ThePlace: Al-Majaridah governorate in Asir, unique gem of Saudi Arabia

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Updated 31 October 2022
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ThePlace: Al-Majaridah governorate in Asir, unique gem of Saudi Arabia

From the beauty of its houses to the richness of its history, the governorate of Al-Majaridah in Asir region, is a unique gem of Saudi Arabia.

The village’s early residents excelled in agriculture and astronomy. Using abstract calculations, they were able to create an agricultural calendar, one of the most famous and oldest of its kind in the Kingdom.

The houses are built in a distinct architectural style and are nestled in a vibrant landscape of mountains, valleys, caves and vast fields, where celebrations and folk dances are often held. The area features an abundance of fragrant shrubs and herbs including wormwood, buddleja polystachya, caralluma, lavender, dodonaea, thyme and basil, as well as trees such as junipers, Christ’s thorn jujube and almond.

Al-Majaridah is characterized by the height of its mountains and the variation in its temperature throughout the seasons.

The village sits amid fertile lands supplied by wells that hold enough water for residents and their farms, some of which use irrigation and others that employ the “falaj” system, which evenly distributes rainwater between the farms.

Al-Majaridah’s early community excelled in agriculture, cultivating a wide range of fruits such as pomegranates, apples, prunes, barbary figs, apricots, grapes, peaches, berries, and all kinds of legumes. It was also known for its ghee and honey products.


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.