MAKKAH: The Al-Jabal and Alkan mountains in the province of Tabuk in Saudi Arabia's northwest are blanketed in snow, ready to welcome the new year; Citizens still await an increased snowfall, which is expected in the coming days, according to weather observers.
Tourists look forward to the anticipated snowfall, to prepare and camp in Tabuk’s snow areas before the increase in snow levels, in conjunction with the report on weather conditions by the General Authority of Meteorology.
Saudi photographer Fahd Al-Tarfawi rushed to the area on Sunday to document the snowfall. (Photo/Supplied)
Fahd Al-Tarfawi, a Saudi photographer who did not miss this occasion, told Arab News that he rushed to the snow areas on Sunday and started documenting the snowfall. He noted that he still awaits the larger amounts of snowfall, describing the current condition as “the start” that cannot be overlooked.
Tourist guide Ahmed Al-Omrani explained to Arab News that snow began to fall on Sunday morning, however, it has not reached the usual levels. He ascertained that snow has started to cover the Alkan region, which is blanketed in snow at these times every year, in addition to the famous Jabal Al-Lawz area. He noted that taking photos is only allowed in Alkan at the moment, due to NEOM's major tourism development operations there.
He added that Alkan is a tourist area par excellence; It is a flat and leveled land where snow falls more than once a year, therefore, it is a tourist destination for all Saudi Arabia’s citizens, as well as the GCC and some Arab countries’ nationals who are attracted by Tabuk, notably during the anticipated snowfall.
Al-Omrani stated that Europeans select this area, given its weather conditions’ resemblance to European countries, Canada, and the USA, and in the same context, he noted that due to his work as a tourist guide, groups from the Gulf look forward to visiting Tabuk in such weather every year, as they are captivated by the snowfall and breathtaking nature.
He said that those groups book their tickets around this time and in January, to enjoy this exceptional atmosphere that Saudis love as well, adding that the successful NEOM projects and The Line inspire stories of the Saudi Vision’s success.
Visitors camp there early before snowfall is announced by meteorological reports, and prepare one night earlier to welcome and photograph snowfall and enjoy the experience, Al-Omrani added.
He noted that tourism projects started with Trojena through ice machines, to produce snow and make it a ski area for as long as possible; Temperatures there do not exceed 25 degrees Celsius in the peak of summer. Alkan area, which is situated around half an hour from Jabal Al-Lawz by car, is also a promising region for tourism projects between water, land, and snow projects.
Nawal Al-Atwi from Tabuk said that the region is an attractive tourism region, where temperatures fall below zero in winter and are moderate and mild in winter. She added that in winter, snow falls in Al-Lawz and Alkan mountains, attracting people from all over the Gulf every year.
She noted that the breathtaking scenes give tourists the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional experience, with Tabuk’s European features and uncharted territory for Saudis; Tourists look forward to winter tourism and the white season, with families flocking to these vast captivating areas.
