AL-QUWAY’IYAH, Saudi Arabia: The ‘Heart of Arabia’ trek led by British explorer Mark Evans has crossed through some of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic historical locations.
The journey follows in footsteps of legendary British explorer Abdullah Philby, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday.
The team crossed Qiddiya mountains through Darb Al-Manjur, a path that extends from the heights of Qiddiya mountains toward Dhurma.
Residents and caravans used the path throughout history to move between cities and villages. It extends westward to the village of Dasman affiliated to Al-Quway’iyah and is located on sandy ground with a bottom layer of hard rock that retains rainwater for long periods of time.
Among the distinguishing features of Dhurma, which is located within the trek, are the agricultural areas that extend to Nafud Al-Qunfudah and are located on the path of Philby’s historic journey. It is a high sandy area with a charming view of the city and a park for residents and visitors.
Within the trek’s path, there is also Nafud Dalqan, where Evans and his team stayed for a day. An uninterrupted running water stream is located east of the town of Al-Quway’iyah to Nafud Al-Sir from the east, where the sand ends.
The area is also distinguished by sand dunes that form golden curves, interspersed with types of wild plants on the slopes.
British explorer Mark Evans’ ‘Heart of Arabia’ trek crosses iconic Saudi sites
https://arab.news/jbnq2
British explorer Mark Evans’ ‘Heart of Arabia’ trek crosses iconic Saudi sites
- Journey follows in footsteps of legendary explorer Abdullah Philby
- Group crossed Qiddiya mountains through Darb Al-Manjur
Fifth beekeeping season begins at Saudi royal reserve
RAFHA: The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority on Sunday launched the fifth annual beekeeping season for 2026 to empower the local community and regulate beekeeping within the reserve.
The launch supports the authority’s goals of biodiversity conservation, sustainable environmental practices, and economic returns for beekeepers, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
This year’s season includes three main periods linked to spring flowers, acacia, and sidr, with each period’s start date serving as the deadline for participation applications.
The authority urged beekeepers to review the season details and join scheduled virtual meetings to ensure organized participation under the approved regulations.
The beekeeping season also promotes ecotourism by showcasing the reserve’s scenic and pristine environment, reinforcing its status as a unique ecotourism hub.
Covering 91,500 sq. km, the reserve is the Kingdom’s second-largest royal protected area, home to diverse wildlife, plants, and trees, and featuring several ancient historical and heritage sites.
