RIYADH: A heavy sandstorm blanketed the Saudi capital on Thursday, making visibility 0.5 meter at times, with 40 percent humidity and partially cloudy skies.
The Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) issued a warning to motorists to drive carefully due to the wind speed at 20.4km/hour, blowing north-northeast, kicking up dust that made the horizon hazy.
Cenon C. Sagadal Jr., a bank executive, said he managed to drive along King Fahd Road from the Olaya District at about 4 p.m., but could not see far into the distance.
“The atmosphere looked foggy because of the dust carried by the wind. Driving became inconvenient as some motorists drove fast, even urging drivers in front of them to drive faster,” he said.
Alex V. Bello, a Filipino expat, said motorists should be careful because accidents have happened in the past as a result of heavy sandstorms.
“It’s better to get late than to meet with an accident which could be fatal,” he said.
A sandstorm also hit Qassim in the morning, according to Christopher Agustin, who works at a local pharmaceutical company in Buraidah.
“At dawn, I noticed it, but around 9 a.m., it got over,” he said.
Residents in the Eastern Province also reported a sandstorm in the region.
“It was not too intense in Alkhobar, but workers and students in adjoining areas were asked to wear masks to protect themselves from dust,” said Florante M. Catanus, who works at a law firm.
Low visibility as sandstorm envelops Riyadh
Low visibility as sandstorm envelops Riyadh
Saudi traveler drives in search of the aurora
- ‘It felt like a dream,’ says 27-year-old Malik Al-Sultan after seeing the famed Northern Lights
JEDDAH: A Saudi adventurer has driven thousands of kilometers across continents in pursuit of one of the planet’s rarest natural spectacles.
Malik Al-Sultan set out from Riyadh in a modified Toyota Hilux, crossing Europe by road to reach northern Norway, where he witnessed the Northern Lights.
Auroras, or Northern Lights, are colorful and often delicate displays that occur when charged solar particles collide with Earth’s magnetic field and upper atmosphere. In the northern hemisphere, these shifting curtains of light are visible only during certain seasons.
“I love trying new experiences, seeking adventure, and facing challenges,” Al-Sultan told Arab News.
The idea of traveling long distances by car began in 2017 while Al-Sultan was in Switzerland with his family. “I saw a car there with a plate from one of the Gulf countries, and from that moment I was inspired,” he said.
Once his plans were complete, the destination was clear. “When everything was ready, I chose Norway.”
Al-Sultan, 27, is a university graduate and an employee who prefers simple travel. “I try to share my experience without exaggeration or change,” he said. “My goal is to visit as many countries as I can and share what I learn, what people need, and how much it costs.”
His journey took nearly three weeks of driving, with extended stops to explore several countries.
The route passed through Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkiye, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, France, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and finally Norway.
Along the way, Al-Sultan relied on ferry crossings between France and the UK and between Denmark and Norway, as well as for some travel within Norway.
Driving alone for long distances was challenging. “It was a bit tiring, but I took breaks to rest,” he said. Friends joined him on some stages during the trip.
Al-Sultan made only essential modifications to his 2020 Toyota Hilux 4x4. “I changed the tires and some consumable parts,” he said. For winter conditions in Norway, he used special snow tires with metal studs.
He said the vehicle was tested in difficult conditions — “especially in remote areas, high elevations, changing weather, and long distances.” Among the main challenges were “long distances and difficulty finding accommodation late at night.”
The Northern Lights are best seen in the night sky and far away from city lights. The aurora season usually begins in late September and lasts until late March. Even during this period, witnessing the phenomenon requires luck, and many aurora hunters return home disappointed.
Al-Sultan reached northern Norway near the city of Bodo, where he saw the Northern Lights earlier this month, close to the Rana area.
“It felt like a dream,” he said. “At first, I thought it was clouds or factory smoke reflecting light.”
The lights appeared in green and red, and remained visible for more than half an hour.
Reflecting on the experience, Al-Sultan said the journey taught him patience and self-reliance. “It showed me the value of endurance, trusting my own judgment, and making decisions independently,” he said. “I also discovered how to embrace and even enjoy challenges.”
During the trip, he was warmly hosted by families in different countries. People “were genuinely excited about my journey, and their enthusiasm grew even more when they learned I’m from Saudi Arabia,” he said. “They were also curious about the purpose of my journey and where I was headed.”
Despite the freezing temperatures during the trip, Al-Sultan chose to wear traditional Saudi attire.
“The thobe and shemagh are part of my identity, and I’m proud of them,” he said. “I feel most comfortable wearing them, so it was the natural choice.”
Al-Sultan added that this helped showcase “the true image of the Saudi citizen,” and he hoped he had represented his country positively.
His journey is far from over. “My next goal,” he said, “is to reach Iceland.”
