Saudi Researcher Plants Cotton in Al-Makhwah’s Shada Mountain

Cotton cultivation requires minimal irrigation and care, similar to other agricultural crops, and the trees can grow up to 4 meters high and produce all year round - SPA
Cotton cultivation requires minimal irrigation and care, similar to other agricultural crops, and the trees can grow up to 4 meters high and produce all year round - SPA
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Saudi Researcher Plants Cotton in Al-Makhwah’s Shada Mountain

Cotton cultivation requires minimal irrigation and care, similar to other agricultural crops, and the trees can grow up to 4 meters high and produce all year round - SPA
Cotton cultivation requires minimal irrigation and care, similar to other agricultural crops, and the trees can grow up to 4 meters high and produce all year round - SPA

Al-Baha region is one of the rich agricultural areas in the Kingdom due to its natural resources, favorable climate, fertile soil, and abundant groundwater.
Thanks to the unlimited support from the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, successful agricultural experiments have emerged among farmers in various provinces.
“Some may think that cotton trees only grow in Egypt and other producing and exporting countries,” Nasser Al-Shadwi, a historical researcher and environmental activist, told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
However, cotton trees actually grow naturally in some mountains in the south of the Kingdom, Al-Shadwi said, adding that the production of these trees is abundant in this area.
Al-Shadwi said his decision to revive cotton farming in the Shada Mountain, Al-Makhwah governorate, was influenced by his grandmother's stories about their cultivation of cotton trees on a farm in front of their house and spinning cotton during that time.
Al-Shadwi decided to reattempt cotton farming, which proved to be remarkably successful.
The cultivation of cotton, coffee, and other agricultural crops is an eye-catcher for tourists and visitors to the mountains, representing the beautiful aspects of rural life and enhancing the region’s identity.



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.