Saudi Arabia’s AlUla Launches Eventful ‘Summer Untold’ Program

Enjoying a milder climate with temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than neighboring cities, AlUla is an ideal destination for both remote work and leisure. (SPA)
Enjoying a milder climate with temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than neighboring cities, AlUla is an ideal destination for both remote work and leisure. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia’s AlUla Launches Eventful ‘Summer Untold’ Program

Enjoying a milder climate with temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than neighboring cities, AlUla is an ideal destination for both remote work and leisure. (SPA)
Enjoying a milder climate with temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than neighboring cities, AlUla is an ideal destination for both remote work and leisure. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s AlUla has launched its summer program under the theme “Summer Untold,” offering a rich collection of experiences that blend ancient heritage sites with breathtaking natural landscapes.

Enjoying a milder climate with temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than neighboring cities, the governorate is an ideal destination for both remote work and leisure.

The program features exclusive hotel packages at AlUla’s luxury resorts nestled in nature, alongside a series of artistic events at the local amphitheater that combine live music performances with AlUla’s stunning surroundings. Guests can also enjoy musical experiences by the pool, set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and golden sands.

Returning this August for its third edition, the AlUla Desert Blaze trail race offers an ideal challenge for adventure seekers, who will race through some of AlUla’s most iconic landmarks amid its spectacular desert terrain.

The program also invites visitors to explore the summer oasis farms and discover the traditional lifestyles of farmers in AlUla’s Old Town.

Furthermore, AlUla Adventure Hub is rolling out an exciting lineup of thrill-seeking activities this summer, beginning in the early morning hours among the region’s striking desert landscapes. Highlights include the AlUla Zipline, the longest and fastest of its kind in the Kingdom, offering breathtaking mountain views, as well as the Giant Swing, the AlUla Stairway, mountain rappelling, the Via Ferrata, the Canyon Hammock, and rock-climbing adventures.



Sri Lanka Train Kills Elephant Despite New Safety Moves

Asian elephant "Trompita" is pictured at Aurora Zoo in Guatemala City on May 15, 2025. (Photo by JOHAN ORDONEZ / AFP)
Asian elephant "Trompita" is pictured at Aurora Zoo in Guatemala City on May 15, 2025. (Photo by JOHAN ORDONEZ / AFP)
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Sri Lanka Train Kills Elephant Despite New Safety Moves

Asian elephant "Trompita" is pictured at Aurora Zoo in Guatemala City on May 15, 2025. (Photo by JOHAN ORDONEZ / AFP)
Asian elephant "Trompita" is pictured at Aurora Zoo in Guatemala City on May 15, 2025. (Photo by JOHAN ORDONEZ / AFP)

A Sri Lankan express train killed an elephant and was derailed on Tuesday, despite safety measures introduced after the country's worst wildlife railway accident three months ago on the same route.

Local officials said the young wild elephant crossing the track near Habarana was run over by the same train involved in the February 20 accident that killed seven elephants, AFP reported.

After that crash, officials imposed speed limits on trains passing through elephant habitats.

No passengers were injured in the accident, which occurred some 180 kilometers (110 miles) by road east of the capital Colombo.

Railway authorities said an investigation was underway, and engineers were trying to put the Colombo–Batticaloa train back on the track after the pre-dawn smash.

The authorities had earlier announced changes to train timetables and efforts to clear shrubs from either side of the track to improve visibility for drivers, to give them more time to avoid hitting elephants.

Wildlife officials have said that 139 elephants have been killed by trains over the past 17 years, since authorities began collecting such data.