Space exhibitions to be held in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran
Updated 18 May 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Space Commission is to stage a series of exhibitions in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran in conjunction with the launch of the Kingdom’s mission to space.
The Saudi Toward Space events, which will run from May 21 to June 2, aim to offer visitors the opportunity to explore the cosmos, and learn about space flight and its history.
Targeted particularly at youth, the exhibitions will also highlight the country’s research contributions and scientific impact in the sector.
Announcing the initiative, commission officials said the exhibitions would include experiences and events to suit all ages, such as virtual reality games, astronaut training, and how to sleep in space.
Experts will also be on hand in a special pavilion to answer visitors’ questions, and educational and information workshops will be available for students.
Carved by time: Saudi Arabia’s hidden geotourism gem of Razan
Long before modern engineering, the geology of Razan functioned as effective natural infrastructure, sustaining life in an arid environment
This utility made Razan a strategic landmark, playing a vital role in the ancient Yemeni Hajj Road
Updated 54 min 4 sec ago
Arab News
AL-LITH: Sixty kilometers north of Al-Lith governorate in the Kingdom's west, rising above the shifting sands and valleys of the Makkah region, lies a place where the earth itself tells a story. This is Razan, a geological wonder where history is not written in ink, but etched into the stone by the patient hands of wind, water, and time.
Perched atop a high rocky mass and flanked by valleys to the northwest and southeast, Razan stands in natural isolation. This geographic solitude has acted as a guardian, preserving a landscape that feels almost otherworldly — a pristine stage set by nature over millennia.
The place is defined by its striking rock formations: dense clusters of stone, stepped ridges that resemble ancient staircases, and natural ceilings sculpted by the relentless flow of seasonal torrents.
The visual impact is one of dramatic contrast — the heaviness of solid rock balanced against open, airy spaces carved by erosion. Fine channels and intricate flow patterns mark the stone, serving as fossilized evidence of the water that once rushed through these corridors, shaping the land into a rugged work of art.
In the quiet majesty of Razan, the past is preserved. (SPA)
Nature’s infrastructure
But Razan is more than just a scenic marvel; for centuries, it served as a lifeline. The same forces that sculpted the cliffs also hollowed out natural rock basins. These geological depressions acted as seasonal reservoirs, catching rainwater and supplementing nearby wells. Long before modern engineering, the geology of Razan functioned as effective natural infrastructure, sustaining life in an arid environment.
This utility made Razan a strategic landmark, playing a vital role in the ancient Yemeni Hajj Road. The sturdy, elevated terrain provided a natural pathway for pilgrims, offering stability and protection on their spiritual journey toward Makkah.
Today, Razan stands at the intersection of heritage and opportunity. No longer just a passage for pilgrims, it is emerging as a valuable asset for geotourism. Its unique topography offers a visual feast for travelers and a treasure trove for scientists studying geological history.
As Saudi Arabia moves toward the goals of Vision 2030, sites like Razan are finding new purpose. By transforming this geological narrative into a tourism destination, the region aims to preserve its natural heritage while breathing new life into the local economy.
