BREIDA: Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal praised the Heritage and Classic Cars festival held in Qassim, saying this year’s experience “encouraged us to direct the branch of the General Authority for Tourism and National Heritage in the region to hold the festival, which was well organized and successful, annually.”
He said the festival will “definitely” be on the calendar of the Tourism Development Council and will hopefully become a tradition.
More than 300 cars participated in the festival. Prince Faisal said there are car owners in Qassim who need such an activity to practice their hobby, which also exists in the Gulf countries and the wider Arab world.
He thanked the General Authority for Tourism and National Heritage branch Director Ibrahim Al-Misheqeh and his employees who contributed to making the festival a success, as attested by the many visitors from other Gulf countries.
He said the large participation of classic car owners shows the importance they attached to the festival and that it can be held annually.
On Saturday he visited the three-day festival, organized by the Tourism Development Council, the first of its kind in the region.
He toured the festival, viewed the rare cars on display and took part in some activities, including a visit to the art museum.
Al-Misheqeh expressed appreciation for the support given by Prince Faisal in holding the festival, saying it was the governor’s idea to provide support and motivation for the hobby.
Al-Misheqeh added that more than 50 competitions were held during the festival, and many awards were given to participants.
Qassim governor: Classic cars festival distinguished, to be held annually
Qassim governor: Classic cars festival distinguished, to be held annually
Saudi tourism minister visits heritage sites along Northern Trail
- Ahmed Al-Khatib highlights natural, historical landmarks
- Northern Trail sites are a part of the Saudi Winter program
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khatib recently traveled on the Northern Trail from Riyadh to Hail, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Part of the Saudi Winter program, the Northern Trail has natural and historical landmarks running across various regions of the country.
Al-Khatib began the trip in Thadiq governorate where he was briefed on sites including the tourist village of Ghamra.
He perused the village’s Najd-style mud buildings, ancient alleyways and mosques which are typical of the region’s historical sites.
The minister visited the geopark north of Riyadh to see the natural rock formations and valleys.
The park is a UNESCO-recognized Global Geopark and is run under the supervision of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development.
From there, he continued north to the Qassim region, passing through rural farms and agricultural tourism destinations.
Al-Khatib visited the Al-Bustan shrine in the city of Buraidah, and the Cultural Heritage Center that is a major attraction for local and foreign visitors.
The minister ended his trip in Hail’s historical mountainous region.
One of his stops was Jabel Umm Sinman in Jubbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring rock inscriptions dating back more than 10,000 years.
The itinerary included hiking trails in the Aja Mountains, desert adventure experiences, the Al-Didhan Reserve, and a stop at the home of pre-Islamic tribal leader and poet Hatim Al-Tai.
Other points of interest along the Northern Trail include the Sheikh Omar bin Muqrin Archaeological Palace in Shaqra, the heritage village in Ushaiqer, and the Al-Askar Palace in Al-Majmaah.
More details about the various sites along the Northern Trail can be found at visitsaudi.com.
