MADINAH: Many pilgrims visiting Madinah during the Umrah season in order to visit the Prophet’s Mosque and the province’s historical and Islamic sites also get to enjoy recreational programs that include land trips.
Arab News joined pilgrims of different nationalities as they visited the Al-Baida Park, which is also known as Wadi Jinn (the Valley of Jinn).
Al-Baida Park is 40 km northwest of Madinah, and is one of the most attractive sites for families and pilgrims.
Taxi driver Abdullah Al-Harbi told Arab News that pilgrims came to Al-Baida Park for entertainment and to enjoy the wild atmosphere, especially in the early morning.
“This program is organized in coordination with the heads of Umrah groups,” he added, “Al-Baida Park is a new destination for pilgrims.”
Pakistani-British pilgrim Amjad Khan said that he heard of Al-Baida from friends who had previously visited the place and enjoyed the beauty of Wadi Jinn and the wonderful atmosphere.
He continued: “As you can see, everyone is enjoying the scenery, taking beautiful photos, watching the camels, and loving the mountains that are covered with white and golden sand, various reefs, and wild trees.”
Al-Baida Park is very famous due to its association with Wadi Jinn and its strange phenomenon, which was explained as a geographical one, making it a destination for pilgrims of different nationalities, especially Pakistanis, Indians, and Arabs.
Al-Harbi said that brokers have exploited pilgrims’ interest in Al-Baida and promoted it in different ways for financial gains.
“You find dozens of cars and busses in Wadi Jinn eager to experience the reverse gravity phenomenon, which makes a car roll uphill,” he explained, “People have also tried pouring water on the asphalt and rolling down the road to prove that cars were moving on their own.”
Haunted valley in Madinah attracts paranormal buffs
Haunted valley in Madinah attracts paranormal buffs
Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference
- Event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together ministers, governors of central banks, policymakers, economic experts and international financial institutions
- Emerging-market economies a ‘pivotal element’ in global economic system due to effect they have on growth and stability, says Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan
RIYADH: The second annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, which Saudi Arabia will host next week, offers a platform to exchange views on global developments and discuss policies and reforms that support inclusive growth and strengthen economic resilience, the Kingdom’s finance minister said.
The event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together finance ministers, governors of central banks and policymakers, alongside economic experts and representatives of international financial institutions.
Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance in partnership with the International Monetary Fund, it takes place as emerging-market economies face mounting challenges amid rapid global economic change.
Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the decision to host the conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to efforts that support global financial and economic stability, and highlights the growing influence of emerging economies on worldwide growth.
Emerging-market economies represent a “pivotal element” in the global economic system due to the direct impact they have on economic growth and stability, he added.
“The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies provides a unique platform for exchanging views on global economic developments, and discussing policies and reforms that will support inclusive growth and enhance economic resilience, in light of broader international cooperation that contributes to confronting common challenges,” Al-Jadaan said.
Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, said the event would help emerging economies deal with growing uncertainty driven by technological change, demographic shifts and geopolitical tensions.
“The AlUla conference provides a vital platform for emerging economies to discuss how they can navigate the risks and embrace the opportunities ahead,” she said.
“In these times of sweeping transformations in the global economy, policymakers face a more challenging and uncertain environment. Countries should work together to strengthen resilience through sound macroeconomic and financial policies.”
