Saudi Arabia’s tourism minister reviews ‘Sama Abha’ project

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb. (SPA)
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Updated 10 November 2020
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Saudi Arabia’s tourism minister reviews ‘Sama Abha’ project

  • Most of the castle walls are still intact, despite their age

ABHA: Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb on Saturday reviewed the “Sama Abha” project. He was briefed about the tourist and investment components of the project located north of Abha.
The project, which costs more than SR12 million, is part of the initiatives to improve the urban landscape of the Asir region.
With other government officials, the minister then visited the historical Shamsan Castle. It is a large rectangular building with three towers and a main entrance on the west side overlooking the city.
A 4-meter-wide door on the west wall opens to a central courtyard, which is surrounded by rooms and facilities. Most of the castle walls are still intact, despite their age.  Stones and clay were the primary construction materials of the time, and stone tools found at the site date back to the third millennium B.C. Fragments of ceramics made of red clay, from the first millennium B.C., have also been unearthed.

 


Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

Updated 11 January 2026
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Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

  • It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content

TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.

The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.

It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.

Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.

The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.

Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.