly 30,000 people arrived in Britain by small boats in the year ending September, 2024, government data showed in November. Close to 1,500 people have arrived in the four days since Christmas.