ThePlace: Laynah village in KSA: Home to ancient water wells
Al-Tuwaijri told SPA that the wells were carved in distinct shapes across the solid rocky soil of the local village, but only a few of the 300 original wells remain in the area
Updated 10 February 2023
Arab News
The village of Laynah, located 105 km south of Rafha in the Saudi Northern Borders region, is one of the most important historical sites in the Kingdom due to its ancient water wells. The wells, which are thousands of years old, are the subject of legends and stories explaining their origin, drawing tourists and visitors from across Saudi Arabia.
According to researcher and heritage and antiquities expert Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, local legends say that the wells are among the oldest in the north of the Arabian Peninsula.
Al-Tuwaijri told SPA that the wells were carved in distinct shapes across the solid rocky soil of the local village, but only a few of the 300 original wells remain in the area.
Tour guide Khalaf bin Jabal Al-Shammari told SPA that much of the information on the Laynah wells is based on hearsay. “There is no academic research on these wells, but many stories and references confirm that the historical number of wells is estimated at more than 300 spread on a hard rocky height, dating back tens of thousands of years. It has not been proven historically who dug them, as many ancient civilizations lived in the region as evidenced by the archaeological treasure trove of Hegra.”
Al-Shammari said that Laynah is one of the most important archaeological sites and one of the oldest settlements in the Arabian Peninsula. The village is located on the ancient trade route between Najd and Iraq, and throughout history provided traveling caravan convoys with respite from harsh desert conditions.
Decoder
Laynah
Laynah is the name of a village located 105 km south of Rafha in the Saudi Northern Borders region. It is one of the most important historical sites in the Kingdom due to its ancient water wells. The wells, which are thousands of years old, are the subject of legends and stories explaining their origin, drawing tourists and visitors from across Saudi Arabia.
International brands turn to Riyadh to expand cooperation
Capital cements role as hub at World Defense Show
Updated 6 sec ago
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's capital is cementing its role as a rising hub in the global defense industry, and the World Defense Show has attracted international brands eager to showcase advanced technologies and expand partnerships in the Kingdom and beyond.
Held under the patronage of the Saudi leadership, the show — which runs until Feb. 12 — has brought together defense manufacturers, technology innovators and government representatives from around the world.
Arab News spoke to several international exhibitors who underscored the show’s growing importance as a gateway to pursue regional and global cooperation.
Among the returning participants is Passtech Machine Tools, represented by Syed Zahid, its sales manager.
Passtech Machine Tools is participating in the World Defense Show in Riyadh for the third time, says sales manager Syed Zahid. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)
The company collaborates with various international brands, providing tools, machines and gauges, including advanced CNC (computer numerical control) machinery from South Korea.
For Zahid, WDS has proved to be a strategic platform, and he said: “This is our third time. We see it as very, very useful.”
From China, Jihua Group Co. Ltd. showcases advanced navigation devices and integrated systems. Peter Wang, its senior product manager, expressed optimism about expanding cooperation.
At the company’s booth, Arab News was introduced to several technologies, including what Wang described as a “true-color navigation device.”
Highlighting a wearable system, Wang said it was designed to enhance mobility and operational efficiency.
Jihua Group Co. Ltd. of China, another participant ad WDS Riyadh, showcased advanced navigation devices and integrated systems. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)
He emphasized the diversity of visitors and the potential for cross-border cooperation, and added: “I meet different countries’ customers here. I’m very happy and I want to get some opportunities for cooperation.”
Turkiye is also represented at the event. Masttech, which is attending WDS for the first time, is showcasing its products for visitors.
Deputy General Manager Sitki Tuzun said: “We are here to show all our products. We are producing electromechanical, mechanical and pneumatic mast systems here.”
While the company does not yet have Saudi clients, Tuzun made it clear that the show was a strategic leap toward entering the market.
“We are here for connection and new business cooperation,” he said.
First-time WDS participant Masttech hopes to capture a portion of the Saudi defense market soon. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)
The World Defense Show has demonstrated its increasing influence as a platform from which global brands meet regional opportunity.
Beyond static displays, the show serves as a dynamic networking arena, connecting manufacturers, suppliers, and defense stakeholders under one roof.
As Saudi Arabia accelerates efforts to localize its defense industry and invest in advanced technologies, WDS continues to facilitate partnerships, technology transfer and international collaboration — reinforcing Riyadh’s emergence as a central node in the global defense ecosystem.
