Latest news with #Najran
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Saudi arrests 12 expats involved in prostitution in residential building
Authorities in Saudi Arabia arrested 12 expats for taking part in prostitution in the country's Najran area, the Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday, July 15. The accused individuals were caught for carrying out the illegal act in a residential apartment. The arrested included five men and seven women. The arrest was carried out in coordination with the Special Tasks and Duties Force of the Najran Region Police and the General Administration for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking. The individuals were detained and legal procedures were taken against them, after which they were referred to the Public Prosecution. Saudi Arabia
Asharq Al-Awsat
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Cultural House Showcases Heritage at Najran Summer Festival
The Cultural House took part in the Najran summer festival, organized by the Najran Municipality at Emirate Palace square in the Aba Al-Saud neighborhood. The event featured a dedicated pavilion that offered visitors a rich cultural experience, showcasing authentic handicrafts and artworks by local artisans that reflected Najran's unique heritage and cultural identity, SPA reported. The initiative also highlighted the Cultural House's commitment to empowering creative talents and enhancing cultural expression at public events. The participation aligns with its broader mission to foster community engagement, promote cultural diversity, and support traditional crafts as a foundation of the creative economy.
Arab News
04-07-2025
- Arab News
Buraidah's blossoming farm scene offers a cool summer alternative
BURAIDAH: Those hoping to escape the scorching Saudi summer heat can head to Buraidah, where its farms have become a favored summer destination. Buraidah, about 360 kilometers northwest of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia's Qassim region, is a place for those seeking calm, comfort and a distinctive leisure experience. 'This rising popularity stems from ongoing efforts to transform these farms into integrated tourist attractions that cater both to families and individuals, offering an authentic experience with a modern touch,' according to the Saudi Press Agency. These farms stand out for their natural beauty and the balance they strike between simplicity and contemporary features. Visitors can step away from the pace of city life and enjoy peaceful moments surrounded by lush greenery. The experience is supported by restaurants serving traditional and international dishes, cafes with authentic design and stalls selling local produce. There are family seating areas aplenty, children's play zones and a variety of nature-based activities. Ali Mohammed Al-Waili, who is from the Najran region, expressed his admiration of the unique tourism diversity found in the Qassim region. He praised the rural farms that have become an attractive, offering a fully immersive natural experience that reflects the authenticity and agricultural richness of the area. He pointed out that the farms spread across the region's governorates provide a well-rounded family tourism experience, featuring traditional seating areas, authentic local cuisine, and a variety of agricultural and recreational activities suited for all age groups. Another visitor, Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi, noted that rural farms have become a top family destination during the summer holiday because they meet visitors' needs and offer a range of services that ensure an enjoyable time in a natural and safe environment. The rising interest in this form of domestic tourism points to a clear shift in public preference toward nature and stillness. Better infrastructure and improved service quality are reinforcing the role of rural farms as a top option for day trips and short breaks. According to the SPA, the growing interest in domestic tourism and nature helps to support the local economy and achieve sustainable development — aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to improve quality of life, diversify income sources, and enhance the balance between people and the environment.
Arab News
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Summer festivals in Baha, Najran offer wide array of cultural events
RIYADH: A vibrant summer of arts, music and cultural events has arrived in the Baha and Najran regions. Prince Hussam bin Saud, the governor of Baha, has officially opened Baha Summer Festival, which features more than 500 events aimed at attracting some 2.5 million visitors. He said everyone involved was working together to deliver an exceptional experience for both residents and those coming to the area. The lineup for the Baha summer season, being held under the slogan 'Color Your Summer,' includes artistic and musical performances, circus festivals, magic shows and a range of recreational and cultural activities. Preparations for the festival included road maintenance, upgrades to parks and tourist sites, ample parking facilities, clear directional signage and the introduction of free Wi-Fi in public parks. Cleanliness, monitoring and safety measures have also been significantly enhanced across all venues. Meanwhile, the Summer Festival organized by the Najran municipality begins on Tuesday under the banner 'Our Summer is Great.' Mayor Saleh Al-Ghamdi said preparations ahead of the season included equipping more than 160 parks, gardens, municipal squares and walkways to welcome those attending, carried out in coordination with various government and private entities. He added the festival featured diverse events in several locations in Najran city and its governorates, which includes a shopping festival, horse shows, paragliding, classic car shows and family and children's programs, as well as recreational and cultural activities, poetry evenings, sports competitions, handicrafts, plays, programs and training courses. The activities will be held over 45 days and contribute toward the goals of Vision 2030, said Al-Ghamdi, highlighting that the Najran region's unique nature and tourist sites made it a major attraction.
Arab News
26-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Najran region's business registrations jump 56% amid Saudi investment push
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Najran region has recorded a 56 percent increase in commercial registrations over the past five years, signaling expanding economic activity and growth potential in the southern province. According to government data presented at the Najran Investment Forum 2025, business licenses in the region reached 39,000, accounting for around 2.3 percent of the Kingdom's 1.7 million total records. The forum, held from June 25 to 26 under the patronage of Prince Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, brought together government officials and private sector leaders to highlight economic prospects in the region. According to organizers, the event featured 53 project opportunities valued at over SR639 million ($170 million). The southern province is emerging as a regional development hub under Vision 2030. With its mineral wealth, fertile land, cultural heritage, and growing logistics capabilities, it is positioned as a gateway for trade and business in line with the Kingdom's economic diversification goals. Speaking during the forum's opening session, Assistant Minister of Commerce Abdulaziz bin Saud Al-Duhaim said: 'Najran is an important region that abounds with diverse investment opportunities, based on its geographical location, natural resources, and competitive sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing industries, tourism, and others.' He added: 'We have reviewed and developed more than 110 pieces of legislation over the past few years, most notably regulations on companies, franchises, e-commerce, bankruptcy, commercial registration, trade names, and others.' The region's light transport sector saw the largest increase in new registrations, up 124 percent year on year in the first quarter to 536. The logistics sector followed with 111 percent growth, totaling 345 records. Registrations in civil protection equipment installation and maintenance rose by 26 percent, while storage facilities climbed 31 percent, reaching 717 records. During his participation in the forum, Al-Duhaim also emphasized that the Ministry of Commerce has strengthened market regulations to protect consumers, monitor prices, and combat fraud and commercial cover-ups. 'We are working on a comprehensive consumer protection system, established a reporting center and a summons center, and launched the 'Emtithal' electronic inspection and monitoring system,' he said. The assistant minister also noted that the National Competitiveness Center has worked with more than 65 government agencies, in partnership with the private sector, to implement over 900 economic reforms and recommendations aimed at enhancing business competitiveness. He added that 21 branches of the Saudi Business Center have been established to facilitate business start-ups and operations. 'The Ministry is working to develop and implement comprehensive strategies for the wholesale, retail, and professional services sectors, and to develop the services sector by leveraging new technologies,' Al-Duhaim said. During the event, 14 cooperation agreements were signed between the Najran Chamber and various public and private entities to support local initiatives and business development. Abdullah bin Ali bin Mohammed Al-Ahmari, assistant minister of industry and mineral resources for planning and development, who also participated in the event, noted that Najran is one of the richest regions in mineral resources, with the estimated value of untapped reserves rising from SR145 billion to more than SR227 billion. He also emphasized the importance of developing mining-related manufacturing industries to maximize added value and boost exports. In the same context, Abdullah Al-Dubaikhi, assistant minister of investment, discussed the province's competitive advantages, noting that the area offers promising opportunities in mining, specialized agriculture, tourism, and education — sectors that require coordinated efforts among relevant authorities to unlock their full potential. He noted that total projects registered on the Invest in Saudi Arabia platform for the region amounted to approximately SR8 billion. The forum aimed to showcase the area's economic potential, attract quality investments, and provide an effective platform for engagement between local and international investors and government agencies. 'The ministry has been committed to addressing all challenges facing the business sector by developing legislation, facilitating procedures, and expanding financing programs and solutions that empower entrepreneurship and commercial establishments,' Al-Duhaim added.
